Good afternoon,
We are looking to hire an experienced aerial observer to participate in
aerial surveys for whales, dolphins and sea turtles in the outer
continental shelf federal waters off Massachusetts and Rhode Island, an
area proposed for offshore alternative energy development. Duties will
include serving as an observer on all aerial surveys; quality checking
data; coordination with the chief scientist and flight crew; analysis of
vertical photographs for the detection and identification of marine
mammal and turtle species; and helping with monthly reports and
budgets. The majority of fieldwork will be aerial, although there may
be opportunities to get involved in shipboard surveys with collaborators
depending on contract opportunities. This is a grant funded staff
position with at least 8 months of staffing provided starting in
February 2019. Additional service may be afforded if additional grant
funding is secured.
*SCHEDULE*
Office schedule will be Monday -- Friday, 9:00 AM -- 5:00 PM. Flight
days will require irregular hours and long days. Occasional weekends and
holidays will be required.
* ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS*
1. Participates in all aerial survey activities, including observer
logistics, scientific data collection, monthly reporting,
photographic and data analysis.
2. Assists with monthly report, final annual report writing, and data
analysis.
3. Survey safety equipment and camera maintenance, preparation and
in-flight troubleshooting.
4. Follow safe operational requirements for every survey area,
maintains flight and data logs, assists data quality checking and
assurance, assists summarizing data and reports.
5. Photo-analysis of digital imagery for species detection and
identifications, data processing and analysis.
6. Conducts data quality checking and assurance.
7. Helps to oversee budgeting and spending for the program.
8. Performs other position-related duties, as assigned.
*QUALIFICATIONS*
*Minimum Training and Experience *
* B.A or B.S in Biology or related science, M.S with comparable
experience preferred.
* A minimum of one year of marine mammal aerial survey flight time
* Ditch training certified
* CPR/First Aid certification
* Field and lab safety and safety awareness training
* Good communication and coordination skills
* Meeting deadlines for data and report deliverables
* Specialized photographic skills and photo-identification experience
* Attention to detail for proofing and quality checking data
* Ability to spend long hours performing photo analysis in the office
* Comfortable flying in a small aircraft (Can’t get motion sickness)
* Valid driver’s license
*Knowledge, Skills and Abilities*
* Participation in right whale, other large whale, and turtle aerial
research programs
* Maintaining and purchasing aerial survey equipment
* Familiarity with digital photography equipment and field use
* Computer skills, especially excel, access, word
*Physical Demands*
The physical demands listed are representative of those that must be met
by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the
position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is
required to lift and operate photographic equipment weighing
approximately 8 lbs during circling. Occasionally the employee is
required to lift up to 50 lbs. Employee is required to apply advanced
manual dexterity that requires extreme accuracy such as those used to
repair complex equipment or electronic instruments. The employee must be
comfortable sitting in a confined space during survey flights, for up to
five hours at a time without a break. The employee must have excellent
vision to sight marine species in-flight and confirm detections in
photographic analysis. Acute attention to detail is imperative for
proofing documents, and quality checking data. It is necessary for the
employee to differentiate between colors.
*Work Environment*
The work environment characteristics described here are representative
of those that the employee encounters while performing the essential
functions of this job. Aerial surveys will be conducted approximately
one to four times per month. Survey work is performed in a small
twin-engine aircraft, which is a noisy, confined environment and may
include some vessel-based time so it is imperative that the employee
does not suffer from motion sickness. Field work is performed outside,
exposed to variations in the weather or in confined, cramped quarters
for extended periods.
Applicants can apply online at:
https://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/875349.html
<https://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/875349.html>
/Ester Quintana, Ph.D./
/Chief Scientist, Marine Mammal Surveys/
/Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life/
/New England Aquarium/
/Central Wharf/
/Boston, MA 02110/
/Office number 617-226-2195/
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