November 15, 2024

San Diego State University Research Foundation

San Diego

PART TIME

NIWC - Undergraduate II (Sophomore - Junior) ESTCP-Cali Least Tern Project (Task Order: 7125-24302)

Overview:

The salary range for this position is $16.85 for Undergraduate II and is non-negotiable.

This Statement of Work covers the need for student services to provide technical and/or analytical support in the field of computer science/data science/oceanography for the ESTCP Project for California Least Tern monitoring. This project involves collecting data from the field and analyzing historical data. In scope for this SOW is tasking such as gathering/collecting data, parsing raw data, performing geographic data analysis, performing image analysis, performing statistical data analysis, and creating maps and figures.

The California Least Tern (CLT) is a small, endangered seabird that nests on military-controlled beaches in southern California. The purpose of this project is to support the research, design, and implementation of new monitoring techniques to describe where and when CLT are foraging, what fish are available to CLT, and what CLT adults and chicks are ultimately consuming. Data synthesis and modeling will be used to assess the effects of forage fish availability and other environmental factors on CLT foraging behavior (i.e., location, timing, duration), foraging success (i.e., quantity and quality of food items obtained), time budgets and chick provisioning, and ultimately, breeding success. This task mainly involves assisting with the processing of data from two sources: VHF Telemetry and Fish Sampling. With assistance from Do D mentors and collaborators, this can be achieved by using coding and mathematical techniques at an undergraduate level.

Responsibilities:

The student contractor shall provide analytical and technical support in the following areas, as specified under individual task orders, to the work sponsor:

Data Science, Programming:

Assist with parsing and Triangulating VHF Telemetry data. VHF Telemetry data will be acquired
from radio transponders placed on the ankles of representative nesting CLT. Multiple temporary receivers
have been placed on naval installation. This work will be accomplished using manufacturer provided
formulas and trigonometry, likely using Python programming language.
Assist with creating geographic maps containing the VHF Telemetry data and potentially
observations from cameras, human observers, etc. The fidelity of the underlying map needs to specifically
support high resolution coastline. This task will also likely be completed using Python programming.
Assist with analyzing current and historical fish (prey) availability. Various state and federal agencies
conduct surveys to assess fish stock, these data are available and will be used in the context of assessing
this year’s fish stock at the relevant naval installations.
Assist with analyzing statistics from physical sampling. Using nets, limited sampling was conducted at specific beaches near known nesting locations. Characterizing the size and species of the fish obtained, and comparing it to previous season’s samples will more specifically.
Assist with analyzing images from underwater camera/ROV transects. This may include visually inspecting/comparing images to assess quality, performing image segmentation, and categorizing/sorting images for purposes of training a machine learning algorithm.
Assist with design, development, and writing of documentation and presentation, such as Power Point slides or quarterly reports.

Qualifications: The student must be at the Sophomore or Junior level.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Undergraduate Level 2 or above: Computer Science and/or Computer Engineering major preferred; relevant majors such as Data Science and Oceanography may be suitable given relevant coursework and/or work experience.

Required Coursework and/or relevant work and/or laboratory:

Intro to Computer Programming (or equivalent)
Math – Calculus 1 (or equivalent)
Introductory Statistics (or equivalent)

Desired Coursework and/or relevant work and/or laboratory experience:

CS data structures (or equivalent)
Introductory Biology or Marine Science (or equivalent)
Work experience as an intern/employee writing code/analyzing data outside of coursework

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Python, Matlab, Java Script or web-development or software programming experience.
Experience with geographic data and creating map-based visual representations.
Advanced level math and stats coursework and experience.
Experience in analyzing oceanographic/environmental data.
Independent/self-starter who can operate under minimal oversight.
Collaborative/team-player who can work well with groups.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:

This position will require the employee to obtain and maintain a Do D Secret security clearance
Due to the regulations established by the Department of Defense, only US Citizens may qualify
This is a student position and is limited to working 20 hours per week
This position will remain open until filled
San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets/Title IX Employer.