Jobs & Internships

Aerial Observer

The Center for Coastal Studies seeks an Aerial Observer for the Right Whale Ecology Program. Observers will be flying surveys to assess the abundance, distribution, and conservation status and behavior of North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent waters. Rate of pay is $50k-$55k commensurate with experience. Primary Responsibilities:

• Participate in right whale aerial surveys by rotating through the three positions: observer/data recorder, observer/photographer, and ground contact;
• Process aerial survey data: entering and proofing data recorded during surveys, completing effort and sightings data tables, photo-analysis and photo-identification of individuals, updating in-house identification catalog, and prepare data for submissions to the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium;
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and identification of current entanglement cases and photography protocols, as well as the right whale individuals of interest;
• Assisting program director, data manager, and/or flight coordinator with relevant projects;
• Participation in vessel cruises and assisting interns;
• Writing field notes to be included on the CCS website and social media platforms;
• Finalizing data entry and photo analysis from previous field seasons.
• Excellent attention to detail, memory retention, and organization skills;
• Proficient with DSLR cameras in a variety of lighting conditions;
• Experience in species-identification of marine mammals, particularly in the Northwest Atlantic;
• Demonstrated knowledge of photo-identification of individuals;
• Computer literacy and working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint);
• Must work well in a team. Field hours can be long and the winter fieldwork conditions are cold and often uncomfortable;
• Ability to work in small aircraft for up to 9 hours per day with continual focus;
• Must not suffer from air sickness.
• Previous aerial survey and/or right whale experience;
• Working knowledge of R, iMatch, and/or Mysticetus software;

Minimum Requirements:

Preferred Qualifications:

B.A. or B.S.in Biology, Ecology, Fisheries Science or related field;

• Aircraft underwater egress training is desired but not required. Ditch Training with the use of compressed air will be required to conduct work and is part of the CCS Right Whale Training.
• Enthusiasm, a sense of humor, attention to detail and willingness to learn.

Flights are scheduled between one and four surveys weekly throughout the field season, occasionally on back-to-back days. Observers are sometimes required to work on weekends and holidays, often for long hours in a small aircraft and/or aboard a research vessel.

Application process: Please submit your cover letter, CV/Resume and the contact information for three references via email in PDF format to chudak@coastalstudies.org with the subject line Aerial Observer. Application deadline is June 30, 2023 and applicants 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.

RWEP Data Manager and Aerial Observer

The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) is seeking a Data Manager and Aerial Observer for our Right Whale Ecology Program (RWEP). The CCS RWEP surveys Cape Cod Bay and adjacent waters in the Fall, Winter and Spring months to assess the abundance, distribution, and behavior of North Atlantic Right Whales in Gulf of Maine waters. This is full-time salaried position with benefits for one year with the possibility of extension. Start date for this position is on or near September 1, 2023. The position requires aerial survey fieldwork and oversight of personnel. Rate of pay is $50k-$60k and will be 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;
• 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;
• Set up annual databases and train observers, interns, and volunteers on data collection and processing;
• QA/QC final data and images and consolidate/submit data to North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium;
• Supporting management needs: Duties include processing photo- and data requests from scientific and media entities, analyzing data, and preparing summaries and presentations for funders, the public, and stakeholder meetings;
• Additional duties may include assisting with whale carcass relocation and supporting disentanglement efforts;
• Public outreach including 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 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;
• Demonstrated experience in photo-identification of North Atlantic marine mammals and matching individuals to a catalog;
• Attention to detail for proofing and managing multiple data streams and large datasets;
• Familiarity with marine mammal visual survey data collection and processing methods. Adaptability to change priorities and meet strict timelines;
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, including visual presentations for 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 and attention to detail;
• Must be able to work legally 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 part CCS Right Whale training.
• SQL and R programming skills desired.

Application process:

Please submit your cover letter, CV/Resume and the contact information for three references in a single pdf and attached along with copies of college transcripts via email to chudak@coastalstudies.org. Kindly add “RWEP Data Manager” in the subject line of your email. Application deadline is July 15, 2023.

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.

The Center for Coastal Studies seeks an Aerial Observer for the Right Whale Ecology Program. Observers will be flying surveys to assess the abundance, distribution, and conservation status and behavior of North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent waters.

Rate of pay is $50k-$55k commensurate with experience.

