Right Whale Ecology Program – Aerial Observer Position

Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), Provincetown MA USA

The Center for Coastal Studies is seeking one aerial survey observer for the upcoming 2021 right whale survey season. Observers will work on the aerial team, which operates between January 1 and May 31 every year, flying surveys to assess the abundance, distribution, conservation status and behavior of North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Participate in right whale aerial surveys by rotating through the three positions: observer/data recorder, observer/photographer, and ground contact

• Processing aerial survey data: entering and proofing data recorded during surveys, completing effort and sightings data tables, photo-analysis and photo-identification of individuals, updating in-house identification catalog, and preparing data for submissions to the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium

• Familiarizing oneself with current entanglement cases and protocols, as well as individuals of interest
   

Other responsibilities may include:

• Assisting program director, data manager, or flight coordinator with relevant projects

• Writing field notes to be shared with the public

• Finalizing data entry and photo analysis from previous field seasons

Minimum Requirements:

• A college degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences

• Proficient with DSLR cameras in a variety of lighting conditions

• Experience in species-identification of marine mammals, and photo-identification of individuals

• Basic computer literacy and working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, Powerpoint)

• Must work well in a team. Field hours can be long and the winter fieldwork conditions are cold and often uncomfortable

• Ability to work in small aircraft for up to 9 hours per day with continual focus

• Must not suffer from air sickness.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of R, iMatch, and/or Mysticetus software

• Previous aerial survey experience

• Aircraft ditch and EBS training within the last five years

• 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 holidays, often for long hours in a small aircraft and/or aboard a research vessel.

Housing will be provided for the duration of the field period. This is a paid position.

CCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale. Details of our work can be found on our website: coastalstudies.org/right-whale-research/

Application process:
Please submit your cover letter, resume, college transcripts, and the contact information for three references via email in PDF format to srichardson@coastalstudies.org with the subject line: 2021 RW Aerial Observer Position 

Deadline for submissions: September 30, 2020. No applications will be accepted after this date.