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We are seeking a part-time, Senior, Lead Protected Species Observer / Marine Mammal Observer (PSO/ MMO) to participate in field marine mammal visual surveys aboard aircraft off-shore New York.

The selected candidate will serve as the lead observer. You will conduct fieldwork every other month for 3 years from a Partenavia plane providing marine wildlife observations as needed. Principal data collection will be focused on marine mammal and sea turtle identification, and field identification of all species listed under the US Endangered Species Act.

As the lead observer you will act in a support role for the Project Manager and Principal Investigator. Senior duties include but are not limited to: assisting in decisions related to field work (decisions around weather, circling of key species, time spent in flight, etc.); also troubleshooting data collection software and laptops while in flight, coordinating with the pilots on decisions for survey line effort, reporting to NOAA Fisheries for any stranded or dead animals sighted, and assisting with field logistics and equipment. A key role for the senior position is daily reporting to the PM and PI, daily data management, QAQC of data, and general field lead organizational support for the team.

General duties include conducting fieldwork every other month from an airplane providing marine wildlife observations (marine mammal and sea turtle) as needed. Task-level duties include application of technical knowledge of marine wildlife studies in the mid-Atlantic and species identification skills.

Responsible for managing all the data streams (still photographs, video, GPS, voice recordings) and their backups and QAQC, for daily reporting, for post survey reporting, and for contributing writing to the annual reports.

You may be tasked with contributing to literature review, survey planning, data entry, managing digital photos, data downloads and archiving, and reporting. Other duties may be assigned. Field staff are expected to enter data daily, submit or contribute to a daily reports, manage digital photos, and contribute to written reports.

Surveys will be conducted every other month and is expected to begin in June 2024.

Qualifications:

The ideal applicant will have prior field work and marine mammal survey field research experience, including at least 4 years of PSO/ MMO survey experience in waters off New York. In addition, you will have / be:

• Ability to act in a leadership capacity under pressure, making health and safety decisions related to flying, weather, and which animals to spend time with vs. continuing the transects.
• Able to troubleshoot the proprietary software Mysticetus in the field as well as the laptop if issues arise.
• Knowledge of equipment repair for binoculars, cameras, and video camera are required.
• Ability to understand when contacting the required Federal Agencies (NOAA, FAA) or other researchers in the area and carrying communication out responsibly and professionally.
• Knowledge of area species ID, and especially familiarity with right whales as the key focal endangered species of the project.
• Familiar with field data protocols, data entry and reporting, NOAA issued MMPA permit requirements, and ability to follow field work plans.
• Experience and skills required: surveys for marine mammals, ability to identify marine mammal species found in the mid-Atlantic Ocean, Cetacean species and identification skills from visual cues; knowledge of marine mammal behaviors, use of binoculars, computerized field data entry.
• Familiarity with the data collection software computer program Mysticetus is required.
• Experience contributing data collection to field surveys.
• Ability to perform high-level data management tasks
• Familiarity working in small, confined quarters for all day periods, being a member of a small cohesive team doing field work.
• Experience with observer work and the concentration and attention it requires.
• Fluency in spoken and written English is required.
• Computer Skills and experience with Mysticetus, Microsoft Windows – Word, Excel, etc. is required.
• Experience with use of 35 mm camera and marine wildlife photography is required.

Work Environment
Surveys will be conducted every other month and is expected to begin in June 2024. The field effort will span 3 years and availability to go on all surveys is preferred. Travel to mobilization site in New Bedford, MA by car or plane is required for each survey. During surveys lodging will be provided via hotel. Field work will only occur in safe weather conditions. Stand by weather days are expected. Field work stays for 3- 9 days every other month is essential to this position however field work is expected to be on average 5-6 days.

You must be able to / have:

• Conduct visual searches for marine mammals and sea turtles from the plane all day for a range of 5-8 days.
• Participate in technical field efforts, including all day and up to one week or more periods aboard research aircraft.
• Physically-able and medically-fit to engage in scientific research in a field location.
• Sit in small planes looking out a window focusing on the ocean for animal cues for long periods of time, including all day, multiple days in a row.
• Resistance to air sickness.
• Flexible enough to climb into other positions for photography purposes while in flight (i.e., move from the middle seat to the back of the plane in a 5 seater aircraft).
• Drive on a regular basis. Passing a motor vehicle record background check and maintaining a valid driver’s license and good driving record is required.

The Salary Range for this position is $50.00/hour to $65.00/hour, depending on education, experience, skills, and location.

Tetra Tech offers a basic core medical plan and our 401k retirement plan for this position.

Health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech’s employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including any public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, and international authorities as well as client and project requirements.