Protected Species Acoustician

Description

Who We Are:

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is the state agency responsible for preserving the state’s natural resources. They exercise responsibility over the Commonwealth’s marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife species, plants, and natural communities, as well as the habitats that support them.

Who We Serve

Massachusetts was the first state in the nation to combine energy and environmental agencies under one Cabinet secretary. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) serves Commonwealth residents interested in outdoor recreational activities, clean energy solutions and those who work with animals and livestock. Equally, EOEEA works with energy consumers, power companies, clean energy providers and farmers to delicately balance the interaction with environmental protection laws and regulations while being a cornerstone for our economic prosperity.

Job Opening

The Department of Fish and Game seeks applicants for the position of Protected Species Acoustician to perform the following duties:

The individual will serve as the Protected Species Acoustician to work on passive acoustic projects within the Protected Species Program. Responsibilities include designing and implementing passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) projects for large whales in Massachusetts coastal waters; deployment, maintenance, and purchasing of PAM equipment; and acoustic data management and analyses. The positions will work closely with DMF’s Science and Monitoring Lead and other support staff to develop and meet acoustic monitoring goals for large whales, including documenting North Atlantic right whale habitat use. In addition to assisting DMF’s Protected Species Program with the synthesis and presentation of results, collaborating with regional partners on relevant projects, representing DMF at management and scientific meetings, and other work needed to maintain a comprehensive protected species program.

Detailed Statement Of Duties And Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and manage research programs for passive acoustic monitoring projects in Massachusetts coastal waters, with a focus on right whale distribution, habitat use, and dynamic management of fishing closures.
• Procure all necessary PAM equipment; integrate all components into operational PAM system; establish procedures for deployment, operation, and retrieval of PAM; analysis and reporting of results of monitoring.
• Manage acoustic data collection, storage, quality checks, and acoustic and statistical analyses.
• Collaborates with regional partners to maintain a coastwide passive acoustic archival monitoring network for large whales.
• Assist in overseeing real-time acoustic monitoring program in Massachusetts with collaborators.
• Assist the Protected Species Science and Monitoring lead with acoustic monitoring project management, including grants, budgets, and reports.
• In collaboration with DMF staff, writes technical and non-technical work related to acoustic monitoring programs and other protected species related issues in Massachusetts.
• Presents technical and non-technical information related to protected species conservation to managers, industry groups, and the public.
• Assists Protected Species Program with additional tasks as necessary to maintain a comprehensive marine protected species program.

Qualifications Required At Hire

• Experience in PAM, bioacoustics, soundscape ecology, ambient noise, and statistical modeling.
• Ability to lead the development and implementation of archival PAM program for large whales in Massachusetts coastal waters, including study design, equipment maintenance, and data management and analysis.
• Experience with the deployment, servicing and purchasing duties needed to maintain various PAM projects.
• Knowledge of cetacean biology, ecology, and/or behavior (particularly vocal behavior).
• Demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills and be detailed oriented.
• Experience with project administration, including budget tracking, contracts, progress reports.
• Ability to write and give oral presentations in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to work independently, as well as cooperatively with a team, to meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Raven Pro, PAMGUARD, LFDCS, Python, MATLAB and/or GIS software.
• Experience with processing raw acoustics data and checking data for false positive or negative detections.
• Experience deploying research equipment in a marine environment.
• Knowledge of right whale conservation issues, human impact mitigation and the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan.
• Knowledge of the various commercial fisheries that occur in the Commonwealth, and how they are prosecuted.
• Experience on vessels, including small vessels around 30 feet long.
• A cover letter and resume expressing your interest in this position must be submitted as part of the application process. These documents must be specifically attached to the requisition for which you are applying.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, para-professional or technical experience in marine biology or fisheries management work, of which (B) at least two years must have been in a professional capacity and of which (C) at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions

I. A Bachelors degree with a major in marine, fisheries or wildlife biology; fisheries or wildlife management; marine science or oceanography may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.*

II. A Graduate degree with a major in marine, fisheries or wildlife biology; fisheries or wildlife management, marine science or oceanography may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.*

• Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title: Aquatic Biologist III

Primary Location

: United States-Massachusetts-New Bedford – 836 South Rodney

Job

: Science

Agency

: Department of Fish And Game

Schedule

: Full-time

Shift

: Day

Job Posting

: Aug 16, 2024, 12:42:01 PM

Number of Openings

: 1

Salary

: 70,654.22 – 103,906.66 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Gabriella Knight – 8572680629

Confidential: No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes