The Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is seeking applicants with strong scientific skills to fill six (6) *limited period Marine Resource Scientist I positions in the Division of Marine Mammal Research within the Bureau of Marine Science located at the West Boothbay Harbor Laboratory.
BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION:
These positions will be responsible for processing acoustic recordings for species-specific vocalizations using various software. The positions will also be responsible for statistical and ambient noise analyses. The positions will perform deployment/retrieval, servicing, and purchasing duties needed to maintain passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) projects. The positions will stay up to date on literature and relevant regional projects, and work with the Passive Acoustics Program Lead to present and publish results. Each position may conduct a research project using the species detection and/or vocal activity data generated by the team’s analysis. With direction from the program lead, this could include identifying a research question, applying for external grant funding, implementing the necessary statistical analyses, and disseminating results.
As needed, the positions will work across DMR programmatic lines, including for other programs within the Division of Marine Mammal Research and the Division of Ecology and the Environment.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES PREFERRED:
- Previous experience with passive acoustic analysis and/or deploying/retrieving passive acoustics equipment
- Knowledge of cetacean biology, ecology, and/or behavior, particularly vocal behavior
- Knowledge of management issues with respect to fisheries and/or offshore wind energy development
- Ability to demonstrate strong analytical, writing, and communication skills
- An ability to work independently as well as cooperatively within a team
- Ability to demonstrate strong organization skills and be detail oriented
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in PAM, bioacoustics, soundscape ecology, ambient noise, statistical modeling, and/or artificial neural networks. Experience with Raven Pro, PAMGUARD, LFDCS, R, Python, MATLAB and/or GIS software are preferred. Prior experience participating in multi-day offshore research cruises is preferred.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor’s degree in a scientific, technical, or engineering discipline, or equivalent in directly related work experience; and two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of marine resource research and management or related field.
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Balance—Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage—The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($9,893.52-$11,057.52 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Health Insurance Premium Credit—Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
- Dental Insurance—The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
- Retirement Plan—The State of Maine contributes 13.41% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
- Gym Membership Reimbursement—Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts—Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness—The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
- Living Resources Program—Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
- Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
- Voluntary Deferred Compensation—Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
- Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
Salary: $50,481.60 - $68,099.20/Annually
Closing Date: February 16, 2024
