Integrated Statistics is looking for a Programmer/Technician to support the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Marine Mammals Management (MMM) program in Alaska. This person will support research and analyses related to northern sea otter population management in Alaska, including assisting with the implementation and analysis of a photo-based aerial survey strategy to provide an updated estimate of northern sea otter population size and distribution across southeast Alaska. To provide updated information to guide management strategies with stakeholders across southeast Alaska, USFWS MMM is developing new methods for photo-based aerial surveys. The methodologies include the use of an integrated digital camera platform to collect georeferenced images, the application of coding strategies such as machine learning, deep learning, and/or other artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to streamline image processing, and incorporation of the processed data into population models. *Duties* The position duties include: * Develop an understanding of population survey methods and objectives, and then work closely with the sea otter team to implement solutions that meet those objectives. * Gain familiarity with the operation of the camera platform for collecting digital images along transect lines during sea otter surveys. * Assist with the collection, review, compilation, and analysis of georeferenced imagery data. * Develop computer programs that streamline image processing strategies: 1. Assist with development of post-processing strategies to manage the collected imagery, including rotating, aligning, and editing images 2. Facilitate development of computer algorithms to distinguish sea otters (and other wildlife) from image background such as ocean waters and coastline 3. Develop a computer algorithm to count sea otters using an automated approach. *Qualifications, Skills, and Experience* * B.S. or B.A. degree in computer science, data science, scientific programming, geospatial science, remote sensing, or biological science/environmental science with an emphasis on data science. Work experience may potentially be substituted for this requirement. * Demonstrated proficiency in Python coding is required. * Photogrammetry experience, including the ability to work with georeferenced imagery and to view, manage, and organize images in ArcGIS, Agisoft, and/or other software is required. * Experience with Tensorflow and/or other ML software and coding languages is desirable. * Familiarity with wildlife population survey design and/or strategies to automate the process of object detection from digital images is desirable. * Ability to organize and manage big data sets through the use of database software on internal networks and online platforms is desirable. * Demonstrated experience working with GIS data in either ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro is desirable. * Ability to work collaboratively and take constructive criticism. * US Citizenship is required. COVID-19 vaccination is required. Must pass a government-administered background investigation in order to be granted access to government IT systems. * Ability and willingness to at least visit USFWS offices in Anchorage and participate in some field work activities is required. The position starts in December 2021 and is expected to last until October 31, 2022. The rate of pay is $24.01 and the position is eligible for the benefits described on the Integrated Statistics website. While much of the work can be completed remotely, visits to Anchorage are required. Integrated Statistics is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Consistent with its obligations under federal law, Integrated Statistics is committed to taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified women, minorities, disabled individuals, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and other eligible veterans. For assistance with accessibility of applications, posters, forms, and/or documents, please email the Integrated Statistics office. -- Integrated Statistics, Inc. 16 Sumner Street Woods Hole, MA 02543 Cell: (508) 648-8308 Office: (508) 540-8560 Fax: (508) 721-6841