Marine Mammal Observer

Job Purpose

Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) are responsible for observing and collecting data on species, numbers, location date/time, behaviors and construction activities during a sighting; and ensuring systematic and standardized data collection.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct marine mammal monitoring during all pier construction activities.
• Record observations and behavioral responses of any marine mammals observed during operations.
• Notify work crews to shut down operations if necessary to prevent non-acoustic injury to marine mammals from potentially hazardous in-water construction activities at the pier.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• U.S citizenship or permanent residence is required.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the natural sciences and a minimum of 30 semester hours or equivalent in the biological sciences.
• At least one undergraduate course in math or statistics.
• Experience with data entry on computers.
• Certification Requirements:
  • All MMOs should complete a NMFS-approved MMO training course by completing all required coursework (e.g., classroom, field exercises, homework, and tests) and passing, with an overall score of 80% or greater, a written and/or oral examination developed for the training program. In addition, candidates should successfully complete the safety training and review information on the risks of participating in hands-on training as identified in the Acknowledgement of Risk form (see NMFS Minimum Eligibility Standards for Marine Fisheries Observers and Acknowledgement of Risk). If an applicant does not pass a training program, he/she may reapply to training. The training requirement to become a MMO is not waivable. MMO observations may occur from land, vessels, aircraft, or fixed structures in the marine environment, each of which may require specific skills and/or training. Additional specialized training may be needed to qualify MMOs to work on different platforms to implement specific mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements under the MMPA, ESA, and OCSLA. The skill level and experience of MMOs would be considered further in project-specific evaluations of appropriate MMO coverage and deployment.

Physical Requirements

• Deployment will be required in this. The individual in the position must successfully complete the physical and dental examinations as required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica. Failure to meet these requirements may result in withdrawal of employment offer or other employment action.
• Complies with applicable safety, environment, health, and waste management policies and procedure.
• Individual must be capable of operating a standard desktop computer; must be able to lift and carry up to 10 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Position Expectations

• This is a full-time, seasonal position located in Antarctica.
• All expenses paid while on-ice meals, lodging, medical, gear, travel to and from Antarctica.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Job Posted by ApplicantPro