This is a grant funded position - the position is contingent upon funds
This position is based in a field house. The locations are Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina. The length of time in position is determined based on the field assigned. All positions start in early November/late October.
POSITION TITLE: Right Whale Aerial Observer
REPORTS TO: Right Whale Aerial Team Leader
SUPERVISES: N/A
EXEMPT OR NON-EXEMPT: Non-Exempt, Temporary
PERCENTAGE OF FT WORK: 100%
LOCATION: Offsite
PERMANENT/TEMPORARY/SEASONAL: Temporary
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
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Participate in right whale aerial surveys in the southeastern U.S. coastal waters under the direct supervision of the Right Whale Team Leader
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Collect data and images on large whales (condition, behavior, associations, status, etc.), and location data on vessels and other species of interest
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Facilitate the transmittal of location information to the various communication networks, the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, New England Aquarium, and NOAA.
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Photograph sightings via digital photography with processing and matching those images in real-time or following each flight
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Verify and conduct quality control checks on aerial survey data
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Present information to the scientific and public communities
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Complete data spreadsheets, photo-analysis, and photo-identification of individuals, analyze data, prepare data for submissions to the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, and other tasks as required and/or assigned by the supervisor
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
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Bachelor’s degree required
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International applicants must secure own visas or other required documentation
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Previous aerial or marine mammal survey experience is preferred
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Experience in photo-identification of large cetaceans is strongly desired
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Successful completion of aviation and marine safety and survival training after hire
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Applicants should be proficient in database entry and Microsoft Office programs
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Demonstrated ability with memorization skills
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Proven track record of attention to detail
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Maintaining open lines of communication
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Ability to live and work well in a team environment is essential
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Expect to work on weekends and holidays
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
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Survey flights require continual focus with eyes and ears - daily
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Ability to work in a small aircraft up to eight hours - daily
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Ability to work while in close, confined spaces - daily
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Ability to work in extreme varying environmental conditions EX: humidity, heat, and rain - daily
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Strong tolerance to working on a continuous motion-based platform - daily
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Weekend and holiday work required - frequently
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COVID-19 vaccination – required
Please upload your cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information of three professional references during your application submission. Application deadline is August 21, 2026.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute reserves the right to revise job descriptions or work hours as required.
All job requirements are subject to change to reflect the evolving position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.
A statement of “temporary” position is not a guarantee of employment. It simply means the role has a set end date (typically up to 1 year) and/or has deliverables to be met and if those deliverables are not met the position may be terminated. In Florida, employment is "at-will" by default, meaning either party can terminate the relationship at any time for any legal reason and as such continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium participates in E-Verify, please view the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Notice of Right to Work.
