Stranding Coordinator - Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network

The Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN), located at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) on Dauphin Island, AL, seeks a highly-motivated Stranding Coordinator to lead marine mammal stranding response and assist with related research projects in coastal Alabama and nearby waters. Established in 2011, ALMMSN is a cooperative regional stranding network partner, working with NOAA's NMFS and USFWS to respond to dolphin, whale, and manatee strandings. The primary goal of ALMMSN is to enhance stranding reporting and response efforts to ensure collection of consistent, high-quality data that are used to determine causes of strandings and/or death. This position is physically demanding and requires field response and necropsy on-call and under a variety of weather conditions.


Daily duties: In conjunction with PI, the Stranding Coordinator (SC) manages and works collaboratively with ALMMSN staff, veterinarians, students, interns and others to manage a 24-hr stranding hotline, coordinate field stranding responses, lead necropsy events, oversee sample handling, manage data collection and documentation, and oversee equipment and facility cleaning and maintenance. The SC also manages permit applications and renewals, budgeting and reporting, and participates in public outreach and volunteer coordination. The SC will have opportunities to assist the DISL Manatee Sighting Network and other laboratory staff with projects including marine mammal captures, health assessments, telemetry tracking of tagged animals, photo-ID, and dietary or physiology studies. SC will be encouraged and supported to attend relevant local, regional, national or international meetings and engage in career development opportunities.


Minimum qualification requirements: Bachelor’s degree (MS-level preferred) in biology, marine
science, wildlife biology, or other related program; at least 2 yrs experience with marine mammal
stranding response and necropsy techniques; familiarity with MMPA, NOAA/NMFS and USFWS stranding protocols; knowledge of marine mammal anatomy; effective written and verbal communication, including speaking to the public; ability to maintain effective and cooperative working relationships; calm demeanor under stressful conditions; independent and logical thinker, able to apply problem solving techniques; knowledge of digital SLR cameras and lenses. Willingness to work irregular hours and be responsive and reliable at all times is essential. Occasional out-of-state and overnight travel required. Applicant must be physically fit, able to lift at least 50 lbs and a strong swimmer; experience trailering and operating vessels up to 24’ in length; ability to endure long days and unpleasant field conditions including temperatures between 30°F-100°F, rain, humidity and biting insects; have valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Applicant is required to obtain an Alabama vessel license, complete a DISL boating safety class, and obtain a hazardous materials shipping certification within 6 months of employment.


Preferred qualifications: Masters degree. Prior grant and scientific writing experience; experience with spatial analysis or statistics programs such as ArcGIS, R, and SigmaPlot; prior research or live animal handling/ rehabilitation experience with cetaceans and manatees; MOCC, SCUBA, first aid/CPR and other relevant certifications.


This is a grant-funded, full-time position (weekends, nights and holidays may be required) with a
competitive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k) plan, and holiday, vacation and sick leave. Salary is regionally competitive, commensurate with experience (minimum starting $40,000). Applicant must be eligible to legally work in the U.S. and physically able to perform the required duties.


Interested applicants should send a cover letter, CV, list of three references and date of availability to rcarmichael@disl.org before April 13, 2018. Please put ALMMSN SC–YourLastName in the subject line. Review of applications will begin immediately and end when the position is filled, preferably by 1 May.


More information about the ALMMSN, DISL Manatee Sighting Network, Carmichael Lab and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab can be found at http://almmsn.disl.org and
http://www.disl.org/about/faculty/rcarmichael. AA/EEO/M/F/D; DISL is fair and impartial in relations
with employees and recognizes and respects the individual.