Marine Mammal Technician

Three seasonal marine mammal technician positions are available with the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML). This position is located at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) Anchorage, AK. The technicians will assist with monitoring and management of marine mammals (primarily the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale) in Knik Arm and Eagle River. Interested applicants must be 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.  This is a temporary position and is contingent upon the availability of 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 for longer than 6 months is possible, but contingent on funding and work availability.
ORGANIZATION: 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.

We collaborate with our sponsors and within CSU to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions that sustain our resources for future generations.
To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, our mission, vision, and values, visit

LOCATION:

In October 2010, the Air Force’s Elmendorf Air Force Base and the Army’s Fort Richardson joined to become Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER). 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. The city’s proximity to JBER provides access to an urban center as well as excellent recreation and wildlife opportunities.

For more information about Anchorage, visit ## ESSENTIAL

JOB DUTIES:

This position will assistto: 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. Incumbentassist JBER personnel with field and administrative projects as needed and other duties as assigned.  with a variety of marine mammal projects including but not limited  will also enter data, manage databases, and may conduct analyses on desktop computers.

While the major emphasis of this position is focused on marine mammal work, the incumbent may also occasionally be assigned to work on other tasks that support the JBER Natural Resources program. Incumbent will

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The successful candidate must be comfortable working in and around swift-moving water, walking over uneven terrain for long distances, must be able to carry 50 lbs and work in Alaska's inclement weather. Technicians are required to abide by JBER health mandates.##

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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 is contingent on successful completion of a background check.  PREFERED

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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…