Marine Resource Specialist - 2747 - West Boothbay Harbor (Limited Period)

State of Maine•West Boothbay Harbor, ME

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Marine Resources is hiring a limited-period Marine Resource Specialist for the Survey Program in the Division of Marine Mammal Research, based at the West Boothbay Harbor facility. The position assists with planning, coordinating, and conducting visual surveys to detect endangered North Atlantic right whales and other marine species in the Gulf of Maine. Survey work includes serving as a marine mammal observer on aerial and vessel-based surveys and collecting observational data with DMR scientists and contractors. The specialist is responsible for data quality assessment and quality control, preparing and maintaining field equipment, and maintaining the survey photo database. The role also supports program deliverables, including daily, monthly, and annual reports, scientific and media publications, and educational materials for varied audiences. The specialist may also participate in projects across other programs in the Division of Marine Mammal Research and the Bureau of Marine Science. Work is performed under limited supervision, both independently and as part of a team.

Requirements

Intermediate education, training, and/or experience compiling and summarizing scientific field and laboratory data, including coursework or demonstrated experience in natural resource science, management, technology, laboratory, or field work.
Excellent communication skills, keen observational skills, and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Comfort working at sea and conducting research activities in a variety of weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Mysticetus LLC or other survey data collection programs.
Experience as a marine mammal observer, on aerial or vessel platforms, or with general aviation and/or vessels.
Experience with photo-identification of individual North Atlantic right whales.
Experience identifying Northwest Atlantic marine species and/or using North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium Sightings or Photographic Databases.
Knowledge of the coast of Maine and Maine-based fisheries.
Experience with coding languages such as R, Python, C++, or MATLAB, or GIS; willingness to learn coding and mapping software.

Responsibilities

Assist with planning, coordinating, and implementing visual surveys for endangered North Atlantic right whales and other marine species in the Gulf of Maine.
Conduct aerial and vessel-based surveys as a marine mammal observer.
Work with DMR scientists and contractors to collect observational data on marine species.
Perform data quality assessment and quality control.
Maintain and prepare field equipment for surveys.
Maintain the survey photo database.
Assist in producing daily, monthly, and annual reports, scientific publications, media publications, and educational materials.
Participate in projects for other programs within the Division of Marine Mammal Research and the Bureau of Marine Science as needed.

Benefits

13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and more than three weeks of vacation leave annually.
Health insurance, with the State paying 85%–100% of employee-only premiums depending on salary.
A 5% employee-only health insurance premium credit for participation in the applicable program.
Dental insurance, with the State paying 100% of employee-only premiums.
State contribution of 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System.
Gym membership reimbursement of up to $40 per month.
Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness.
Employee assistance program through the Living Resources Program.
Forty-two consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave for employees welcoming a child; additional unpaid leave may be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary deferred compensation through a MaineSaves 457(b) account.