(updated posting from June 16)

RWEP Data Manager and Aerial Observer 

The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) is seeking a Data Manager and Aerial Observer for our Right Whale Ecology Program (RWEP). The CCS RWEP surveys Cape Cod Bay and adjacent waters in the Fall, Winter and Spring months to assess the abundance, distribution, and behavior of North Atlantic Right Whales in Gulf of Maine waters. This is full-time salaried position with benefits for one year with the possibility of extension. Start date for this position is on or near September 1, 2023. The position requires aerial survey fieldwork and oversight of personnel. Rate of pay is $50k-$60k and will be commensurate with experience.  

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Participating in aerial surveys for right whales. Responsibilities include: visually scanning for marine mammals, vessels, and gear from a small aircraft at low altitudes, recording sightings data on custom computer software, and photographing whales for individual identification using a digital SLR camera with a telephoto lens; 
• Processing survey and photographic data. Data processing duties include QA/QC of aerial and shipboard sightings and effort data, accurate and timely completion of summary spreadsheets and survey reports, preliminary matching of right whale individual identification images, and maintenance of data processing programs and databases; 
• Set up annual databases and train observers, interns, and volunteers on data collection and processing; 
• QA/QC final data and images and consolidate/submit data to North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium;  
• Supporting management needs: Duties include processing photo- and data requests from scientific and media entities, analyzing data, and preparing summaries and presentations for funders, the public, and stakeholder meetings;  
• Additional duties may include assisting with whale carcass relocation and supporting disentanglement efforts; 
• Public outreach including assisting with public education and outreach activities and writing field notes for inclusion across CCS website and social media platforms. 

Qualifications and Skills: 

• Masters preferred or B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Fisheries Science or related field with 3-5 years of experience; 
• Minimum one-year experience working on right whale or related aerial survey projects; 
• Demonstrated experience in photo-identification of North Atlantic marine mammals and matching individuals to a catalog; 
• Attention to detail for proofing and managing multiple data streams and large datasets; 
• Familiarity with marine mammal visual survey data collection and processing methods. Adaptability to change priorities and meet strict timelines; 
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, including visual presentations for a variety of audiences including technical, scientific, and the general public; 
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team; 
• Strong project management skills and attention to detail; 
• Must be able to work legally in the United States; 
• Aircraft underwater egress training is desired but not required; however, ditch training with the use of compressed air will be required to conduct the work and is part CCS Right Whale training. 
• SQL and R programming skills desired.  

 

Application process: 

Please submit your cover letter, CV/Resume and the contact information for three references in a single pdf and attached along with copies of college transcripts via email to chudak@coastalstudies.org.   Kindly add “RWEP Data Manager” in the subject line of your email. Application deadline is July 15, 2023. 

 

The Center for Coastal Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer  

and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. 

Diversity of opinions, experience, and backgrounds is a key asset.