Right whale Aerial Survey Observer positions at the Provincetown
Center for Coastal Studies
The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies is seeking two aerial
survey observers for the upcoming 2010 right whale survey season.
Observers will work with the aerial survey team, which operates
between January 1 and May 31 every year, flying aerial surveys over
Cape Cod Bay to assess the abundance, distribution, conservation
status and behavior of North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay.
The observers' primary responsibilities include:
- Participation in aerial surveys, either as the data recorder or
photographer.
- Processing of aerial survey data: Entering data recorded during
surveys, filling in data tables throughout the season, photo
analysis, matching photographs taken on surveys to known, catalogued
individuals, updating in--house identification website, helping to
prepare data for submissions to the New England Aquarium.
- Keeping up with current issues in right whale monitoring,
particularly familiarizing oneself with current entanglement cases
and protocols.
Other responsibilities may include:
- Assisting program director and flight coordinator with relevant projects.
- Updating in-house photo catalog
- Finalizing data entry and photo analysis from previous field seasons.
Requirements:
* A degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences (required).
* Experience with digital SLR cameras.
* Experience in photo-identification of marine mammals, and
matching of photographs (required).
* Data entry; basic computer skills in programs such as Excel and
Word (required).
* Aerial survey experience. Must not suffer from air sickness.
* Must work well in a team. Field hours can be long and the
winter fieldwork conditions are cold and often uncomfortable.
* 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 for
long hours in a small plane. Applicants with a long-term interest in
working in the field of large whale conservation research are
encouraged to apply.
Housing will be provided for the duration of the field period. This
is a paid position.
PCCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the
North Atlantic right whale. Details of our work can be found at the
following links:
Habitat program:
<http://www.coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/right-whales/vbhabstudies.htm>http://www.coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/right-whales/vbhabstudies.htm
Aerial program:
<http://www.coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/right-whales/aerialsur.htm>http://www.coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/right-whales/aerialsur.htm
Application process:
Please submit your cover letter, resume, college transcripts, and the
contact information for three references via email to
<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected] .
The closing date for applications is July 15, 2009. No applications
will be accepted after this date.
Please use "Aerial survey observer position" in the subject line of your email.
Ruth H. Leeney, PhD
Director, Right Whale Aerial Survey Program
Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies
5 Holway Avenue
MA 02657
USA
t: (508) 487-3623 ext. 111
www.coastalstudies.org
www.namibiandolphinproject.blogspot.com
http://publicationslist.org/ruth.leeney
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