The Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program is currently advertising to fill a paid, part-time staff opening. The selected candidate will work approximately 30-32 hours per week at a rate of $15/hr. Though this position emphasizes a focus in sea turtle husbandry and rehabilitation, the selected candidate should expect to gain exposure and experience in all aspects of the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program, including response to live and dead stranded marine mammals and sea turtles, rehabilitation of sea turtles, and necropsy of sea turtles and marine mammals, among other tasks and duties. Please see the following link for more information and application instructions. We look forward to hearing from those interested! https://www.virginiaaquarium.com/support/work-with-us
Archives
Protected Species Observers
Coastwise Consulting Inc. is seeking to subcontract qualified individuals to monitor impacts to protected species during marine construction projects on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.
Qualified individuals will generally have a B.S. in Marine Biology, Ecology, or a related field, and experience with sea turtles, marine mammals, and/or sturgeon. Specialized or extensive experience with these species may be substituted in lieu of educational experience.
Most projects involve two observers living and working onboard ships for periods of 20 – 30 days, although this can vary depending on individual preference. Typically, two observers work 12-hours each to provide 24-hour coverage. Accommodations on many of these vessels are quite comfortable.
Observers must have the ability to interact with ship and construction crews in a friendly and professional manner, physically inspect equipment that may require walking, bending, climbing, crawling, and sometimes lifting 20-50 pounds. Observers must be able to identify various species of sea turtles, marine mammals and sturgeon, complete by-catch analyses of various species of marine life using field guides, and record and report all findings in a clear and detailed way.
Requirements:
Must reside and be legally able to work in the United States
Must be able to obtain a TWIC card for job site access
Must be in good physical condition and able to stand, walk, bend, climb, and lift up to 50 lbs
Must be able to identify sea turtles and marine mammals to species level
Must have the ability to identify by-catch species using field guides
Must work well both independently and with others
Must possess good verbal and written communication skills
Must be able to handle/ sample living and dead marine life
Must have reliable transportation and/or be capable of arranging travel
This is an Independent Contractor position. Compensation is $200+ per day, and may vary depending on the details of each contract. Room and board will be provided while working offshore.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please send your resume to:
Gib Frye at gibfrye@gmail.com
Stranding Technician
Job Description
Stranding Technicians are responsible for all aspects of stranding response and animal care at the Marine
Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) in Brigantine, New Jersey. Stranding Technicians are also responsible for
coordinating the efforts of volunteers as well as local, State, and Federal authorities during stranding responses
in the field. This position requires a high level of commitment and flexibility with regards to scheduling to
accommodate the unpredictable nature of stranding response and required 24/7 on-call status.
General Responsibilities
• Coordinate stranding response, recovery, and documentation of cetaceans, seals, and sea turtles within
the designated response area.
• Collect data and complete required documentation for all stranded animals and complete required
reporting to databases.
• Coordinate and conduct or assist veterinarian in necropsies both in the field and at MMSC, including
coordinating the disposal of carcasses and waste materials.
• Provide husbandry care to animals in rehabilitation.
• Ensure adequate safety training and PPE for all volunteers on all procedures involved in stranding
response and necropsy, including hazardous and biological waste training, animal handling, and
zoonotic disease transmission.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
• College graduate with degree and/or coursework in the appropriate area of specialization (i.e., Biology,
Zoology, Marine Biology, Veterinary/ Veterinary Technician program).
• Relevant experience caring for animals in animal rehabilitation, zoo, aquarium, or veterinary hospital
setting (may be a combination of paid and unpaid work).
• Ability to lift and carry 50lbs unassisted, and work under harsh weather conditions.
Requirements
• Living near Brigantine, NJ to ensure response time of less than 30 minutes.
• Experience in animal husbandry and knowledge of marine mammals and sea turtles.
• High level of commitment and flexibility with regards to scheduling.
• High level interpersonal communication skills, excellent organizational skills, and ability to work
independently and as part of a team.
To Apply: Please email resume and cover letter to jpagel@mmsc.org
Flight Coordinator
Aerial Survey Flight Coordinator
The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) is seeking an aerial survey coordinator and observer for our Right Whale Ecology Program (RWEP). The CCS RWEP surveys Cape Cod Bay and adjacent waters in Fall, Winter and Spring months to assess the abundance, distribution, and behavior of North Atlantic Right Whales in Gulf of Maine waters. Start date for this position is on or near August 15, 2023. This is a full-time salaried position with benefits for one year, contingent upon funding for an extension. The position requires aerial survey fieldwork and the supervision of the department’s observers. Rate of pay is $50k-$60k and is commensurate with experience.
