Employment Opportunity: Senior Research Assistant See job posting: https://www.canadianwhaleinstitute.ca/opportunities Posting date: 01 May 2026 The Canadian Whale Institute is looking for a motivated and reliable individual to join our science team for the upcoming field season. This is a seasonal field position for 01 June – 31 October 2026. The position is open to applicants eligible to work in Canada without sponsorship by the position start date. This position will support field research and monitoring activities focused on North Atlantic right whales and other marine mammals in Atlantic Canada, including vessel-based surveys from both small and large vessels. The successful candidate will participate in several field expeditions during the season and will assist with at-sea data collection, photo-identification, data processing, field preparations, and other science team activities as needed. Weekend work, long field days, travel, and scheduling flexibility will be required, especially during active field periods. The position will involve travel within the Atlantic Canadian Maritimes, depending on project needs. Some work may be based remotely outside of field periods, but the candidate must be available for in-person fieldwork and travel during scheduled expeditions. Preference may be given to candidates based in or near Halifax, Nova Scotia, to support field planning, coordination, and team activities. Main Responsibilities · Participating in vessel-based marine mammal surveys aboard RHIBs and fishing vessels · Standing visual watch for North Atlantic right whales and other marine mammals · Assisting with photo-identification, including taking photographs of whales for individual identification and documentation · Recording accurate field observations and survey data following established protocols · Supporting field preparations, equipment checks, packing, and mobilization · Assisting with the organization, review, and processing of field data and photographs · Working closely with CWI staff, vessel crews, and project partners during field operations · Following all safety procedures and field protocols during at-sea work · Representing CWI professionally while working with partners, vessel crews, and members of the public · Assisting with other science, outreach, or administrative tasks as needed during the field season Required Qualifications · Authorized to work in Canada at time of position start date (Canadian Citizenship or valid Visa) · Bachelor’s degree in oceanography, marine biology, environmental science, or a related field is required. Equivalent combinations of relevant education, field experience, and technical skills may be considered · Experience working at sea or in field research settings, especially with marine mammal surveys and marine mammal identification at sea · Ability to work safely and communicate clearly in a marine field environment · Strength and endurance to work long field days in a marine environment and safely lift or carry up to 50 lbs / 22 kg when required. · Good situational awareness and ability to remain calm in changing field conditions · Strong attention to detail and ability to follow data collection protocols · Accurate record keeping and experience with R/RStudio · Ability to work independently and as part of a team · Valid driver’s licence Highly Desirable Skills and Experience · A Master’s degree in a related field would be considered an asset · Prior experience with North Atlantic right whales or other large whales · Experience photographing wildlife, especially for photo-identification purposes · Experience working from small vessels and/or large vessels · Familiarity with field data collection software or databases · Bilingualism in English and French · First aid, marine safety, or small vessel training · Valid passport and ability to travel through the United States to and from Campobello Island, if required To Apply: See job posting https://www.canadianwhaleinstitute.ca/opportunities The position will remain posted until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly.