Azura Consulting LLC Large Whale Aerial Survey Biologist Woods Hole, MA · Full time Company website

Apply for Large Whale Aerial Survey Biologist

Azura Consulting LLC (Azura) is a woman-owned small business offering 'big city' resources with 'small town' customer service. Our primary consulting services are focused on natural resources, professional writing and editing, and educational outreach and communication. We are a diverse team of expert scientists, professional writers and editors, and informal educators who are passionate about our work and dedicated to our clients' needs and employee satisfaction. Through great attention to detail, and a bit of wit, we provide innovative solutions and high-quality products that empower our clients to meet their consulting needs.

Azura is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. We strongly encourage all qualified persons to apply.

Azura Consulting LLC is seeking a full-time Large Whale Aerial Survey Biologist to support the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) Protected Species Division (PSD) in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

The Biologist will conduct aerial and shipboard surveys of North Atlantic right whales and other large whales and assist with the collection, management, and analysis of survey data. This work supports research on whale distribution, behavior, health, population dynamics, and ecology, including the effects of human activities on protected species. Survey data are used to inform management decisions, conservation efforts, and public education.

Successful candidates will demonstrate strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills. Applicants must be able to work independently and collaboratively, manage competing priorities, and meet project deadlines.

Place of Performance and Work Schedule

The position is based at the NEFSC facility in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, with fieldwork conducted aboard aircraft and research vessels. This is a full-time position with an initial one-year appointment and the possibility of extension. Overtime may be required and will be compensated at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate. The estimated start date is January 4, 2027, pending completion of required background investigations and onboarding procedures. Travel is anticipated approximately three times per year. Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance are not available for this position.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly Rate: $35.34/hour
• Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with employer match; life and disability insurance; and paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and company-observed holidays.

Duties

The Biologist will perform a variety of tasks supporting large whale research and conservation. Specific responsibilities may include:

Aerial Surveys

• Conduct aerial surveys for North Atlantic right whales and other large whales.
• Visually scan for whales from aircraft bubble windows and record sightings using specialized survey software.
• Photograph whales for individual identification using digital SLR cameras with telephoto lenses.
• Assist with the collection and management of imagery from belly-mounted camera systems.

Vessel Surveys

• Participate in small vessel and shipboard surveys for large whales.
• Conduct visual observations and photograph whales for individual identification.
• Assist with biopsy sampling using crossbows and with oceanographic and zooplankton sampling.
• Support unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations.

Data Management and Analysis

• Perform quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) of aerial and shipboard sightings and effort data.
• Evaluate whale sightings relative to seasonal and dynamic management areas.
• Prepare and maintain summary spreadsheets, databases, and survey reports.
• Conduct preliminary matching of right whale identification photographs.
• Maintain data processing programs and databases and assist with data analyses.

Research and Management Support

• Participate in a rotating right whale sighting report hotline assignment, typically for two weeks at a time.
• Analyze data and prepare reports, presentations, and other materials for stakeholder meetings, environmental impact statements, biological opinions, and management activities.
• Assist with whale carcass relocation, disentanglement response, and necropsies, as needed.
• Support preparation of marine mammal stock assessment reports.

Public Outreach

• Assist with website content and maintenance for the NEFSC PSD.
• Support public education and outreach activities related to marine mammal research and conservation.

Required Qualifications

• At least one year of experience supporting North Atlantic right whale aerial or shipboard survey projects.
• Experience with cetacean species identification and photographic identification.
• Familiarity with marine mammal visual survey data collection and processing, including image processing, databases, and Google Workspace applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare and deliver presentations to scientific, technical, and general audiences.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail and the ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing field conditions, schedules, and project priorities.
• Willingness and ability to conduct fieldwork aboard aircraft and research vessels.
• Current aircraft ditching and emergency egress training or willingness to complete required training before participating in aerial surveys.
• Ability to conduct extended surveys aboard small aircraft and research vessels, including working in variable weather conditions, tolerating prolonged flights, and accommodating irregular schedules based on weather, survey priorities, and fieldwork requirements.
• Authorization to work in the United States.
• Ability to successfully complete the background investigation required for the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Small boat handling experience.
• Experience with mapping and geographic information systems (GIS).
• Experience with SQL, R, GitHub, and cloud-based data environments.
• Familiarity with marine mammal acoustics.

Instructions

• Click the link above or at the bottom of the page to apply.
• The application will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.
• If you want to provide more information for any of your responses, please use the Applicant Comment section to elaborate.
• You will need to provide 2 to 4 references with contact information (name, email, and phone number).

·        Application Review: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by November 12, 2026. Applications received after this date may still be considered.

• Required Documents:
• Cover Letter - 1 page that specifies the position to which you are applying; your earliest available start date; and your level of knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as they pertain to the key responsibilities and desired strengths of this position. Label this file as Lastname-Firstname_Cover Letter_Whale Biologist.
• Resume/CV - 3 pages or less targeted specifically towards the duties and qualifications of this position. Label this file as Lastname-Firstname_Resume (OR CV)_Whale Biologist.

Thank you for applying. Azura Consulting LLC (Azura) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. We strongly encourage all qualified persons to apply for this position.

Review Process

This recruitment process can take several weeks. Once we narrow the applicants, we conduct virtual interviews with chosen applicants and make a final selection. The chosen candidate then undergoes a federal background investigation which often takes 6 to 16 weeks; the candidate either passes or fails based on NOAA's regulations. Contingent upon satisfactory completion of this investigation and United States work authorization verification, Azura will formally offer the position to the preferred applicant. If the applicant fails this investigation, the next applicant who meets the position's criteria will be contacted. Azura will notify all other applicants if they are not chosen for the position.

Please be advised that applicants will not receive an email confirmation upon submission. Azura kindly requests that candidates refrain from contacting the company to inquire about the status of their application. All applications will be reviewed and considered. Azura reserves the right to close job postings at any time once a sufficient number of qualified applicants has been identified.

About Azura

Azura is a woman-owned small business headquartered in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. We offer 'big city' resources with 'small town' customer service. Our primary consulting services are focused on natural resources, professional writing and editing, and educational outreach and communication. Please see our website for more information. www.azuraco.com