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.

The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) is seeking an aerial survey coordinator and observer for their 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.

Chatham seeks qualified candidates for seasonal position of Shellfish Propagation Technician.

This person would be in the field studying the Diamondback Terrapin, a threatened species of marsh turtle found in the coastal waterways and marshes on Cape Cod and the mainland. One study area are the waterways of Pocassett while other areas are over the bridge in Onset, Bourne, Marion, Wareham, and Mattapoisett. Interns are involved in collecting accurate field data, photographs, and observations to be used for later analysis. They also relocate and/or protect turtle nests since there is a very high predation of hatchlings each season. Interns assist with rescuing nesting females that are found crossing roads and parking lots as they move to and from marshes and nesting sites.

Engineering research and methodology is needed to more safely and efficiently rescue Ocean Sunfish, a large and heavy marine fish that strands each fall along the shores of Cape Cod and surrounding areas. Ocean Sunfish are the heaviest bony fish that feeds off the Cape and they become trapped inside Cape Cod Bay on their way south to warmer wintering areas. Ocean Sunfish that strand are juveniles (average weight 600 lbs. and tail length 5 feet). NECWA rescues these behemoths by maneuvering stranded fish that are in shallow water onto a hula hoop with attached pool noodles in order to tow them behind a kayak or small boat back into deeper water. If life fish strands on a beach, then it is almost impossible to move the animal back into the water. NECWA also rescues Torpedo Rays, the only electric ray in our area that can reach weights of over 200 lbs. This internship will look at engineering technologies and practices that can be used to more easily and safely rescue live ocean sunfish and torpedo rays when stranded in shallow water or when beached. Interns will create prototypes of rescue gear that will hopefully be tested during the upcoming fall stranding season which unfortunately, is an annual event.

New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA) offers this marine wildlife internship to upper level high school students, college students, and professionals on Cape Cod and surrounding areas. This internship provides research opportunities, field experience, and skills building to those interested in marine science. Hands-on experience with field research techniques and data analysis better prepares young professionals for similar opportunities in their chosen field.

The Sippican Lands Trust, Inc. (SLT) is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to acquire, preserve and protect land in the Town of Marion for the long-term conservation of open space and to encourage appreciation, knowledge and healthy engagement of the natural world. It was founded in 1974 and has protected 1,375 acres of land with over 13 miles of public trails on over 25 properties in the Town of Marion.

Be appreciated for a job well done. That is exactly what it is like working for the Natives of Kodiak family of companies. KOMAN Government Solutions, LLC (KGS), a wholly-owned 8(a) subsidiary of the Natives of Kodiak, an Alaska Native Corporation, provides environmental investigation, remediation, munitions and explosives of concern support, operations and maintenance (O&M), long-term monitoring (LTM), and construction services to our Federal clients.

We have an immediate need for a detail-oriented Field Operations Lead to manage groundwater LTM activity in support of groundwater remediation of the ranges at Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC) in Bourne, MA. This is a full-time, on-site position.

The Field Operations Lead will manage all aspects of the LTM program, including scheduling year-round sampling events; coordinating and communicating all field activity with the on-site sampling personnel, KGS management, JBCC Range Control, and US Army Corps of Engineers; maintenance of sampling equipment and supplies; coordination with analytical laboratories; review and upload of field data to the database, and preparation of weekly, monthly, and annual reports. This position also requires scheduling, coordinating, and communicating road and well maintenance activity; a general familiarity with the JBCC ranges groundwater treatment systems; interaction with the system O&M operators to obtain information for weekly, monthly, and annual reports, and scheduling, coordinating, and communicating all planned and unplanned maintenance and repair activity.

Be appreciated for a job well done. That is exactly what it is like working for the Natives of Kodiak family of companies. KOMAN Government Solutions, LLC (KGS), a wholly-owned 8(a) subsidiary of the Natives of Kodiak, an Alaska Native Corporation, provides environmental investigation, remediation, munitions and explosives of concern support, operations and maintenance (O&M), long-term monitoring (LTM), and construction services to our Federal clients.

We have an immediate need for a detail-oriented Assistant Groundwater Sampler to support groundwater remediation of the ranges at Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC) in Bourne, MA. This is a full-time, on-site, year-round, position collecting groundwater samples from monitoring wells.