Research Technician - Right Whale Catalog

We seek a Research Technician to join the long-standing right whale research team as part of the Kraus Marine Mammal Conservation Program at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life. The researcher must have a genuine passion for marine research and conservation and experience with whale photo-identification, preferably with North Atlantic right whales (NARW). This position is focused on all aspects of right whale photo-identification data processing including: image management and backup, data entry and coding, matching sightings of individual whales to the NARW Catalog, and data quality control. The researcher will be trained to use our customized DIGITS software for all data management. Additional duties may include participating in some field work, primarily on vessel-based platforms, writing reports and blogs, and assisting with data analysis. This is a grant-funded, one-year position with extension likely- dependent on future funding.

• This is a full-time, 1-year, grant-funded position with extension likely.
• The position offers a comprehensive benefits package.
• The schedule will be Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm EST, and work will be conducted remotely.
• A laptop will be provided. Remote days are only available for residents of MA, RI, NH, ME, NY and VT.
• A private, high speed internet connection is required for remote work.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Primary duties will include: entering sightings data, assigning images of individual whales to those sightings, coding images, sightings, and behaviors, and identifying individual right whales using the customized DIGITS software.
• Help manage data and images contributed to the Catalog including data backups, quality control, and importing into the database.
• Attend frequent Zoom or MS Teams video conferencing meetings. Right whale research team communication and coordination is primarily conducted remotely through these avenues.
• Author blog posts and partake in other social media and outreach outlets related to research projects.
• If requested, conduct vessel surveys as an observer and data recorder. On-the-job training will be conducted to allow this person to assist with fieldwork logistics, boat handling and navigation, and equipment maintenance.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum Training and Experience
• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Marine Sciences, Biology, Fisheries or related field.
• Previous experience processing wildlife photo-identification data required. Photo identification of whales, particularly right whales, preferred.
• A past record of meticulous attention to detail when processing data.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Self-motivated and self-directed.
• Excellent organizational, communication and coordination skills.
• Experience with Access would be advantageous.
• Good writing skills.
• Experience with digital photography.
• Professional experience working collaboratively as part of a team.
• A genuine interest in, and passion for, the important ocean and marine animal conservation mission of the Aquarium.
• For more information and to apply online please visit: http://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/
• New England Aquarium is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.
• Here we foster a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion.
• We strive to engage and inspire a broad audience with our efforts to protect the blue planet, and we believe a diverse workforce provides experiences, skills, and perspectives that enrich our programs, strengthen problem-solving, add creativity, and enhance our work environment.

Experience Required

• Previous experience processing wildlife photo-identification data required.
• Photo identification of whales, particularly right whales, preferred.

Salary

• $21.12 - $21.13 / hour