Large Whale Survey Biologist Needed

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Integrated Statistics is looking for a Large Whale Biologist to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fishery Service (NMFS) at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center.

The Large Whale Biologist assists in the collection and analysis of aerial and shipboard right whale survey data, including studying the distribution of right whales in relation to human activities and the impacts of those activities on right whale behavior, health, population dynamics, and ecology. The primary responsibilities of this position focus on conducting aerial surveys and working with the resulting data.

Duties
The Large Whale Biologist is engaged in these tasks:

Participating in aerial surveys for right whales. Flight crew responsibilities include visually scanning for whales from bubble windows, recording sightings data on custom computer software, and photographing whales for individual identification using a digital SLR camera with a telephoto lens.
Participating in small vessel and shipboard surveys for right whales, as needed. Shipboard duties include visually scanning for whales, photographing whales for individual identification, collecting biopsy samples from select individuals using crossbows, assisting with oceanographic and zooplankton sampling, and supporting unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations.
Managing survey and photographic data. Data processing duties include QA/QC of aerial and shipboard sightings and effort data, evaluating sightings relative to seasonal and dynamic management areas, 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.
Supporting management needs. Duties include analyzing data and preparing presentations for stakeholder meetings, environmental impact statements, biological opinions, etc. Additional duties may include assisting with whale carcass relocation, supporting disentanglement efforts, assisting with whale necropsies, and helping prepare stock assessment reports.
Public outreach. Duties include assisting with Protected Species Branch website content and maintenance, and helping with public education and outreach activities.

Qualifications and Skills

At least one full year of experience working on right whale or related aerial survey projects.
Familiarity with marine mammal visual survey data collection and processing methods, including use of spreadsheets and Google drives.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written (including visual presentations) with 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.
Attention to detail.
Adaptability to quickly changing priorities and strict timelines.
US citizenship and ability to comply with EO 14042.

Aircraft ditch training and small boat handling experience are desired but not required; however, ditch training will be required to conduct the work. SQL and R programming skills desired but not required. Familiarity with marine mammal acoustics desired but not required.

This position is full-time for one year. The position requires fieldwork and travel. Some projects will require the Biologist to spend up to three weeks at a time at sea or away from home, including in Canada. The rate of pay will depend on skills and experience, and the position is eligible for the benefits described on the Integrated Statistics website.

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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