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Whale Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Whoi

Research Associate III

Falmouth, MA · On-site

Job Summary The Research Associate III will serve as a core member of a multidisciplinary research ... Lead installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance of real-time whale detection systems at ...

Whoi

Research Associate III

Falmouth, MA · On-site

Job Summary The Research Associate III will serve as a core member of a multidisciplinary research ... Lead installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance of real-time whale detection systems at ...

Triple Whale

Associate Corporate Counsel

New York, NY · On-site +1

$125K - $150K/yr

Conduct legal research on emerging issues relevant to Triple Whale's products and business * Support data privacy and data protection compliance efforts, including reviewing and negotiating data ...

Whale Mallozzi & Padgett PC

Senior Tax Manager

Neptune, NJ · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

This requires open communication to reach an understanding of our clients' needs through research and sound analysis. Whale, Mallozzi, & Padgett PC is dedicated to meeting these goals with high ...

Whale Mallozzi & Padgett PC

Senior Tax Manager

Neptune, NJ · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

This requires open communication to reach an understanding of our clients' needs through research and sound analysis. Whale, Mallozzi, & Padgett PC is dedicated to meeting these goals with high ...

AIS Inc

Bioacoustics Scientist

Key Biscayne, FL · On-site

Manage passive acoustics ecology research on cetaceans within SEFSC jurisdiction with specialized focus on North Atlantic right whales, Rice's whales, and sperm whales. * Provide general laboratory ...

AIS Inc

Bioacoustics Scientist

Miami, FL · On-site

Manage passive acoustics ecology research on cetaceans within SEFSC jurisdiction with specialized focus on North Atlantic right whales, Rice's whales, and sperm whales. * Provide general laboratory ...

AIS, Inc.

Bioacoustics Scientist

Miami, FL · On-site

Manage passive acoustics ecology research on cetaceans within SEFSC jurisdiction with specialized focus on North Atlantic right whales, Rice's whales, and sperm whales. * Provide general laboratory ...

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Whale Research information

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How much do whale research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for whale research in the United States is $21.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is whale research?

A Whale Research job involves studying whales' behavior, biology, and conservation. Researchers may conduct fieldwork, gathering data on whale populations, migration patterns, and vocalizations. They often collaborate with marine biologists, conservation organizations, and governmental agencies. The role may involve boat surveys, photo identification, and analyzing environmental impacts on whale habitats. Research findings help inform conservation efforts and policies to protect whale species worldwide.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in whale research?

To thrive in Whale Research, a strong background in marine biology, ecology, or a related science, often supported by an advanced degree, is essential. Experience with data collection tools like hydrophones, GPS tracking systems, and statistical software, as well as relevant research certifications, is highly valued. Attention to detail, adaptability in remote fieldwork conditions, and strong teamwork and communication skills distinguish exceptional candidates. These competencies are critical for accurately gathering and interpreting data, ensuring safety in challenging environments, and facilitating effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in whale research?

Professionals in Whale Research often split their time between fieldwork—such as tracking and observing whales from boats or shore—and office-based tasks like data analysis and report writing. Days in the field may involve deploying acoustic monitoring equipment, collecting biological samples, and recording behavioral observations. When not in the field, researchers organize data, prepare research publications, and collaborate with other scientists or conservation organizations. This balance of hands-on and analytical work means flexibility and strong organizational skills are essential for success in the role.

More about Whale Research jobs
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Whale Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Whale Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,571 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Aerial Observer - Assistant Research Scientist II

New England Aquarium

Boston, MA • On-site

$24.97 - $24.98/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

The Assistant Research Scientist II in EcoMAP serves as an observer on aerial surveys of whales, dolphins and sea turtles in New England waters. They are responsible for sightings and effort flight logs, data quality checking, and submission to the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium sightings database. Submission to the sightings database ensures we meet our grant reporting deliverables. They are also responsible for photo-analysis of digital imagery for species detection and identifications, and processing and facilitating submission of right whale data to the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium Identification database. Submission to the identification database requires independent judgement when making decisions about photograph processing to ensure data accuracy. Finally, the Assistant Research Scientist II will act as lead observer in the plane in the absence of survey coordinator or Principal Investigator (PI). Acting as the lead observer requires independent judgement when making decisions about survey protocols, which are significant to staff safety, ensuring permit compliance, and accurate data collection.
This is a full-time, 1-year, grant-funded position with the possibility for extension. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package. This position requires some irregular hours and some long days on flight days. Occasional work on weekends and holidays will also be required for fieldwork. The usual hours for non-fieldwork will be Monday - Friday, 9a - 5p with flexibility based on the fieldwork schedule, which represents a 35-hour week, with a 1-hour unpaid meal period each day. Non-fieldwork can be conducted remotely. Remote days are only available for residents of MA, RI, NH, ME, NY and VT. Candidates must have access to reliable transportation to get to and from New Bedford airport as early as 7am.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  1. Contribute to at least one peer-reviewed publication and one presentation at a scientific conference in a three-year period.
  2. Lead responsibility for sightings and effort flight logs, data quality checking, and submission to the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium sightings database. This task ensures we meet our grant reporting deliverables.
  3. Lead responsibility for photo-analysis of digital imagery for species detection and identification, and processing and facilitating submission of right whale data to the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium Identification database (Catalog, curated by NEAq).
  4. Act as aerial observer on surveys for cetaceans and sea turtles, including participating in aerial photography. Act as lead observer in the plane in the absence of survey coordinator or PI. Maintain safety and camera equipment and assist with preparation and in-flight troubleshooting.
  5. Participate in all aerial survey activities, including observer logistics, scientific data collection, monthly reporting, photographic and data analysis, and ground contact.
  6. Act as internal point of contact for questions about aerial surveys. Represent NEAq at public events.
  7. Contribute to achieving NEAq's goals and mission, through Department work and actively integrating with other Anderson Cabot Center Departments and the broader NEAq community.
  8. Contribute to Department fundraising strategy by independently writing grant reports and sections of grant proposals.
  9. Maintain aircraft and marine safety and survival training.
  10. Other duties as applicable and mutually agreed upon with the Aerial Survey Principal Investigator.

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Training and Experience
  • Requires a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, preferably in Biology or related field.
  • Requires 4-8 years of research experience; at least two of these years must represent specialized experience for the role (aerial or vessel-based survey experience).
  • Participation in right whale, other large whale, and turtle aerial research program.
  • Experience managing large data sets and writing or proofing code in R strongly desired.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Specialized photographic skills including previous experience using digital SLR cameras, especially for wildlife photography.
  • Demonstrated skill in identifying marine mammals of New England, including individual photo-identification.
  • Comfortable flying in a small aircraft (can't get motion sickness).
  • Familiarity with digital photography equipment and field use.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office programs. Experience with Access and statistical software would be advantageous.
  • Good communication and coordination skills.
  • Ability to meet deadlines for data and report deliverables, attention to detail for proofing and quality checking data, and ability to spend long hours performing photo analysis in the office.

For more information and to apply online please visit:
New England Aquarium is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC. Here we foster a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to engage and inspire a broad audience with our efforts to protect the blue planet, and we believe a diverse workforce provides experiences, skills, and perspectives that enrich our programs, strengthen problem-solving, add creativity, and enhance our work environment.

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