Marine Mammal Technician

Position Summary

Three seasonal marine mammal technician positions are available with the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML). The technicians will assist with monitoring and management of marine mammals (primarily the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale) in Knik Arm and Eagle River. The position is located at Joint Base Elmendorf‑Richardson (JBER) Anchorage, AK.

Minimal requirements: physically fit, able to work both independently and as part of a team, able to work in inclement weather, and have excellent verbal and writing skills. Applicants should be comfortable working both outside and in an office setting. The role is temporary and contingent upon funding for JBER conservation efforts.

DURATION:
Position will last approximately 6 months, starting in June/July (dates are somewhat flexible and coordinated with JBER marine mammal lead). Duration longer than 6 months is possible, but contingent on funding and work availability.

CEMML is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University (CSU). CEMML applies the latest and most appropriate science to promote the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources on Department of Defense (DoD) and other public lands. We provide technical support, conduct applied research, and offer career development and learning opportunities to support resource stewardship.

The installation is over 73,000 acres, stretching from northern Anchorage to Chugiak, Alaska. JBER is located near Anchorage, Alaska, which has a population of nearly 300,000.

• Behavioral observations of belugas from land and boat in Knik Arm (primarily Eagle Bay) and deployment/servicing of a variety of passive acoustic monitoring devices.
• Enter data, manage databases, and may conduct analyses on desktop computers.
• May also occasionally be assigned to work on other tasks that support the JBER Natural Resources program.
• Assist JBER personnel with field and administrative projects as needed and other duties as assigned.

• Comfortable working in and around swift-moving water, walking over uneven terrain for long distances.
• Ability to carry 50 lb and work in Alaska's inclement weather.
• Technicians are required to abide by JBER health mandates.

• U.S. citizenship.
• BS/BA degree in marine biology, biology, ecology, natural resources, wildlife, fisheries or related field.
• Ability to traverse rough terrain and work outdoors in weather extremes.
• Valid driver’s license and Real  required.
• Appointment contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Flexibility in work hours, including occasional weekends.
• Experience working with endangered species.
• Experience monitoring marine mammals, especially land-based visual monitoring.
• Experience conducting behavioral observations of cetaceans.
• Experience trailering or working in a small boat in coastal Alaskan waters (or a similar cold water, extreme tide environment).
• Experience working with passive acoustic monitoring equipment (dipping hydrophones, F‑POD, etc).
• Experience working with water level loggers (e.g., HOBO).
• Experience performing data entry and management.
• Experience working on a military installation.

Applications will be reviewed as received, and interviews will begin immediately following the conclusion of the application period. Prospective candidates should send materials consisting of:

• Cover letter noting the position and responding to the requirements.
• Resume.
• Name and daytime phone number for three references, including one current or former supervisor.

Contact Nathan Kennedy nedy for more information.

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV

$20.00 - $25.00 per hour.

Colorado State University conducts background checks for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history. Checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Colorado State University provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.