Primary Responsibilities:
• Participating in aerial surveys for right whales. Responsibilities include visually scanning for marine mammals, vessels, and gear from a small aircraft at low altitudes, recording sightings data on custom computer software, and photographing whales for individual identification using a digital SLR camera with a telephoto lens;
• Managing flight hour budget and scheduling flight crew to survey within forecasted weather parameters;
• Work closely with aircraft provider and CCS aerial survey team to schedule surveys and observer crews, respond to the needs of management agencies and colleagues;
• Processing survey and photographic data. Data processing duties include QA/QC of aerial and shipboard sightings and effort data, 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 coordinating research activities with collaborating researchers, analyzing data and preparing presentations for funders, public, and at stakeholder meetings;
• Additional duties may include assisting with whale carcass relocation and supporting disentanglement efforts;
• Public outreach. Duties include assisting with public education and outreach activities and writing field notes for inclusion across CCS website and social media platforms.
Qualifications and Skills:
● Masters preferred or a B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Fisheries Science or related field with 3-5 years of experience;
● Minimum one-year experience working on right whale or related aerial survey projects;
● Experience in photo-identification of marine mammals and matching individuals to a catalog;
● Demonstrated skill in identifying North Atlantic marine mammals and familiarity with marine mammal visual survey data collection and processing methods;
● Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and strict timelines. Must have a precise attention to detail;
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills including preparing visual presentations for a variety of technical, scientific, and general public audiences;
● Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
● US citizenship;
● Aircraft underwater egress training is desired but not required; however, ditch training with the use of compressed air will be required to conduct the work and is a part of CCS Right Whale training;
● SQL and R programming skills desired.
Application process:
Please submit cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three professional references in a single pdf and attached along with copies of college transcripts via email to chudak@coastalstudies.org. Please use “RWEP Flight Coordinator” in the subject line of your email. The closing date for applications is June 30, 2023 however applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
The Center for Coastal Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.
Diversity of opinions, experience and backgrounds is a key asset.
Marine Scientist
Marine Acoustics, Inc.’s (MAIs) Environmental Programs division is seeking to hire an experienced Marine Scientist with environmental compliance, project management, and technical writing expertise. Knowledge of marine mammal or sea turtle ecology and animat modeling are advantages. Must be an organized and efficient multi-tasker with solid time management skills.
Environmental Programs is a tightknit group that includes acoustic modelers/analysts, ocean engineers, marine mammal bioacousticians, and biological oceanographers. These experts in their fields work together collaboratively to support diverse marine projects that principally relate to the environmental effects of underwater sound on the marine biome.
Primary Responsibilities:
• Manage projects including oversight of project budgets and timelines,
• Prepare and edit technical/project reports,
• Participate in client and federal regulator meetings,
• Handle client correspondence,
• Prepare proposals,
• Derive marine animal population and movement parameters.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Master's degree in Biological Oceanography, Marine Biology, Marine Sciences, or another related discipline with relevant experience,
• Knowledge of federal environmental compliance regulations and processes,
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance; eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship,
• Project management experience (ideally 3 years),
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
Additional Desired Requirements:
•Experience or familiarity with animat modeling and related acoustic exposure analysis,
•Data analysis experience,
•GIS experience.
Benefits:
•Medical insurance
•Dental insurance
•Life and disability insurance
•401(k) and profit sharing
•Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
•Paid vacations, sick time, and holidays.
MAI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments Acts of 1972, as well as other applicable laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.
If qualified, please send credentials to:
Cheryl Schroeder
(cheryl.schroeder@marineacoustics.com)
Director, Environmental Programs
Marine Acoustics, Inc.
Technical Specialist- Marine Mammals
Are you an experienced marine mammal specialist with a consultancy or advisory background? Do you want to work at the heart of a new service offering, feeding topical issues and new scientific knowledge into consultancy advice across the marine sector?
APEM are looking for a Technical Specialist in Marine Mammals to join our growing marine consultancy team, and play a vital role in contributing to a range of marine development and coastal consultancy projects, and delivering expert technical knowledge to clients. We provide services to industries including aquaculture, port and harbour developments, tidal energy developments, floating and fixed offshore wind, supporting our clients throughout the entire life cycle of the project.
