Protected Species Acoustician

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission • New Bedford, MA

7h

About The Position

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is hiring for a contract Protected Species Acoustician to assist the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MADMF) Protected Species Program Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) project in detecting large whales acoustically in coastal Massachusetts. MADMF launched a PAM project in Feb 2025 consisting of 17 bottom-mounted archival stations and two real-time stations. The project is primarily focused on using acoustic detections to better understand the behavior and habitat use of North Atlantic right whales. The findings from this project are aimed at providing information to manage fisheries and vessel speed restrictions in local waters. The Protected Species Acoustician will work alongside MADMF’s Protected Species Science and Monitoring Lead and other support staff to meet monitoring goals in coastal Massachusetts.

Primary responsibilities include deployment, maintenance, and purchasing of PAM equipment as well as acoustic data management and signal validation. This role will assist MADMF’s Protected Species Program with the synthesis and presentation of results, including in collaboration with regional partners. The Protected Species Acoustician position is currently a one-year appointment, with the option to amend or extend pursuant to performance, available funding, and at the discretion of MADMF.

Requirements

• Previous experience in passive acoustic monitoring, bioacoustics, soundscape ecology, and/or ambient noise analysis.
• Experience with the deployment, servicing, and purchasing duties needed to maintain passive acoustic monitoring stations.
• Knowledge of cetacean biology, ecology, and/or behavior (particularly acoustic behavior and ecology of baleen whales in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean).
• Detail-oriented, especially related to data management and project organization.
• Demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills related to presenting information orally and writing reports and publications.
• Familiarity with project administration, including budget tracking, contracts, and progress reports.
• Ability to work independently and within a team to reach project goals and meet deadlines.
• Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator’s Class D license or equivalent license from the state in which the incumbent resides.
• Ability to lift at least 50 lbs.
• Ability to work at-sea in variable weather conditions, including in year-round New England weather.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Raven Pro and the Low-Frequency Detection and Classification System (LFDCS).
• Experience with computer programming languages including R, Python, and/or MATLAB as well as code documentation (e.g. GitHub or other similar approaches).
• Experience with ArcGIS and spatial analysis and mapping.
• Experience deploying research equipment in a marine environment.
• Experience in visual survey of marine mammals.
• Knowledge of North Atlantic right whale conservation issues, human impact mitigation and the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan.
• Knowledge of the commercial fisheries that occur in Massachusetts State waters.
• Experience working on vessels, including commercial fishing boats and small trailer boats.

Responsibilities

• Help to properly maintain passive acoustic monitoring equipment, including SoundTraps model 600s, Innovasea acoustic receivers (VR2AR), and satellite beacons (Xeos Apollo X), to maintain operational PAM systems.
• As part of a team, deploy and recover systems at-sea multiple times per year.
• Aid in managing acoustic data, including storage and quality assurance/quality control.
• Analyze broad-spectrum acoustic data for the presence of baleen whales by validating target signals according to existing protocols.
• Assist the Protected Species Science and Monitoring lead with project management, including grants, budgets, and reports.
• In collaboration with MADMF staff, write and present technical and non-technical work related to protected species issues in Massachusetts.
• Assist the Protected Species Program with additional tasks as necessary to maintain a comprehensive marine protected species program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level