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Soundwatch Coordinator
The Whale Museum
Operations · Full-time
Friday Harbor, WA, USA
USD 30-33 / hour
Posted on Sep 9, 2025
Soundwatch Coordinator
Year-round FT employment, $30-33/hour, includes benefits.
Learn about the Soundwatch Program: http://www.whalemuseum.org/programs/soundwatch/soundwatch.html
**Application Deadline: ** September 26, 2025 or until filled
Location: The Whale Museum, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington, USA
Established in 1979 as the first U.S. museum dedicated to whales living in the wild, The Whale Museum (TWM) promotes stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. The Soundwatch Boater Education Program is a component of TWM and was initiated in 1993 by TWM to reduce disturbances to marine wildlife by educating boaters regarding the life habits of marine mammals and the regulations regarding interactions with them. This innovative program educates boaters on guidelines and regulations for marine wildlife through shore-based education, reinforces the learning experience through on-the-water educational patrols to reduce vessel disturbance, monitors vessel activities to characterize vessel trends, and evaluates existing guidelines and laws. The work focuses primarily on the endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs) in the central and southern Salish Sea, but there are other marine mammal species of importance in our region including Biggs (Transient) killer whales, Minke whales, (endangered) Humpback whales, Harbor porpoise, Harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and other cetacean and pinniped species.
The Coordinator oversees all aspects of the Soundwatch Program including, but not limited to:
- Integration with all TWM programs and activities (including Soundwatch North & South);
- Coordination of seasonal field operations for Soundwatch North & South;
- Small vessel/trailer operations/maintenance;
- Maintenance of the program’s long-term data sets and database;
- Preparation of program reports;
- Training, mentoring and coordination of volunteers, interns and seasonal employees;
- Identifying and applying for grants/other funding opportunities to support the program;
- Collaboration with partner monitoring programs, the whale watch industry and federal, state, and local marine mammal management and enforcement teams.
This position includes field operations on small boats including seasonal weekend and holiday work as well as office time in The Whale Museum. The Coordinator reports to TWM Executive Director and works cooperatively as a member of the museum staff.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree plus 7 years experience in a relevant field, preferably marine mammal research in the wild;
- Extensive (minimum 4 years) experience in small vessel operations, with previous experience operating around marine wildlife and vessel traffic. Extensive experience with trailered vessels, including trailer maintenance, launching/recovering vessels, and towing/maneuvering vessels on their trailers. Experience operating small vessels in challenging and varying weather conditions.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent lines of communication (e.g., VHF, text, phone);
- Must be able to acquire a Washington State Boater Education Card;
- Experience in education and/or outreach, including strong verbal and written communication skills necessary for public interaction, staff management, conflict resolution, grant writing and project management experience;
- Ability to differentiate local marine mammal species (ex: odontocete vs. baleen, otariid vs. phocid), familiarity with whale behavior and commonly associated terms;
- Must qualify to be listed as a Co-Investigator under the existing NOAA permit.
- International applicants must have an approved visa and documentation to work in the U.S. at the time of submission.
Preferred qualifications:
- Strong knowledge of marine ecosystems, marine mammal biology and natural history, specifically the endangered SRKWs and the Salish Sea;
- Experience with grant writing and grant/budget management;
- Understand and have experience with U.S. and Canadian recovery priorities related to the endangered SRKWs;
- Team player with excellent interpersonal skills, able to interact effectively with TWM leadership and Board, staff, interns/volunteers, visitors, members, and the public;
- Ability to collect and synthesize information; effective problem solving skills;
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
- Ability to move 40 lbs. or more and to stand for long periods of time; and
- Excellent computer/technological skills (i.e., database management, Microsoft Office).
This is an hourly position, with a salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. The Whale Museum’s benefit package includes: Health Care (medical, vision, dental), Simple IRA Retirement Plan Contribution, Paid Time Off and Holidays.
HOW TO APPLY: Please submit a single PDF file containing your letter of interest, resume and at least three references. Your letter of interest must address (1) examples of accomplishments to illustrate your experience for this role with emphasis on your leadership and vessel handling experience; (2) your philosophy about the position; and (3) insight into what draws you to The Whale Museum's mission and this position at this time in your career. Please email your PDF package to: Soundwatch Search Committee, The Whale Museum - email: mike@whalemuseum.org with the subject line 'Soundwatch Position'.
The Whale Museum is committed to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the ecosystems and communities we serve. Employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other lived experience.
The Whale Museum is an equal opportunity employer.