In this role, you’ll be influencing and shaping current work streams by delivering and promoting our marine mammal consultancy services, helping to expand the current customer base across the UK, Europe and worldwide. You will be providing expert technical knowledge on marine mammals, application of scientific principles/knowledge and interpretation to survey design and technical delivery, reporting to a range of private and public clients. Working closely with the Principal and Senior marine mammal consultants within the team as well as the wider Marine Division, you will be securing and managing a wide range of large-scale marine mammal projects, and helping to bring in new projects through technical excellence.
About you
To be successful you will need:
An MSc (PhD preferred) degree in a relevant marine biology focussed environmental or ecological subject.
Applied knowledge of the potential impacts to marine mammals from offshore developments and major marine infrastructure projects, and how to mitigate the associated risks.
A good understanding of the legislative drivers relating to marine mammals, particularly in UK and Irish waters.
Experience in stakeholder engagement, and ideally with a well-developed network of contacts in one or more sectors (e.g. industry, regulator, statutory nature conservation bodies, academia).
Excellence in technical report writing, and a good understanding of the EIA and HRA processes, and experience writing and/or reviewing these assessments
Desirable
Experience in analysis and interpretation of acoustic data, (e.g. CPODs and/or broadband devices such as SoundTraps and Loggerheads), and of underwater noise assessments/modelling
Experience in survey design for marine mammal monitoring, such as land-based, boat based and/or passive acoustic monitoring (PAM).
Experience using population consequences of disturbance models (e.g. iPCoD, DEPONS) and/or collision risk modelling (e.g. ERM, the Band model) and/or PBR.
You will be offered the chance to work on a variety of projects, with many of our employees having worked on projects that have been of personal interest to them. They have also taken on work that has improved consultancy skills that have aided their career. We match this with a commitment to continuous development and learning. We also offer benefits to look after you, from private medical insurance for all employees, access to mental health first aiders and comprehensive income protection if you cannot work. We also offer superb flexible working options, balancing work with your life.
Next steps
We expect significant interest in this flexible and rewarding role. If you think you have what it takes to join our fast-growing business, then please apply immediately on our website. All we need some basic information and your CV, we will review all applications quickly and will respond to all applications.
To apply, please follow the link below; The full job description for the role is also available here.
https://jobs.apemltd.co.uk/vacancies/121/technical-specialist–marine-mammals.html
About Us
The APEM Group is a global environmental consultancy, we work with a range of clients including large corporations and governments to help them understand and solve a wide variety of environmental projects in the UK and globally. Our successful pioneering work has enabled us to grow and combine forces with other businesses who share our ethos and integrity. At our core, our people are working towards the protection of the environment across the globe.
Part Time Stranding Assistant
I. POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Part time vessel operator and stranding assistant for the San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network: This paid position will assist with the efforts to provide coverage for all marine mammal stranding calls in San Juan County (SJC), Washington State. SJC is composed of over 400 rocks and islands visible at high tide and has a total shoreline of approximately 480 miles. Many of these islands are uninhabited and can only be accessed by vessel. Strandings of pinnipeds are most common and harbor seal pupping season, June through August, is the busiest season. The network conducts 15-25 necropsies a year and on average responds to 60 calls requiring level A data. The individual in this position will periodically serve as lead responder, vessel operator and ambassador between marine mammals and humans. In addition to a wide variety of tasks related to operating a stranding network. They will also be trained in large whale and pinniped disentanglement. The ideal candidate will have all the required qualifications and some combination of the preferred and desired qualifications. The candidate will be based on San Juan Island and will be contracted for approximately 20 hours per week, though the amount worked can vary by season with the possibility for additional hours in the future. Schedule will vary and involve “on call” time. Extensive experience operating small vessels is strongly preferred, however please still apply if you feel you fill many of the other qualifications.
II. KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
-Operation of stranding vessel, a 21’ aluminum landing craft.
-Assist with stranding response including; managing the stranding hotline for stranding reports, conducting health assessments of live seal pups in the field, tagging live pinnipeds, transferring harassed or injured pups to a local rehabilitation center, surveying and documenting entangled animals, conducting Level A examinations of stranded marine mammals.
-Will occasionally be on call as lead responder. This will involve responding to daily reports, organizing response, coordination of volunteers and decisions regarding plan of action for stranded marine mammals.
