Sarasota Dolphin Research Program - Staff Researcher - Acoustics

The Staff Researcher - Acoustics on our Sarasota Dolphin Research Program team contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by assisting with field and laboratory research of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP), primarily with operations and analysis of acoustic research equipment and data, in support of BZC’s mission and continued excellence in conservation programming.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.

1. *     Assist with operations of the Sarasota Bay Listening Network (SBLN), including passive acoustic listening station (PALS) installation and maintenance, acoustic data processing and archiving, updating data and equipment inventories, and implementing QA/QC protocols. 
2. *     Assist with SBLN research, including data analysis and preparation of scientific presentations and manuscripts.
3. *     Assist with broader Sarasota PALS Network outreach, community engagement, and education activities, including preparing presentations, interpretive materials, and stakeholder newsletters, as well as developing and facilitating student training and community science opportunities.
4. *     Participate in collaborative research on acoustics, behavior, and communication, including the Sarasota Dolphin Whistle Database, Digital Acoustic Recording Tag (DTAG)/biologging projects, and the Sarasota Coast Acoustic Network (SBLN’s sister network for tracking acoustically tagged animals) as requested.
5.       Assist with field and laboratory research activities of the SDRP, including: a) photographic identification surveys and analyses (with a goal of eventually leading surveys); b) behavioral observations, c) tagging and tracking (dolphins and fish), d) biopsy dart sampling, e) dolphin catch-and-release health assessments, f) rescues and follow-up monitoring, and g) purse-seining for fish surveys as requested.
6.       Other related duties as assigned. 

* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Marine Science or a related field, or eight years’ equivalent combination of training and/or experience required.

• Master’s degree or one year of experience in marine mammal field research, including prior experience with marine bioacoustics monitoring equipment and analyses.
• Experience with signal processing and programming in MATLAB, Python, and/or R.
• Computer skills required, with experience in Microsoft Office and RavenPro.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, and to prioritize tasks required.
• Swimming proficiency is required.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• English fluency at a full professional proficiency required.
• A valid driver’s license is required at time of hire.  Florida residents must possess a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of hire or must obtain one within 30 days of hire.  A valid out-of-state driver’s license required at time of hire for out-of-state residents.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Marine Science or a related field preferred.
• Experience with data analysis in R preferred.
• Experience with FinBase, ACDSee, and ArcGIS software preferred.
• Experience with DTAG deployment, tracking, and analyses desired.
• Experience operating and maintaining small boats (up to 28ft), including trailering desired.
• Ability to lead photographic identification surveys desired.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform.  This position is full-time and the typical average weekly work schedule is variable and flexible during non-fieldwork periods, but may involve workdays of up to 14 hours during field projects.  This position involves work performed primarily in Sarasota, Florida, and potentially at other collaborating sites.

PHYSICAL-MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:  See Physical-Mental Requirements Form.

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