Aerial Observer

~ Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies conducts scientific research with emphasis on marine mammals of the western North Atlantic and on the coastal and marine habitats and resources of the Gulf of Maine; to promote stewardship of coastal and marine ecosystems; to conduct educational activities and to provide educational resources that encourage the responsible use and conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems; and to collaborate with other institutions and individuals whenever possible to advance the Center's mission. ~

Our Right Whale surveillance and monitoring activities are aimed at providing management agencies with information to assist in their time-critical decision making (e.g., amendments to seasonal gear restrictions or the issuance of vessel speed restrictions), intended to mitigate human impacts on Right Whales in the waters of Cape Cod Bay. 

Position Overview

The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) is seeking right whale aerial survey observers for the 2015 winter/spring season (January 1st to May 15th, 2015). This is a full-time temporary/seasonal position. Shared housing will be provided. 

Responsibilities

• Participation in marine mammal aerial surveys of Cape Cod Bay and adjacent waters
• Photo analysis
• Data entry
• Associated work as part of an ongoing long term study of North Atlantic right whales

Qualifications 

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications: 

• Prior experience as a marine mammal aerial survey observer
• Experience in matching right whales (or other species of cetaceans)
• Familiarity with digital SLR cameras
• At least a B.S. with courses in biology
• The ability to work and live successfully in a team environment 

Additional Information

Immediately following research cruises, post-cruise "Preliminary Assessments" and the more lengthy "Habitat Assessments" are distributed electronically to interested managers and colleagues.

These documents provide descriptions, analyses and forecasts concerning the interaction of Right Whales, habitat conditions and potential risks. Detailed "Special Reports" are also used as a tool for exploring ecological phenomena of particular interest.

To address the need to alert DMF to conditions in Cape Cod Bay deserving immediate management attention, CCS disseminates critical observations and predictions through a rapid reporting system, or a "Right Whale Risk Alert" document.

Within 12 to 24 hours of receipt of such a document from CCS, DMF issues "Advisories" to mariners explicitly detailing where right whales are aggregating, and subsequently where there is elevated risk of ship strike in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent waters.

This successful partnership demonstrates how science and management can merge, improving the odds that the North Atlantic right whale will recover from near extinction. 

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to submit your cover letter, resume, and three references by October 15, 2014.