Lead Marine Mammal Observer
- Honolulu, HI
- $43.00 per hour
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Lead, coordinate, and schedule teams of marine mammal observers for ship-based surveys, ensuring proper observer rotation and shift assignments for continuous coverage per project protocols.
- Oversee and participate in systematic visual searches for marine mammals using big-eye binoculars and line-transect methodologies, accurately documenting species ID, group size, and group behavior.
- Ensure data integrity through daily QA/QC review of visual sighting data, photographs, and survey logs; troubleshoot and resolve discrepancies in collaboration with NOAA Survey Leaders and team members.
- Train, mentor, and supervise observers in field protocols, best practices, and data entry procedures (VisCruz, WinCruz, VizSurvey, or other designated software).
- Serve as the primary liaison between the observer team, vessel command, and NOAA project leads; maintain clear, professional communication regarding operational updates, personnel issues, or safety matters.
- Provide leadership in the collection and processing of ancillary data (biopsy samples, identification photographs, acoustic data entry), and actively contribute in small boat deployments when required.
- Prepare and submit daily logs, observer rotation schedules, annotated survey records, and post-survey summary reports in compliance with NOAA contract deliverables.
- Support outreach efforts and actively participate in pre-, during, and post-survey knowledge transfer and staff training, including skill development for junior and novice observers.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in marine biology, ecology, zoology, or closely related behavioral or life sciences.
- Minimum 12–14 months cumulative experience as a marine mammal observer on large (
- Demonstrated proficiency in marine mammal identification (species-level), line-transect survey techniques, and use of major NMFS shipboard visual data collection software (e.g., VisCruz, WinCruz, VizSurvey).
- Experience producing scientific datasets and reports for marine mammal research.
- Strong leadership, mentoring, organizational, and communication skills in high-tempo, multi-partner environments.
- Ability to obtain and maintain all required medical clearance, shipboard suitability, NOAA safety certifications, and background/security checks for offshore deployments.
- U.S. citizenship or, if foreign national, ability to meet all NOAA requirements for work authorization, visas, and advance clearance (including higher qualifications, as required by NOAA policy).
- Prior Lead Observer experience on NOAA or equivalent research vessels.
- Experience collecting and processing biopsy samples from wild cetaceans and archiving digital photographic data.
- Experience supporting or working alongside acoustic operations (PAM) and cross-training field teams.
- Positive references from prior employers attesting to observer team leadership performance.
- Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
- Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
- Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
- Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
- 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!
- Flexible spending accounts
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Short- and long-term disability insurance
- Life and accident insurance
- Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement
- Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
- Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
- Employee Referral Program
- Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
- Personalized career growth plans for every employee