Independent Contract Work
Location: Boston Harbor, MassachusettsSchedule: 12-hour shifts (Day & Night shifts)
Start Date: Tentative May 1, 2021
REMSA Inc’s Marine Endangered Species Observer (MESO) Program is seeking skilled and experienced Fishery Observers to perform visual monitoring and hydroacoustic services on a blasting/dredging project in Boston Harbor, MA . Contractors should be familiar with the fisheries’ data collection, reporting procedures and systems as required by the state and federal mandates for the Northeast NMFS region.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Fishery Observers will conduct hydroacoustic monitoring via side scan sonar system during blasting/dredging operations. Contractors assigned to perform work will conduct tasks on a vessel and serve as the focal point of contact in initiating approval for blasting activities, through the use of the approved technology, as described below.
Sonar equipment: a side-scan sonar, providing a low target recognition value, distance to fish, direction fish are traveling, and a record of information collected electronically. Scans will be performed 360 degrees around the blasting location. The Contractor will make as many passes around the blasting location as needed to feel confident there are no fish in the area.
WORK RELATED TASKS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
Perform standard field measurements (total length and weight) of nonliving/deceased fish species.
Operate a fish startle system; observe and record the behavior of fish species before and during use.
Observe fish species patterns and any marine mammal (such as harbor porpoises and seals) in the area.
Advise dredge personnel and disposal operators on the appropriate dredging and disposal timing to avoid impacts on biological resources.
Prepare, record, organize, submit, and maintain accurate daily and weekly reports.
Utilize optical equipment to assess distance, species identification, and behavior of fish species and marine mammals.
Monitor and record weather observations and tidal conditions.
Report interactions with endangered/threatened species to construction appropriate personnel (Company HQ, local officials, and government agencies) as required.
Provide a summary/final report/ and After Action Review of data collected (include fish behavior, before and during the use of the fish startle system, and observations of marine mammals during dredging and disposal operations) to the appropriate authorities after each shift daily.
REQUIREMENTS:
U.S. Citizen or have authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship or restrictions.
Valid Driver’s License & Clean Driving Record.
Must have (or be able to obtain) a Federal Transportation Identification Workers Card (TWIC).
EDUCATION: Degree in Marine biology or a related field to include general experience aboard dredges and hands on field experience with Massachusetts marine fish species. Individuals without the required or related degree may be qualified as an observer if s/he has field experience with fisheries, sonar, and fish startle systems.
Additional Experience & Skills:
Approved National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) Fishery Observer.
Previous experience using hydroacoustic monitoring equipment via side scan sonar. Required.
Documented field research focused on Massachusetts marine fish species or its habitat OR has worked at least two years on a commercial fishing vessel identifying and locating at least two of the following fish species, rainbow smelt, alewife, blueback herring, menhaden, winter flounder, and striped bass, using sonar and has at least one month of work experience with a fish startle system.
Experience as a Protected Species Observer (PSO) aboard dredges/ vessels.
Experience working in adverse weather conditions.
Experience working in tight, confined spaces.
Excellent communication skills (written and verbally).
Prior marine mammal observation experience.
Must have the ability to perform work outside during inclement weather conditions for long periods of time.
Knowledge of Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Previous experience using equipment capable of deterring the following fish: rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis), menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus), winter flounder (Pseudopleuonectes americanus), and striped bass (Morone saxatilis) from the family Clupeidae (blueback herring, alewife) using high amplitude sound at specific frequencies.
COMPENSATION: Pay rate depends on qualifications and experience.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Interested Contractors should send the following application materials:
Detailed resume documenting all relevant experience, education, and skills.
Copies of NMFS approval/certifications, MMO training certificates.
2-3 professional references including phone number and email address.
Submit all materials as attachments to the posting: .pdf files or MS Word 2003 compatible files
REMSA Inc. Supports a Drug Free WorkplaceEOE of Minorities/Females/Vets/Disability