Research Assistant – Pacific Whale Foundation (Maui, HI)

Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) has one immediate opening for a Research Assistant. The position is based on Maui, Hawaii in the Research Department of Pacific Whale Foundation. PWF is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting whales and other marine life through research, education, and conservation. Our researchers have studied whales and dolphins throughout the Pacific for over 30 years and currently conduct projects in Hawaii, Australia, and Ecuador.

The Research Assistant assists with our ongoing Hawai’i and Australia research projects. This position is based at the PWF headquarters in Maui, Hawai’i, where the majority of our research takes place.

This is not an entry-level position.  The RA is expected to assist the research staff in maintaining a productive Research Department. Specific responsibilities include data collection, data management, statistical analyses, writing of reports and manuscripts for publication, public outreach events, and assisting with marketing and fundraising efforts.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Data entry and archival tasks
  • Data processing and analysis
  • Data quality control
  • Photo-identification, matching of whale flukes and/or dolphin dorsal fins
  • Maintenance of photo-id catalogs
  • Integration of disparate data (photographs, attribute data, and geospatial information) into a relational database (e.g., Discovery, Access)
  • Data collection aboard a dedicated research vessel
  • Data collection using a theodolite
  • Skipper and trailer the research vessel
  • Maintenance of research equipment
  • Written preparation of publishable materials, for which appropriate credit will be given
  • Train other PWF employees and teach classes as needed
  • Participate in educational outreach events as needed
  • Temporary re-location to any of our various field sites (e.g. Australia) for extended periods, as needed
  • Assistance with public outreach programs (e.g. interpretive education programs)
  • Assistance with marketing and fundraising efforts
  • Supervision of volunteers and/or interns
  • Training of staff and/or interns
  • Further duties may be assigned as necessary according to the needs and requirements of the Research Department.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Graduate degree, such as M.Sc. or Ph.D. in marine biology or a related field and a minimum of 3 years of working experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Excellent knowledge of marine mammalogy
  • Experience operating small vessels around marine mammals
  • Proven ability to publish and present scientific research and translate findings for a general audience
  • Intermediate or advanced knowledge of database management and statistical software (eg. R, Microsoft Access, SQL, ArcGIS, Distance, Mark-Recapture software)
  • Scientific programming in R and/or Python
  • Experience integrating geospatial datasets in GIS/ArcGIS and other geographic information systems
  • Previous experience with photo-identification
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
  • Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
  • Mental and physical stamina to ensure long days in the field, under intense sunlight, while collecting data according to a set protocol
  • Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to pass a background check

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please send your CV and covering letter as e-mail attachments (PDF preferred) to research@pacificwhale.org – No phone calls or drop-ins, please. Applicants must be citizens of the United States of America or legally authorized to work in the U.S.A.

Closing Date: July 15, 2017