WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST, Mid-Atlantic Baseline Studies Project

at Biodiversity Research Institute

Location:
Gorham, ME

Duration:
Open, Approximate start date is March 19, 2012

Job Type:
Temporary

Application Deadline:
02/21/2012

Job Description:
Wildlife biologist, Mid-Atlantic Baseline Studies Project – The Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) has an opening for a Wildlife Biologist with experience in boat surveys for marine birds and/or cetaceans. BRI is a growing non-profit based out of Gorham, ME. The mission is to assess emerging threats to wildlife and ecosystems through collaborative research, and to use scientific findings to advance environmental awareness and inform decision makers. Duties will include species identification of seabirds, cetaceans and other wildlife in aerial video footage; acting as an observer on offshore boat surveys; and project administration responsibilities. This is a full-time, one year position with possibility of extension. Approximate start date is March 19, 2012. Weather and other factors determine the work schedule. Position will be based in Maine, but the successful applicant must have ability to travel. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The wildlife biologist will assist BRI’s Marine Bird Program Director and Wildlife and Renewable Energy Program Director on a three-year federally funded study of wildlife in the Mid-Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Lead a four-person team in analysis of large amounts of aerial survey video footage, including identification of targets to species or species grouping, quality assurance procedures, data management, and related administrative requirements; Act as one of five observers on a 60’ survey vessel during boat surveys for birds, marine mammals, and sea turtles (approximately 40 days at sea per year); Assist with report and manuscript writing; Coordinate video analysis and assist in coordinating aerial and boat surveys with project collaborators; and All other duties as directed or assigned. Work Environment: Applicant will be based at BRI’s Gorham, Maine office and conduct field work on a 60’ survey vessel offshore from Maryland to Virginia. Job involves frequent travel to the Mid-Atlantic region, including overnights in hotels and in communal bunk space on the survey vessel. Vessel has limited galley accommodations. Compensation: Commensurate with education and experience. Generous Benefits Include: Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Retirement Plan with company match, Paid Time Off and 12 Paid Holidays.

To Apply:
Send a resume and cover letter to (EM: jobs AT briloon.org) no later than February 21, 2012 with "Wildlife Biologist" in the subject line. Please include how you learned about the position. Biodiversity Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

Qualifications:
Minimum Requirements: **Master’s degree in wildlife biology or a related field; **Must have prior seabird or marine mammal identification experience and be thorough and detail-oriented; **Skilled writer and have previously published scientific manuscripts; **Prior experience in conducting scientific boat surveys; **Willing to travel from Maine to the mid-Atlantic on a regular basis, including spending overnights in cramped conditions on the boat, and be willing to work long hours. Strongly preferred: **Specialization in marine bird ecology and/or species identification **Previous data management and QA/QC experience Physical Demands: Must be able to spend multiple days and nights at sea and work outside for long periods in harsh conditions. Must be able to lift >50 pounds.