The Cetacean Conservation Biology Senior Coordinator plays a key role in The Marine Mammal Center’s cetacean research and conservation program (Cetacean Conservation Biology (CCB)). The Senior Coordinator supports all aspects of the research program including the coordination of fieldwork and its participants, data management, and regular travel within our California range for field work. Fieldwork includes the research and response entangled whale events. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, field data collection at sea or land, coordination of project participant including volunteers/interns/staff, research equipment inventory and maintenance, data entry, data analysis, and timely communication with CCB team and internal and external partners. This role is instrumental in driving forward our research and conservation efforts aimed at protecting cetacean species and their habitats.
Essential Functions:
Research: 40%
- Participate in data collection and data analysis under general instruction following standard research methodologies.
- Participate in shore and boat-based field surveys, which includes data collection with Mysticetus software, photo-ID, drone operation, and other research methodologies.
- Support research documentation, data management, and data request from collaborators in coordination with the CCB PI, research team, and the Research Committee.
- Coordinate field surveys, participants, and logistics of fieldwork in collaboration with the CCB PI and research team.
- Prepare reports and summaries on data being collected and progress of assigned projects.
- Safely operate the Center’s vessels and assist other staff in the general upkeep of vessels.
- Provide equipment management oversight and general upkeep of research equipment in coordination with other staff.
Leadership: 30%
- Coordinate and provide oversight to the onboarding and management of a limited pool of volunteers.
- Support the CCB early career program which includes, but is not limited to, participation in recruitment, hiring, onboarding, daily mentorship, and training of team members.
- Coordinates and assists with various training courses for volunteers and other audiences.
- Demonstrates and supports the Center’s DEI objectives.
- Contribute to work groups and committees in support of cetacean conservation.
- Participate in committees as assigned.
Whale Entanglement Research & Response: 20%
- Available to respond with a team on an on-call basis for entangled whales.
- Participate in data collection of entanglements, data entry, and data management following responses.
- Provide general equipment upkeep of research and response equipment in coordination with other staff.
- Participate in and provide coordination and support with various training activities for entangled whales.
- Contribute to work groups and committees in support of cetacean conservation.
- Other Duties as Assigned: 10%
- Perform special projects and research as assigned.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Present to scientific and non-scientific audiences at conferences and special interest groups.
- Represent and promote the Center to potential donors and grant programs and participate in donor cultivation in partnership with the Development Team as opportunities arise.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of marine mammal classification, life histories, breeding biology, ecology, identification, behavior, and geographical distribution.
- Knowledge of scientific research methods and techniques involving biology, ecology, and other related biological and physical sciences and their application to ecosystem conservation and management activities.
- Experience participating in on-water marine mammal disentanglement events a plus.
- Ability to use or learn to use a variety of field and laboratory equipment that may include geographic positioning and information systems, binoculars, radios, measurement tools, marine mammal tracking systems, and other scientific equipment.
- Ability to conduct field observations and data collection.
- Skills operating Microsoft Office Suite, including spreadsheet, word processing, presentation, and email programs.
- Experience using data visualization and analysis programs, such as ArcGIS and R.
- Experience using Mysticetus software for environmental monitoring and data management.
- Experience using Geographical Positioning Systems (GPS) mapping and analysis.
- Experience with data entry and field work. Attention to detail with ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks at once.
- Strong technical writing and data analysis skills.
- Ability to follow safety protocols and technical instructions as required.
- Ability to operate equipment safely and competently to carry out their duties.
- Ability to demonstrate strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to demonstrate strong organizational skills and be detail oriented.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Communicate and interact effectively with people across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities.
- Practice self-awareness and respect while engaging with people of diverse backgrounds.
- Willingness to support and participate in The Marine Mammal Center’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Qualifications and Experience:
- This position requires a combination of education and/or experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, zoology, or related field; and 4 years of experience in marine mammal observation and training courses. FAA Part 107 license or ability to obtain within first year of employment preferred.
- California boater card or ability to obtain within the first year of employment preferred.
- Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain standards of insurability.
- Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or waiver (medical or religious)
