Stranding Biologist

Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network

Position Title: Stranding Biologist

Classification: Full-time, Salary

Organization Background:

The Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TMMSN) is a non-profit 501C3 organization, established in 1980, dedicated to marine mammal conservation through rescue, rehabilitation, research, and education. Our program investigates an average of 135 cetacean strandings along the Texas coast each year, with a goal of collecting consistent and high quality data for the advancement of knowledge, investigation of marine mammal health, and to inform conservation management. To learn more about our mission at TMMSN, please visit us at www.DolphinRescue.org or on social media.

Position Description: TMMSN is seeking an experienced biologist for marine mammal stranding response and field research out of our Rehabilitation and Research Center in Galveston, TX. The Stranding Biologist position will include response to stranded live and dead marine mammals ranging from rescue and rehabilitation to recovery, data collection, necropsy, and carcass disposal. Another important component of this position is serving as a research assistant for our bottlenose dolphin photo-identification program. The position encompasses a variety of tasks in the field, at our rehabilitation and research center, and in an office setting. This is a physically demanding position that often requires field response on unscheduled lengthy days in a variety of extreme weather conditions. You must be willing to work on-call and flexible hours including frequent weekends and holidays. Due to the unpredictable nature of stranding response, weekly schedules are highly variable and may require adjusted days off, long hours, and real-time travel.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Staffing a 24hr. stranding hotline and coordinating the appropriate response with the public or local agencies as requested
• Recovery of dead marine mammal strandings including examination, data collection, necropsy and tissue sampling, sample intake, and carcass disposal
• First response to live marine mammal strandings, providing assessment, supportive care, and transport
• Assist with rehabilitative patient care, observation, and life support
• Maintain stranding records, sample database, and photo archives
• Bottlenose dolphin photo-identification research and monitoring, including collection of boat-based survey data and photographs, and associated data entry and analysis
• Proper maintenance of equipment & vehicles; organization and care of TMMSN Center
• Coordinate and supervise interns and/or stranding and research program volunteers
• Public outreach including both formal and informal settings, social media, and trainings

Applicant Qualifications

Minimum:

• Strong background or degree in biology, marine science, zoology, or related field Knowledge of marine mammal behavior and ecology, stranding protocols, and conservation issues in the U.S.
• Proficient in operating large 4WD vehicles safely (including towing 25-30ft. trailers); valid state of Texas driver’s license
• Works professionally and positively with staff, volunteers, and public
• Strong written and public speaking skills
• Able to: lift a minimum of 50lbs., drag 100 lbs., swim, walk long distances in difficult terrain, work in extreme hot/cold field conditions, regularly squat, bend, lift, carry, and climb
• Tolerates strong odors
• Able to be on-call, work occasional overnights, weekends, and holidays with a highly variable and unpredictable schedule
• Ability to secure housing in Galveston, TX
• Excellent organizational skills
• Dependable personal transportation for rapid response
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (i.e., Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access)
• Effective time management and self-accountability
• Great focus, strong attention to detail, yet able to efficiently and effectively work on multiple concurrent tasks
• Applies independent trouble-shooting and problem solving techniques, has sound judgment and good decision-making skills

Preferred:

• 2 years of experience responding to stranded marine mammals with a focus on cetaceans, and/or boat- based marine mammal photo-identification research
• Proficient in launching, retrieving, and operating small vessels
• Experience using ArcPro GIS, FinBase, or R software

How to Apply:

Qualified applicants should submit the following information in one electronic document (PDF or Word) via email to the attention of: Heidi Whitehead, TMMSN Executive Director at hwhitehead@tmmsn.org

1. Include your full name and “Stranding Biologist – August 2023” in the subject line
2. Statement of Interest (brief, 250 word maximum) that describes: a) your professional interests and career goals, b) your reasons for applying for this position, c) why you feel you are qualified for the position, and d) your available start date.

3. At least three professional references- list individuals capable of commenting on your relevant professional qualifications and experience.

4. Resume or curriculum vitae (no more than two pages) describing relevant jobs, internships, volunteer work, other activities/skills or accomplishments that you wish to identify.

We are seeking to fill this position as soon as a qualified candidate is selected. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted and applicants contacted for interviews based upon review.

Criminal background checks and verification of references will be completed prior to hiring. Copies of all relevant certificates or diplomas may be requested. TMMSN is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $42,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Experience:

• Marine Mammal Stranding Response: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Galveston, TX 77551 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Galveston, TX 77551: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $42,000 - $48,000