Right whale Aerial Survey Observer positions
at the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies
The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies is seeking two aerial survey
observers for the upcoming 2010 right whale survey season. Observers will
work with the aerial survey team, which operates between January 1 and
May 31 every year, flying aerial surveys over Cape Cod Bay to assess the
abundance, distribution, conservation status and behavior of North
Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay.
The observers' primary responsibilities
include:
- Participation in aerial surveys, either as the data recorder or
photographer.
- Processing of aerial survey data: Entering data recorded during
surveys, filling in data tables throughout the season, photo analysis,
matching photographs taken on surveys to known, catalogued individuals,
updating in--house identification website, helping to prepare data for
submissions to the New England Aquarium.
- Keeping up with current issues in right whale monitoring, particularly
familiarizing oneself with current entanglement cases and
protocols.
Other responsibilities may include:
- Assisting program director and flight coordinator with relevant
projects.
- Updating in-house photo catalog
- Finalizing data entry and photo analysis from previous field
seasons.
Requirements:
- A degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences
(required).
- Experience with digital SLR cameras.
- Experience in photo-identification of marine mammals, and matching of
photographs (required).
- Data entry; basic computer skills in programs such as Excel and Word
(required).
- Aerial survey experience. Must not suffer from air sickness.
- Must work well in a team. Field hours can be long and the winter
fieldwork conditions are cold and often uncomfortable.
- Enthusiasm, a sense of humor, attention to detail and willingness to
learn.
We fly between one and four surveys weekly throughout the field
season. Observers are sometimes required to work on weekends and for long
hours in a small plane. Applicants with a long-term interest in working
in the field of large whale conservation research are encouraged to
apply.
Housing will be provided for the duration of the field period. This is a
paid position.
PCCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North
Atlantic right whale. Details of our work can be found at the following
links:
Habitat program:
http://www.coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/right-whales/vbhabstudies.htm
Aerial program:
http://www.coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/right-whales/aerialsur.htm
Application process:
Please submit your cover letter, resume, college transcripts, and the
contact information for three references via email to
srichardson@coastalstudies.org . The closing date for applications is
July 15, 2009. No applications will be accepted after this date.
Please use "Aerial survey observer position" in the subject
line of your email.
Ruth H. Leeney, PhD
Director, Right Whale Aerial Survey Program
Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies
5 Holway Avenue
MA 02657
USA
t: (508) 487-3623
ext. 111
www.coastalstudies.org
www.namibiandolphinproject.blogspot.com
http://publicationslist.org/ruth.leeney