Four PAID Field Technician Positions Available: Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) Research, Summer 2020. 

June 25 – September 4, 2020 (1 month minimum; start/end dates flexible; preference given to applicants available for the entire period), with a possibility of extending fieldwork through September. 

Oceans Initiative is a team of scientists on a mission to protect marine wildlife. Our US team is based out of Seattle, WA. We are currently recruiting 4 highly motivated field technicians to collect behavioral and AIS data on killer whales and vessels from land-based study sites on San Juan Island for our summer 2020 field season. Experience with theodolite tracking of cetaceans, and SRKW identification skills, are highly valued. Must be able to work independently and as part of a close-knit team where a positive attitude is essential. Applicants with substantial experience in theodolite tracking, project leadership, and project management may be considered for a coordinator role. Applicants must be eligible to work legally in the U.S. for the duration of the employment period. 

The primary goal of this project is to measure the effectiveness of recent efforts to reduce impacts of vessel noise and disturbance on foraging of SRKWs. Data collection involves: recording behavioral observations of SRKW activity in Haro Strait, theodolite tracking of vessel and whale movement, storing and processing AIS data, and documenting small vessel presence and activity within 1000m of the whales.

Full Position Description (Deadline April 3, 2020)

Protected Species/Marine Mammal Observers (PSOs/MMOs)

Job Title: Marine Mammal/Protected Species Observers Level I and Level II (Junior & Senior)

Job Location:  Location: Seal Beach (Orange County)

Period of Performance:  Starting Jan/Feb 2020; ending Dec 2022

General Description: This is a pile-driving/dredging monitoring & mitigation project being conducted in Anaheim Bay, near Seal Beach, CA, and possibly in San Diego Bay, CA.

Detailed Job Description: Junior and Senior Protected Species Observers are needed for a land-based monitoring of protected marine species for mitigation of dredging, pile driving and other marine construction activities inside protected harbors and bays in Southern California, USA.  PSOs will utilize standard marine mammal and sea turtle observation methods to record all incidents of marine mammal and green sea turtle occurrences and will document any behavioral reactions in relation to construction (e.g. dredging and pile-driving) activities. Observations will be recorded using paper data-forms or electronic data forms via a laptop computer or tablet.

Work is expected to begin early 2020 (exact dates TBD) and continue until approximately Dec 2022. Observation and monitoring activities may be conducted around the clock (day and night). Most of the monitoring activities are expected to occur Monday through Friday (M-F) and for the Anaheim bay project mostly during the daytime (an 8-hour period). However, some observation activities may involve work outside of regular working hours including weekends and nighttime.

This job will involve long, tedious and sometimes monotonous work outside in the elements in all seasons and weather conditions (including periods of rain) that can occur in Southern California.  Shifts typically will be limited to 4-6 hours but multiple shifts, sometimes exceeding 8 hours per day might be possible.

Requirements/Skills: A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent job experience) or higher in the biological, environmental, or physical sciences is required. Other degrees may be considered based on work experience. Field experience, either via university course work, or relevant job experiences is preferred but not required.

1. Prior experience working as a marine PSO or similar job is preferred.
2. Experience or training in the field identification of marine mammals and sea turtles, including the identification of behaviors is desirable but not required.
3. Visual acuity in both eyes (correction is permissible), sufficient for the discernment of moving targets (e.g. marine mammals and turtles) at the water’s surface with the ability to estimate animal size and distance; use of binoculars will be required. Familiarity with SLR cameras is preferable.
4. Ability to conduct field observations for long periods outdoors and to collect systematic data according to protocols is necessary.
5. Writing skills that are sufficient to prepare and review reports of observations;
6. Good oral and communication orally, by radio or in person, is needed.
7. Ability to take precise and detailed data in a consistent manner.
8. Must have the ability to work a flexible work schedule throughout the entirety of the performance period. Some overnight and weekend shifts may be required.
9. PSO training, orientation, and safety training for work around construction operations will be provided to workers prior to start of work.
10. Must be U.S. citizen, have a green card (Lawful Permanent Resident Card) or a work visa and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
11. Hiring is dependent on passing DOD/Navy government background check.

Pay and Benefits Pay and employment status will be non-exempt hourly wages. Pay rates will start at ~$20.00 per hour and will be determined based on experience with opportunity for performance-based increases. Positions are temporary based and contractual. Health Care and other benefits will not apply.

A food allowance and accommodations may be provided for the Anaheim Bay Project (TBD).  No allowances will be provided for the San Diego Bay project.

To apply, send résumé or CV (3 pages or less) to:

jobs@bio-waves.com

Please do not call or otherwise contact us. We will confirm receipt and contact you to request a phone or in-person interview if we are interested.

Washington State University Extension – Puget Sound Beach Watcher Coordinator

Full-time position
Bachelor’s degree + 2 years required, Masters preferred
Deadline: Position opens 12/09/2019; screening begins January 2, 2020 and will continue until filled

Applications are invited for this coordinator position responsible for leading the development, implementation, ongoing evaluation and refinement of the Program including research, education and stewardship projects primarily in Snohomish County. This position provides Puget Sound ecosystem and water resources expertise, implements multiple events including an annual introductory 80-hour volunteer training program, a 25-hour ‘short course’ for Beach Naturalists and advanced training opportunities for veteran volunteers; coordinates and mentors volunteers on their respective projects; conceptualizes and initiates new volunteer opportunities; facilitates communication within and outside the program, fosters and supports volunteer leadership and generates extramural funds in furtherance of the program. The position also builds liaisons, networks and collaborative working relationships as necessary to carryout the program with county, state and federal agencies and with community-based groups and organizations.  This position is open until filled. For a full description of position, requirements and to apply, visit https://www.wsujobs.com/postings/49509. EEO/AA/ADA.

full position description and application

IEc, working under the direction of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is seeking a candidate with experience in fish husbandry to assist with a laboratory experiment evaluating the impacts of anthropogenic stressors on growth and disease in juvenile fish. The successful candidate will be responsible for fish husbandry, including following laboratory-wide animal care guidelines, preparing feed, assessing water quality, collecting and recording data, and following best management practices for keeping a clean laboratory environment. In particular, tasks may include the following:

• Maintaining the health of fish eggs, fry, and fingerlings. This may be accomplished by cleaning tanks, moving fish when required, monitoring fish activity; monitoring influent and effluent treatment systems and change filters as needed; weigh, deliver, and record experimental feeds for individual tanks; and determine water quality parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH.
• Maintaining an organized laboratory. This may include keeping the laboratory stocked with general supplies, maintaining equipment, practicing good chemical hygiene practices, and adhering to laboratory safety protocols.
• Assisting with growth measurements. This may include determining weight and length of exposed and control fish, conducting necropsies, and recording data.
• Assisting with disease challenge. This may include exposing fish to bacteria, conducting necropsies, and recording data.
• Recording experimental activities. This may include maintaining a daily lab notebook, recording data on paper and/or electronic data sheets, and transcribing written records and data into an electronic database.

The successful candidate will work at the direction of IEc and NOAA laboratory staff.

Position Type: Full time, temporary laboratory technician
Start Date: 16 December 2019
End Date: 15 June 2020
Location: Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, Oregon

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field (e.g., Biology, Fisheries Science) is required. Relevant work experience is preferred.

To Apply: Provide a resume, cover letter, transcript, and references