Aerial Observer

Aerial Observer

The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) is seeking a seasonal Aerial Observer for our Right Whale Ecology Program (RWEP). CCS conducts crewed aerial surveys in nearshore waters between December and May to assess the abundance, distribution, and behavior of North Atlantic right whales. This position is a mix of field- and office-based work. The successful applicant will participate as an observer in a small, fixed wing aircraft during aerial surveys that frequently occur on holidays and weekends through the field season. The start date for this position is on or near December 1, 2024. Housing is available in a shared field house, if desired (please note: a housing benefit is considered taxable income). This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits for six months with possible extension under mutual agreement. The position will be hired at the rank of Specialist Assistant or Associate, commensurate with experience, with a rate of pay in the range $58,000-65,000 annually.

Primary Responsibilities

• Participate in aerial surveys as an observer, data recorder, and photographer. Observers need to visually scan for marine mammals, vessels, fishing activity, and marine debris from an aircraft at low altitudes and orbit at banked angles to photo-document sightings. Additional aerial duties may include assisting with whale carcass relocation and supporting disentanglement efforts;
• Process aerial survey data, including entering and proof data recorded during surveys; completing effort and sightings data tables, photo-analysis and photo-identification of individuals; updating our in-house identification catalog; and assisting with the preparation of data for submissions to the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium;
• Assist with survey coordination by interpreting weather forecasts, communicating with aircraft vendors, pilots, and collaborating researchers, and administrating field expenditures;
• Become familiar with current entanglement cases, protocols, and individual animals of interest;
• Assist program director, data manager, and flight coordinator with relevant projects;
• Participate in vessel cruises and assist program interns as needs dictate;
• Write field notes to be shared with the public;
• Finalize data entry and photo analysis from previous field seasons.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Fisheries Science or related field with 3-6 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 field identification of North Atlantic marine mammals and familiarity with marine mammal visual survey data collection and processing methods;
• Familiarity with monitoring short- and mid-range weather forecast with the intent of identifying field work weather-windows;
• Must have a precise attention to detail and the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and strict timelines;
• 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;
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States;
• 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-provided 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 employment@coastalstudies.org. Please use “RWEP Aerial Observer” in the subject line of your email. The closing date for applications is September 6, 2024, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received until the position is filled.

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.