PSO JOB DESCRIPTION: 

This is a sea-based field biology position that requires you to work long hours (12 hours daily), odd hours, endure heat, cold, rough seas, sun, rain, insects, and more. You are responsible for knowing the biology and ecology of the local species (marine mammals, sea turtles, birds) and local environment in addition to provided regulatory requirements.

You live and work aboard client-owned vessels and are subject to regulations for specific projects. This position requires you to live on vessels (in shared rooms) for rotations of 4-10 consecutive weeks working 7 days a week, holidays, day and night shifts. On occasion, we also observe from small aircraft or land. 

This work is to ensure project compliance for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to mitigate sound sources or vessel strikes that can potentially impact protected species. We conduct visual and acoustic surveys for protected marine species for clients primarily in the offshore wind industry off the U.S. East Coast in the Atlantic Ocean. We also work in the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, Arctic, Alaska, and internationally. We aim to keep our level of data collection high and approach this from a scientific perspective while working closely with the client to maintain their objective.

Specifically, PSOs monitor mitigation requirements to ensure no protected species are within a specified exclusion zone around an offshore platform or vessel. You will be expected to:  

• Accurately identify marine species and their behaviors

• Collect and catalog very detailed quality data

• Provide biological expertise to crews

• Know the regulations and guidelines for each specific project

• If PAM qualified, you must be proficient operating the hardware, software, and in detecting marine mammals​

Other skills and qualities required include:

• A 4-year degree in one of the natural sciences OR relevant experience as a PSO

• Good leadership/cooperation skills

• Regular travel via car, plane, boat, etc.​

• You need to be ready and capable handling hurried and hectic travel circumstances. You might be asked to rent cars and/or make hotel reservations. Logistics are typically set up for you, but things in this industry can change erratically and you need to be able to “roll with it” and plan quickly. All approved travel expenses are fully reimbursed.

• You need to be physically fit, able to carry gear, move around boats, and stand for a minimum continuous 4-hour shift.

NOTE: If you are prone to sea sickness, this is not the job for you!

PSO JOB REQUIREMENTS:

The following credentials must be submitted to be eligible for deployment:

• PSO Course Certificate

  • IF you are brand new PSO with no experience you will need to take a BOEM/BSEE/NMFS-approved PSO training course (this training is provided to candidates selected to join our team.)

  • Experienced PSOs must submit a PSO course certificate from a BOEM/BSEE/NMFS approved provider.

• BOSIET Certification. BOSIET is the industry standard, satisfying the requirement for ALL projects.

• OGUK Medical Certificate. To find doctors in the US follow the link.  https://oilandgasuk.co.uk/doctors/

• Negative drug screen within the last year

• Resume/CV demonstrating some combination of the following for review/approval by federal regulators. NOTE: All PSO/PAM observers must be approved by BOEM/NMFS prior to deployment. An updated resume emphasizing this information is essential:

  • previous PSO/PAM experience, ideally in the Atlantic region

  • comparable observation-based marine mammal data collection experience in an offshore setting (e.g., research, whale-watches sometimes satisfies this requirement)

• Passport and legal work status in the US.

• Resume/CV stating that you have achieved a 4-year degree in a natural science discipline or relevant previous experience as a PSO.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• List of completed relevant science classes

• Experience with databases (e.g., Excel, Access, data collection programs) data QAQC, and/or report writing

• List of marine mammal and sea turtle species seen

• Experience on the water/vessels (aerial experience observing over water helps too)—listing hours or days of this experience helps (e.g., on a sailboat, fishing boat, research boat, etc.)

• Experience working with teams in remote or tight conditions (similar to a boat), including sharing housing on shore, bunk rooms on a boat, or remote camping/hiking

• References of character/experience (names and numbers/emails)

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

• How to become a Marine Mammal Scientist

• BOEM Renewable Energy Framework (our current involvement is in support of Offshore Wind Energy)

• Example BOEM Lease with Monitoring and Mitigation Requirements for Operators (Addendum C, Section 4, Page C-7):