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Whale Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Compliance Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$128.23 - $190/hr

Resolve complex regulatory compliance matters, conducting comprehensive research, and making informed decisions * Monitor legislative and regulatory changes applicable to Cover Whale's business ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 whales, and other marine species within the Southeast region. Duties of the Bioacoustics Scientist ...

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 ...

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How much do whale research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 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 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.

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.

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What cities are hiring for Whale Research jobs?

Cities with the most Whale Research job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Whale Research jobs?

The most popular types of Whale Research jobs are:

What states have the most Whale Research jobs?

States with the most job openings for Whale Research jobs include:

Infographic showing various Whale Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,571 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Right Whale Aerial Team Leader

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater, FL • On-site

Temporary

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

This position is dependent upon grant funding. The location is in a field house. The field houses are located in GA, NC, SC. The length of the position is based on the field house location.


POSITION TITLE: Right Whale Aerial Team Leader

REPORTS TO: Right Whale Project Coordinator

SUPERVISES: Right Whale Observers

EXEMPT OR NON-EXEMPT: Non-Exempt, Temporary

PERCENTAGE OF FT WORK: 100%

LOCATION: Offsite

PERMANENT/TEMPORARY/SEASONAL: Temporary

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Participate in right whale aerial surveys in the southeastern U.S. coastal waters
  • Supervise aerial observers
  • Communicate and coordinate daily aircraft support with aircraft vendor pilots, other Team Leaders and right whale research-based platforms
  • Coordinate survey flights in accordance with weather-related conditions, military training schedules and right whale migration pattern shifts
  • Scheduling of staff
  • Collect data and images on large whales (condition, behavior, associations, status, etc.), and location data on vessels and other species of interest
  • Facilitate the transmittal of location information to the various communication networks, the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, New England Aquarium, and NOAA
  • Photograph sightings via digital photography with processing and matching those images following each flight
  • Manage, analyze, and conduct quality control checks on aerial survey data and photographic images
  • Facilitate the transmittal of data to managers and other appropriate agencies through weekly and final reports
  • Present information to the scientific and public communities

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • International applicants must secure own visas or other required documentation
  • Previous aerial or marine mammal survey experience
  • Previous experience in photo-identification of large cetaceans preferred
  • Strong administrative and supervisory skills are preferred
  • Successful completion of aviation and marine safety and survival training upon hire
  • Demonstrated proficiency in database entry and Microsoft Office programs
  • Demonstrated ability with memorization skills
  • Proven track record of attention to detail
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain open lines of communication
  • Ability to live and work well in a team environment is essential
  • Expect to work on weekends and holidays


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Survey flights require continual focus with eyes and ears - daily
  • Ability to work in a small aircraft up to eight hours - daily
  • Ability to work while in close, confined spaces - daily
  • Ability to work in extreme varying environmental conditions EX: humidity, heat, and rain - daily
  • Strong tolerance to working on a continuous motion-based platform - daily
  • Weekend and holiday work required - frequently
  • COVID-19 vaccination – required

Please upload your cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information of three professional references during your application submission. Application deadline is August 21, 2026.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute reserves the right to revise job descriptions or work hours as required.

All job requirements are subject to change to reflect the evolving position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.

A statement of “temporary” position is not a guarantee of employment. It simply means the role has a set end date (typically up to 1 year) and/or has deliverables to be met and if those deliverables are not met the position may be terminated. In Florida, employment is "at-will" by default, meaning either party can terminate the relationship at any time for any legal reason and as such continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium participates in E-Verify, please view the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Notice of Right to Work.