MARINE RESOURCE SCIENTIST I

(ACOUSTICS ANALYST)

-ANTICIPATED VACANCY-

Opening Date:

January 31, 2025

Closing Date:

February 13, 2025

Location:

West Boothbay Harbor

Position #:

07200-2709

Position Type:

Full Time (Limited Period)

Class Code:

9362

Grade/Salary:

Grade 24 - $54,537.60 - $76,460.80 Per Year*
*(This includes the 5.5% Salary Adjustment)

The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is seeking a qualified candidate with strong scientific skills to fill one (1) limited period position of Marine Resource Scientist I located at the West Boothbay Harbor Laboratory.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position will be part of a team primarily responsible for processing acoustic recordings for species-specific vocalizations using various software. This position will also be responsible for statistical and ambient noise analyses. This position will perform deployment/retrieval, servicing, and purchasing duties needed to maintain passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) projects. This position will stay up to date on literature and relevant regional projects, and work with the Passive Acoustics Program Lead to present and publish results. Once acoustic datasets have been processed, this position may have the opportunity to 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 position 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, AND 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.

For questions specific to the position, please contact the Hiring Manager, Nicole Velandia, at: Nicole.Velandia@maine.gov

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 offshore research cruises is preferred.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Entry level education, training, or experience in a scientific, technical, or engineering discipline with demonstrated experience in the field of marine resource research and management or another related field.

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "APPLY" button below along with uploading a Cover Letter and a current Resume. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your Resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you can't apply online and you require a paper application, please download and print one here: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with a Cover Letter and Resume, before the closing date, to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333-0155. Please be sure that the title, and position number, of the job you are applying for is included.

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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 ($11,196.96-$13,172.88 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 ($358.08 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.29% 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. 

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you.  Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting.  If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.