MACKENZIE PFEIFER
Washougal,WA
Summary
Biologist and Environmental Scientist with over six years of offshore and marine mammal experience, both in research and mitigation. Additional experience facilitating citizen science projects, leading environmental outreach, and conducting historic and environmental interpretive activities.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Whale Shark Data Manager
Vermilion Sea Institute
06.2022 - Current
- Facilitating a long term citizen science Whale Shark project; updating community science data collection and organization procedures, reorganizing and analyzing existing data, managing the organization of data from over 1500 whale shark encounters, and creating deliverables of data to share with interested parties.
Protected Species Observer/PAM Operator
Independent Contractor
06.2019 - Current
- Work within the offshore wind energy industry, living on offshore survey vessels for up to three months at a time observing for marine mammals and sea turtles. Performing mitigation actions and recording data on protected species encountered. Also conduct monitoring and mitigation through Passive Acoustic Monitoring.
Acoustic Deployment Specialist
Independent Contractor
02.2023 - 10.2024
- Worked with moored buoys outfitted with acoustic equipment for environmental monitoring during the construction of offshore wind farms, both in the form of sound field verification and passive acoustic monitoring. I both deployed these buoys from the back deck of an offshore survey vessel, as well as maintained and configured the equipment, and assisted in data processing.
Research Associate II
National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration, NOAA
08.2022 - 09.2022
- Worked as a research associate, observer, data recorder, and photographer on the Population Estimation for the North Carolina Estuarine System Stocks of Common Bottlenose Dolphins survey. This was a mark-recapture photo ID survey, conducted from small boats. I was contracted through University of Miami Cooperative Institute for Marine & Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS).
Nooksack River Steward Intern
Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association
06.2018 - 09.2018
- Engaged with and educated the community about the native salmon that spawn in the Nooksack River. Worked an outreach booth for visitors at the Glacier Public Service Center. Gave presentations about the salmon species, life-cycle, habitat requirements, and the work that NSEA does. Led interpretive river walks, community outreach events, citizen science events, community work parties, and spoke to rafting groups about salmon conservation.
Retail Associate and Tour Guide
Pendleton Woolen Mills
06.2016 - 01.2017
- Assisted customers in the store, and led tours through the historic mill, which involved giving a lesson on the history of the company and mill site, as well as an interpretive tour of the blanket making process and facility.
Education
Master of Arts - Biology
Miami University
Oxford, OH12-2025
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA12.2018
Skills
- Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Marine Mammal Identification
- Environmental Data Collection
- Environmental and Natural History Knowledge
- Scientific Report Writing
- Research and Analysis
- Public Speaking
- Marine Fieldwork
- Marine Equipment Deployment
- Extensive Offshore Experience and Knowledge
Certification
- Offshore Protected Species Observer Training (Smultea Sciences), April 27, 2019
- PAM Operator Training (Ocean Science Analytics), September 22, 2021
- Panamanian Seaman's Book, May 26, 2025
- FOET, April 6, 2023
- OGUK Physical, April 4, 2023
- JNCC MMO Mitigation Training, December 11, 2020
- LEEA Slinger Banksman Course, February 20, 2023
- IRATA Working at Heights, Unit 2, February 17, 2023
- Chester Step, April 10, 2024
- BSEE Marine Trash and Debris Training, November 10, 2023
Timeline
Acoustic Deployment Specialist
Independent Contractor
02.2023 - 10.2024
Research Associate II
National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration, NOAA
08.2022 - 09.2022
Whale Shark Data Manager
Vermilion Sea Institute
06.2022 - Current
Protected Species Observer/PAM Operator
Independent Contractor
06.2019 - Current
Nooksack River Steward Intern
Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association
06.2018 - 09.2018
Retail Associate and Tour Guide
Pendleton Woolen Mills
06.2016 - 01.2017
Master of Arts - Biology
Miami University
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
Western Washington University
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