Job description

Job Description

Position: Assistant Marine Conservation Scientist

Reports to: Director, Ocean Giants Program

Location: Centre for Global Conservation, Bronx Zoo, Bronx, New York

Country Program/Sector: New York

Position Type: Full Time

Internal liaison: Dr. Melinda Rekdahl

Expected travel: On occasion to conferences, meetings with approval

The Assistant Marine Conservation Scientists will work primarily on an acoustic monitoring project in the New York Bight. The primary focus of the project is detection, classification and potentially localization of cetacean vocalizations, as well as characterization of ambient noise using archival and near-real time recording technology. The data sets will include both historic and planned recordings from near-real time acoustic monitoring buoys deployed as part of a project to detect and alert in near real-time the presence of four key species of large whales (North Atlantic Right Whale, humpback whale, fin whale and sei whale). Analysis of the archival data as well as other acoustic data sets collected from recorders placed elsewhere in the New York Bight will involve both manual and automated methods for documenting all vocalizing marine mammal species.

The Assistant Marine Conservation Scientist will be expected to work independently under the supervision of the Ocean Giants Director and Marine Conservation Scientist and will assist with organizing and processing acoustic data and conducting analyses to satisfy the project goals. The assistants will be expected to lead aspects of the data analysis and also to train and manage interns in data processing. Data processing will involve some considerable manual processing along with testing and running automated detectors, including implementing machine learning methods, for species present in the New York Bight. The Assistant Marine Conservation Scientists (AMCS) are expected to have quantitative and analytical skills and contribute to work integrating multiple data types for conservation and management outcomes. The AMCSs will also be expected to contribute to and lead report writing and publications. Additional expectations as part of the Ocean Giants Program team include; 1) assisting with field work activities in the New York Bight collecting marine mammal sightings, photo ID, genetic and tag data—and managing and analyzing these resulting data and databases 2) contribute to policy, education and advocacy initiatives, 3) work actively on current or planned projects on ocean noise, eDNA and integration and synthesis of multiple types of data. The AMCSs will also have the opportunity to undertake an independent research project of interest, providing that work aligns with one of the Ocean Giant Programs project objectives, and would be expected to result in publications.

The Assistant Marine Conservation Scientist positions require individuals that are skilled at analysis of large datasets (acoustic data), have geospatial and modelling experience and fieldwork skills. The AMCSs are expected to demonstrate the ability to write scientific papers, have excellent communication skills and the ability to work positively under difficult conditions when in the field.

Major Responsibilities:
Organizing and processing acoustic data (manual processing along with testing and running automated detectors for species present in the New York Bight)
Characterization of ambient noise
Conduct acoustic analyses to satisfy the project goals.
Lead and contribute to report writing and publications.
Assisting with field work activities in the New York Bight collecting marine mammal sightings, photo ID, genetic and tag data
Managing associated large datasets for field-collected and acoustic data
Assist with deployments and recovery of acoustic units in the NYB, as well as contribute to acoustic analyses from other regions (where relevant and appropriate)
Actively contributing to policy, education and advocacy initiatives
Work actively on current or planned projects on ocean noise, eDNA and synthesis of multiple types of data.
The AMCSs will also have the opportunity to undertake independent research projects related to the primary project, providing that work aligns with one of the Ocean Giant Programs project objectives, and would be expected to result in publication.

Qualification Requirements

The following experience are expected of The AMCSs
Working with large datasets of long-term acoustic data, primarily from the archival analyses of the 2 near real-time buoys deployed in the New York Bight (but not limited to these along
Familiarity with cetacean vocalizations
Fluency in the use of Bioacoustic analysis software (such as Raven, Pamguard, Ishmael, etc.)
Programming skills in R or MATLAB allowing development of stand alone analysis tools
Automated detection of cetacean vocalizations in large datasets
Conduct relevant modelling for key datasets
Translating results into written reports for semi-annual and Annual Reporting.
Field work skills
Demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals
Localization of sound sources using an array of recording elements
Classification of detected vocalizations to species or taxon group
Characterization of ambient noise using established metrics and procedures
The AMSCs are expected to have a Masters degree or the equivalent in experience, in a field related to Marine Bioacoustics.
Application and Review Procedure

Please submit a CV, detailed cover letter describing specific experience in the skills listed above or other relevant skills not mentioned, and contact information for three references.

WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. EOE/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled

Salary Range

$55,000-$60,000

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