Aerial Observer, Right Whale Ecology Program

Job Title: Aerial Observer/Research Assistant I

Reports to: RWEP Director

Job Classification: Full-time, seasonal

Salary: $60,000 per annum, pro rated

Benefits: Eligible for paid time off after one month of employment. Housing available in a shared fieldhouse.

Term: January 01, 2027 - June 30, 2027; possibility to start as early as December 01, 2026

Job Summary:  

The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) is seeking a seasonal Aerial Observer for our Right Whale Ecology Program (RWEP). The Aerial Observer participates in aerial surveys in a small, fixed-wing aircraft to assess the abundance, distribution, and behavior of North Atlantic right whales during our primary field season (January - June). Key responsibilities include collecting and processing sightings and photographic data. The observer will occasionally participate in vessel surveys of Cape Cod Bay and assist other program staff with ongoing projects as needed. Applicants must be available for the entire duration of the position and must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and evenings as needed.

Essential Duties:

• Conduct Aerial Surveys


• Participate in aerial surveys as an observer, data recorder, and photographer


• Visually scan for marine mammals, vessels, fishing activity, and marine debris from an aircraft at low altitudes


• Orbit at banked angles to photo-document sightings


• Provide aerial support for disentanglement efforts and whale carcass removal


• Process Aerial Survey Data


• Enter and proof data recorded during surveys


• Complete effort and sighting data tables


• Photo-analysis and photo-identification of individuals


• Update in-house identification catalog


• Assist in preparation of data for submissions to the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium


• Other Duties


• Become familiar with current entanglement cases, protocols, and individual animals of interest


• Assist flight coordinator, data manager, and program director with relevant projects


• Participate in vessel surveys


• Finalize data entry and photo analysis from previous field seasons


• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, ecology, fisheries science or a related field with 3-6 years of experience


• Minimum one-year experience working on right whale or related aerial survey projects


• Experience in photo-identification of marine mammals and matching individuals to a catalog


• Demonstrated skill in field identification of North Atlantic marine mammals and familiarity with marine mammal visual survey data collection and processing methods


• Precise attention to detail and ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and strict timelines


• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team


• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and are responsible for obtaining their own Visa if necessary

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience using iMatch image database software


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including preparing visual presentations for a variety of technical, scientific, and general public audiences


• Aircraft underwater egress training is desired but not required. Ditch training with the use of compressed air will be required for this position and is part of CCS-provided training

How to Apply:

The application package must include the following as a single PDF:

• Cover letter


• CV/resume


• Names and contact information of three professional references


• College transcripts (unofficial are sufficient)

Application materials must be submitted via the link below by November 2, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received until the position is filled.

The Center for Coastal Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diversity of opinions, experience, and backgrounds is a key asset.