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Whale Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CSS, Inc

Bioacoustics Scientist

Miami, FL · On-site

Fieldwork may also include visual observation of anthropogenic and biological activities and ... right whales. * Ability to lift/carry at least 40lbs and work outdoors for extended periods.

CSS, Inc

Bioacoustics Scientist

Miami, FL · On-site

Fieldwork may also include visual observation of anthropogenic and biological activities and ... right whales. * Ability to lift/carry at least 40lbs and work outdoors for extended periods.

AIS Inc

Bioacoustics Scientist

Key Biscayne, FL · On-site

... right whales). Preferred Qualifications: * Experience in NOAA Fisheries cetacean bioacoustics research. Travel: * Travel is required to support field deployments to collect biological and ...

AIS Inc

Bioacoustics Scientist

Miami, FL · On-site

... right whales). Preferred Qualifications: * Experience in NOAA Fisheries cetacean bioacoustics research. Travel: * Travel is required to support field deployments to collect biological and ...

AIS, Inc.

Bioacoustics Scientist

Miami, FL · On-site

... right whales). Preferred Qualifications: * Experience in NOAA Fisheries cetacean bioacoustics research. Travel: * Travel is required to support field deployments to collect biological and ...

Lynker Corporation

Senior Bioacoustics Scientist

Miami, FL

$87K - $119K/yr

The work supports research on oceanic cetaceans, Rice's whales, North Atlantic right whales, sperm ... Analyze and interpret archived acoustic data to detect, localize, and classify biological and ...

Lynker Corporation

Senior Bioacoustics Scientist

Miami, FL · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

The work supports research on oceanic cetaceans, Rice's whales, North Atlantic right whales, sperm ... Analyze and interpret archived acoustic data to detect, localize, and classify biological and ...

Think Tank, Inc.

Gear Liasion

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

Support Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction (ALWTR) Team meetings. * Provide monthly communications ... Bachelor's degree or master's degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, fisheries biology ...

Think Tank, Inc.

Gear Liasion

Silver Spring, MD · Remote

Support Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction (ALWTR) Team meetings. * Provide monthly communications ... Bachelor's degree or master's degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, fisheries biology ...

CSS, Inc

Quantitative Ecologist

Miami, FL

... right whales. * Experience developing survey/sampling design, relationships, and queries to support analyses of biological data from marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles, plus ancillary ...

CSS, Inc

Quantitative Ecologist

Miami, FL · On-site

... right whales. * Experience developing survey/sampling design, relationships, and queries to support analyses of biological data from marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles, plus ancillary ...

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Whale Biologist information

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$37K

$89.4K

$138K

How much do whale biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for whale biologist in the United States is $89,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily tasks or responsibilities of a whale biologist?

As a Whale Biologist, your days may include conducting field surveys from research vessels, collecting and analyzing biological samples, tagging and tracking whale movements, and monitoring whale populations using acoustic and visual methods. You’ll also spend time processing data, writing research reports, and collaborating with other scientists, conservation organizations, or government agencies. Depending on the season, you might alternate between extended fieldwork and lab-based analysis. This variety ensures that the role remains dynamic and offers hands-on opportunities to contribute to important marine conservation projects.

What does a whale biologist do?

A Whale Biologist studies whales, their behavior, ecology, and physiology to understand their role in the marine ecosystem. They conduct field research, collect data on whale populations, monitor migration patterns, and assess the impacts of environmental changes. Some work in conservation, helping to protect endangered whale species through policy and advocacy. Others may work in education or research institutions, sharing findings with the public and scientific community.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a whale biologist?

A Whale Biologist needs a robust background in marine biology, research methods, and data analysis, often supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with tools like acoustic monitoring devices, satellite tags, GIS software, and relevant scientific diving or boating certifications is typically expected. Strong observational skills, teamwork, and clear communication are important soft skills for fieldwork and collaboration. These abilities are critical for conducting effective research, ensuring safety, and advancing conservation efforts in often challenging environments.