-Assist with necropsies of fresh dead marine mammals including; transferring carcasses to the lab space, maintenance of necropsy gear, organizing, archiving and shipping biological samples
Data entry and analysis
-Assisting in maintenance of equipment, grant writing and all other tasks related to running a stranding network.
-Involvement in education and outreach
-Assist with training and supervising a volunteer network of approximately 60 people as well as seasonal interns
III. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
-Applicant must be permanently based or willing to relocate to San Juan Island, WA.
-Possess a valid US driver's license and access to a mode of transportation
-Previous experience piloting or working on vessels in a marine environment, 3 years minimum preferred
-Prior experience working in field settings and making decision involving safety, regarding weather, tides and experience level of a group
-Ability to maintain a calm positive attitude under pressure
-Physically fit (able to lift 50 lbs)
IV. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
-Animal handling experience
-Four-year degree in life sciences preferably in a marine related field.
-Experience with conflict resolution & public communication
-Basic photography skills
-Basic mechanical ability
V. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
-Unmanned aircraft pilot
-SCUBA certified
-Large whale disentanglement training
-Experience handling pinnipeds
-Experience conducting necropsies
-Experience with scientific writing
-Experience with data entry
Pay: $18 – $20 DOE 20 hours a week with potential for more time in the future. This position will remain open until filled and will ideally start in May of 2023
For more information about The Whale Museum and/or the Stranding Network please explore the website. whalemuseum.org
To apply please email your resume or CV to Jessica Farrer at jessica@whalemuseum.org along with a short statement about why you are interested in this position and why you think you would be a good fit. This statement will be heavily weighted in the decision process for everyone and can add value to those that feel they lack the desired qualifications. We would prefer to hire the person and not the CV, this statement will help us to get to know you and could be the deciding factor for being granted an interview.
Seasonal Office Assistant in Hawaii
Interested in supporting whale research, education, and conservation in Hawaii (Kona)?
DMCSWWA has an opportunity for a seasonal office assistant! Assistant needed for mid-December through end of March 2023.
Pay rate: $15 (training) 20/hour (once proficient).
On-site housing option provided, but can make own accommodation arrangements as well.
The ideal candidate will be able to undertake a variety of office support tasks and work diligently under pressure. This person will be comfortable working with a high degree of attention to detail and discretion as well as incorporating new and effective ways to achieve better results.
Responsibilities
Answer multi-line phone system
Make reservations and respond to phone and email inquiries
Review phone and web reservations for accuracy
Daily guest confirmation calls
Process payments
Monitor inventory
Troubleshoot technical issues (computer, internet service, etc.)
Daily and monthly balancing of payments
Create and review boat manifests and guest passes
Efficient communication with boat crew and guests
Stock work vehicle as needed
Launder guest towels
Keep office organized
Other duties as needed
Requirements and skills
Experience as an office assistant or relevant administrative role
Office equipment knowledge
Organizational and time management skills
Analytical abilities and aptitude in problem-solving
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in MS Office
Technical Project Manager / Research Biologist
Join our Virginia Beach-based team involved in cutting-edge marine science!
HDR is currently in need of a Technical Project Manager / Research Biologist for our Virginia Beach, VA location. The ideal candidate will have project management experience, an extensive knowledge of marine science emphasizing the effects of underwater sound to marine mammals and/or experience monitoring marine mammal abundance, distribution, or behavioral responses to stimuli. This position will assist in a wide range of project management, boat and aircraft-based fieldwork, and team support roles with our current clients and expand our client-base in the Norfolk and Virginia Beach, VA area with an anticipated concentration of work assignments concentrated on the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Ocean areas but also including occasional projects in the Pacific Ocean region.
Primary Responsibilities
In the role of Technical Project Manager / Research Biologist, we'll count on you to:
• Provide Navy client project-management, fieldwork, and reporting.
• Assist as needed in Atlantic-based small boat tagging efforts, data processing, and annual reporting efforts.
• Manage multiple projects from conception, planning, budgeting, and completion.
• Generate new ideas and foster collaboration with others to successfully achieve various programmatic goals.
• Anticipated concentration of work assignments would be concentrated on the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Ocean areas.
• This position will assist in a wide range of project management and team support roles with our current clients and expand our client-base in the area with an anticipated concentration of work assignments concentrated on the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Ocean areas but also including the Pacific Ocean region.
