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:
- Assist with development of post-processing strategies to
manage the collected imagery, including rotating, aligning,
and editing images
- Facilitate development of computer algorithms to distinguish
sea otters (and other wildlife) from image background such as
ocean waters and coastline
- 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.
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Integrated Statistics, Inc.
16 Sumner Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543
Cell: (508) 648-8308
Office: (508) 540-8560
Fax: (508) 721-6841