Azura is seeking a Large Whale Aerial Survey Biologist to support the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) Protected Species Branch (PSB). The primary responsibilities will include conducting aerial surveys and working with the resulting data. The Biologist will assist in the collection and analyses of aerial and shipboard right whale survey data, including studying the distribution of right whales in relation to human activities and the impacts of those activities on right whale behavior, health, population dynamics, and ecology. The primary responsibilities will include conducting aerial surveys and working with the resulting data. The visual survey information collected by NOAA is used to assist in the management of protected species, evaluate the impacts of various human activities on the species, and aid in education and conservation efforts.

Having high attention to detail and the ability to manage short project timelines are critical skills for this position. Potential candidates must also possess the curiosity and ability to find solutions and resolve issues based on available resources and also have strong client and team communication skills. Applicants must be able to operate independently, manage their own work schedule, and dedicate blocks of time for uninterrupted focus.

Place of Performance and Work Schedule

Work is to be conducted at the NEFSC facility in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. The full-time position is for one year with a possibility of extension; overtime may be required and would be paid out at time and a half. The estimated start date is November 2024 (pending security clearance processing). Travel will be required and will include up to four weeks at a time at sea or at other field sites, including Canada. This position is not open to visa sponsorship or relocation assistance.

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay: $33.97/hour
• Competitive benefits includes medical, dental, and vision insurance and life and disability insurance. You will be eligible for a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match and will receive paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.

Duties

The employee will perform a variety of tasks related to the position. Specific tasks may include the following:

• Participate in aerial surveys for right whales. Flight crew responsibilities include visually scanning for whales from bubble windows, recording sightings data on custom computer software, and photographing whales for individual identification using a digital SLR camera with a telephoto lens.
• Participate in small vessel and shipboard surveys for right whales. Shipboard duties include visually scanning for whales, photographing whales for individual identification, assisting with the collecting of biopsy samples from select individuals using crossbows, assisting with oceanographic and zooplankton sampling, and supporting unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations.
• Manage survey and photographic data. Data processing duties include quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) of aerial and shipboard sightings and effort data, evaluating sightings relative to seasonal and dynamic management areas, 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.
• Support management. Duties include holding a right whale report hotline for two weeks in rotation with other members of the survey team; analyzing data; and preparing presentations for stakeholder meetings, environmental impact statements, biological opinions, etc. Additional duties may include assisting with whale carcass relocation, supporting disentanglement efforts, assisting with whale necropsies, and helping prepare stock assessment reports.
• Public outreach. Duties include assisting with PSB website content and maintenance and helping with public education and outreach activities.

Required Qualifications

• At least one year of experience working on right whale aerial or shipboard survey projects
• Experience in cetacean photo identification
• Familiarity with marine mammal visual survey data collection and processing methods, including use of spreadsheets and Google Drive
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written (including visual presentations) with a variety of audiences including technical, scientific, and the general public
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Strong project management skills
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability to quickly changing priorities and strict timelines
• Current aircraft ditch training, though training will be provided if not current
• Currently eligible to work in the United States; all workers must comply with federal I-9 requirements
• Candidate must be able to obtain a Public Trust Clearance which requires passing a thorough background check
• Candidate must be able to start immediately once obtaining the Public Trust Clearance
• Candidate must have a current, valid passport or be able to obtain one

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with small boat handling
• Experience with SQL and R programming
• Mapping and GIS skills
• Familiarity with marine mammal acoustics