• This position will most likely require effort monitoring from small twin-engine aircraft and/or from small and large vessels.
• Perform other duties as needed
Required Qualifications
• Masters or Ph.D. Degree in Marine Biology or a related field
• Must have a minimum of 3+ years of experience managing scientific research projects focused on marine mammal biology or behavior in a consulting or university-related research capacity; ideally this would include a background of direct interface with clients and regulatory processes involved.
• Have successfully managed marine science projects with specific interests focused on one or more of the following: marine mammal behavior, abundance, distribution, behavioral responses to stimuli, and/or understanding the effects of underwater sound on marine mammals.
• Be detail oriented to perform work accurately in a team-oriented environment and have the demonstrated ability to direct the work of others including subcontractors.
• Demonstrated history of reliability, strong work ethic, solid time management skills, and a demonstrated history of team-oriented performance.
• Self-starter with excellent writing and communication skills such as writing procedures, guides, and/or studies
• Strong conceptual, organizational, problem-solving and research skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
• Ability to travel up to 25%. Applicants can anticipate limited travel throughout the U.S.
• Qualified candidates MUST have the ability to obtain a security clearance at the secret level.
Preferred Qualifications
• Knowledge of U.S. Navy training, oil and gas development, construction noise monitoring, or offshore renewable energy activities a plus.
• Small boat handling and photography skills a plus but not required to apply.
• Unmanned aerial systems (a.k.a. drone) experience with FAA certification a plus but not required to apply.
• MATLAB and/or R Studio programming experience a plus but not required to apply.
Please contact Dan Engelhaupt (Daniel.Engelhaupt@hdrinc.com) for details on how to submit an application.
Research Assistant
CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM
POSITION TITLE: Research Assistant
REPORTS TO: Senior Research Scientist
SUPERVISES: Volunteers
EXEMPT OR NON-EXEMPT: Exempt
PERCENTAGE OF FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT: 100%; Annual Salary $29,224
POSITION LOCATION: Northeast Florida
APPLICATION LINK:
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=23137&clientkey=ACEBE78A76290C9FE9C1DC934A5E82A6
CLOSING DATE: December 27, 2021
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
– Deploy, safely maneuver in open-water, and reload small vessels independently
– Trailer vessels under intense traffic conditions
– Basic mechanical skills and ability to troubleshoot simple mechanical and electrical vehicle/vessel problems
– Proficient snorkeler with ability to swim in dark or turbid water
– Ability to kayak and perform reentry
– Ability to lift approximately 50 pounds of equipment
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY:
The position will be geographically located in the northeast Florida area with the focused study area along the northeast and central waterbodies of Florida and eastern Georgia. Travel to other areas of the state will be required based on animal movements or project needs. The primary responsibilities of this position are to radio track, monitor, assess and document the behavior of tagged manatees and to photo identify and document individual manatees. Duties include but are not limited to boat trailering, operating vessels, swimming, equipment maintenance, data entry and timely communication with staff and other project partners. The position will require travel extensively within Florida and Georgia using a fleet or a personal vehicle. Private vehicle mileage will be reimbursed at the IRS standard rate out of designated living area. The position will require supervision of volunteers involved with tracking manatees. The position will also provide updates to various partners through verbal and written reports, updating website and social media.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Conduct project manatee monitoring observations using radio tracking equipment via boat and land access at designated locations
• Collect manatee behavior and obtain adequate photo-documentation of manatees for individual identification and preliminary body condition using a polarized digital camera or GoPro
• Assess manatee overall condition and conduct in-water manatee body condition assessments as needed
• Collect data to include environmental conditions (specific site location water temperatures, sea state, weather conditions, etc.)
• Submit data and photos by the close of each observation day; submit datasheets weekly
• Process data via Microsoft Excel, Word and ArcGIS
• Provide processed data files and produce written reports as needed
• Update project website and provide photos/story tags for other social media outlets
• Participate in health assessment captures and rescues
• Responsible for routine maintenance and repair of field equipment
• Responsible for assigned truck and vessel record keeping and maintenance
• Communicate professionally with other project partners and assist with additional tasks as required and/or assigned by the supervisor
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
– Bachelor Degree in Biology or related field (e.g. ecology, environmental science) and three years working in a research focused position OR Master Degree in Biology or related field (e.g. ecology, environmental science)
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium reserves the right to revise job descriptions or work hours as required.