Aerial Observer - Assistant Research Scientist II

New England Aquarium•Boston, MA

14d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Research Scientist II in EcoMAP serves as an observer on aerial surveys of whales, dolphins and sea turtles in New England waters. They are responsible for sightings and effort flight logs, data quality checking, and submission to the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium sightings database. Submission to the sightings database ensures we meet our grant reporting deliverables. They are also responsible for photo-analysis of digital imagery for species detection and identifications, and processing and facilitating submission of right whale data to the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium Identification database. Submission to the identification database requires independent judgement when making decisions about photograph processing to ensure data accuracy. Finally, the Assistant Research Scientist II will act as lead observer in the plane in the absence of survey coordinator or Principal Investigator (PI). Acting as the lead observer requires independent judgement when making decisions about survey protocols, which are significant to staff safety, ensuring permit compliance, and accurate data collection. This is a full-time, 1-year, grant-funded position with the possibility for extension. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package. This position requires some irregular hours and some long days on flight days. Occasional work on weekends and holidays will also be required for fieldwork. The usual hours for non-fieldwork will be Monday - Friday, 9a - 5p with flexibility based on the fieldwork schedule, which represents a 35-hour week, with a 1-hour unpaid meal period each day. Non-fieldwork can be conducted remotely. Remote days are only available for residents of MA, RI, NH, ME, NY and VT. Candidates must have access to reliable transportation to get to and from New Bedford airport as early as 7am.

Requirements

Requires a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, preferably in Biology or related field.
Requires 4-8 years of research experience; at least two of these years must represent specialized experience for the role (aerial or vessel-based survey experience).
Participation in right whale, other large whale, and turtle aerial research program.
Specialized photographic skills including previous experience using digital SLR cameras, especially for wildlife photography.
Demonstrated skill in identifying marine mammals of New England, including individual photo-identification.
Comfortable flying in a small aircraft (can't get motion sickness).
Familiarity with digital photography equipment and field use.
Proficient in Microsoft Office programs.
Good communication and coordination skills.
Ability to meet deadlines for data and report deliverables, attention to detail for proofing and quality checking data, and ability to spend long hours performing photo analysis in the office.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing large data sets and writing or proofing code in R strongly desired.
Experience with Access and statistical software would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

Contribute to at least one peer-reviewed publication and one presentation at a scientific conference in a three-year period.
Lead responsibility for sightings and effort flight logs, data quality checking, and submission to the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium sightings database.
Lead responsibility for photo-analysis of digital imagery for species detection and identification, and processing and facilitating submission of right whale data to the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium Identification database (Catalog, curated by NEAq).
Act as aerial observer on surveys for cetaceans and sea turtles, including participating in aerial photography.
Act as lead observer in the plane in the absence of survey coordinator or PI.
Maintain safety and camera equipment and assist with preparation and in-flight troubleshooting.
Participate in all aerial survey activities, including observer logistics, scientific data collection, monthly reporting, photographic and data analysis, and ground contact.
Act as internal point of contact for questions about aerial surveys.
Represent NEAq at public events.
Contribute to achieving NEAq's goals and mission, through Department work and actively integrating with other Anderson Cabot Center Departments and the broader NEAq community.
Contribute to Department fundraising strategy by independently writing grant reports and sections of grant proposals.
Maintain aircraft and marine safety and survival training.
Other duties as applicable and mutually agreed upon with the Aerial Survey Principal Investigator.