How do you become a whale biologist?

To become a whale biologist, you typically need at least a bachelor's degree in marine biology, zoology, or a related field, with advanced positions often requiring a master's or Ph.D. in marine science or biology. Gaining experience through internships, research projects, and fieldwork is important, along with developing skills in data analysis, boat operation, and species identification.
More about Whale Biologist jobs
What states have the most Whale Biologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Whale Biologist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Whale Biologist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Whale Biologist jobs are:
Whale Biologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Whale Biologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 60% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 37% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,403 per year, or $43 per hour.

Bioacoustics Scientist

CSS, Inc

Miami, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

CSS, Inc. is seeking a qualified candidate to support the Bioacoustics Science Program within the Marine Mammal & Turtle (MMTD) division of the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) to develop and manage key research projects for SEFSC's passive acoustics program to: collect and analyze passive acoustic data to address distribution, ecosystem ecology, and anthropogenic impact questions to support marine mammal stock assessments and protect multiple marine species and their habitats.

The candidate will provide fieldwork and analytical services to manage current and future passive acoustic projects focused on multiple cetacean species to better understand their spatiotemporal distribution in core habitats and migratory routes for use in assessing and mitigating risks from human activities. The candidate will also conduct research to support management and conservation, including supporting research planning and execution, working with management counterparts, and supporting administrative needs.


Responsibilities

General Laboratory Management

  • Provide general laboratory assistance including data archiving, computer maintenance, and construction and maintenance of acoustic hydrophone recorders (moored/drifting hydrophones, towed arrays) and associated oceanographic equipment.

Fieldwork

  • Participate in fieldwork on an as-needed basis, including driving government vehicles when necessary to complete tasks. Fieldwork will include deployment/retrieval of drifting and moored hydrophones, as well as deployment and real time monitoring of towed hydrophone arrays, sonobuoys, and/or gliders. Fieldwork may also include visual observation of anthropogenic and biological activities and assistance in oceanographic data collection.

Analysis and Archiving of Acoustic Data

  • Analyze and interpret archived acoustic data to detect, localize, and classify biological and anthropogenic sound sources. The candidate will conduct advanced analysis to address the NOAA Fisheries Passive Acoustic Ecology Program research objectives, including leading/developing research ideas. The candidate will be responsible for uploading all metadata to the SEFSC's acoustic databases and servers, and for the maintenance of the deployment and detections databases.

Participate in site-specific meetings

  • Participate in periodic SEFSC, MMTD, and Passive Acoustic Ecology team meetings with the Program Leads, NOAA Fisheries staff, and Center leadership to exchange information and to stay informed.

Qualifications

  • Ph.D from an accredited college or university in acoustics, fisheries, oceanography, natural science, mathematics, or another major directly related to the field of work
  • 10 years of experience in the related fields
  • Experience analyzing anthropogenic noise in the marine environment using acoustic metadata databases and scientific bioacoustics software programs, such as Pamguard or Raven, to analyze cetacean sounds.
  • Experience programming in MATLAB and/or R programming languages.
  • Experience with building, maintaining, & repairing real-time acoustic hydrophones (e.g. towed hydrophone arrays, sonobuoys) and autonomous hydrophones (drifting and/or moored)
  • Experience with the implementation of legislative mandates, such as the Marine Mammal Protection and Endangered Species Act for highly endangered marine mammal species, e.g., Rice's whales or North Atlantic right whales.
  • Ability to lift/carry at least 40lbs and work outdoors for extended periods.
  • Initial physical exam and/or periodic medical monitoring, including drug screening, may be required for sea-going roles
  • Ability to pass a National Agency Check (NACI) and maintain it throughout the duration of employment.
  • US Citizenship or legal permanent residence ("green card") is required

Experience in NOAA Fisheries cetacean bioacoustics research is preferred.