Start Date: June-July 2019

ENDANGERED SPECIES OBSERVER

REMSA Inc's Coastal & Marine Division is seeking skilled and experienced Independent Contracting Observers to monitor sea turtles, marine mammals, sturgeons, and birds. REMSA, Inc. has been in business since 1986; our Marine Endangered Species Observer (MESO) Program was established in 1999 to provide service to dredging companies in support of environmental compliance for clam-shell, hopper dredge and other offshore industrial operations requiring compliance monitoring by NMFS approved endangered/protected species observers.

The MESO Program works primarily with marine dredging contractors to reduce protected species impacts as well as provide biological research and support. The MESO program goal is to achieve a successful balance of protecting endangered and threatened marine species, ensuring environmental compliance, while facilitating dredging, and other industrial marine activities. A position as an Endangered/Protected Species Observer and biologist requires someone who is available to travel on short notice, is able to live aboard near-shore and off-shore vessels for periods of time and can physically work in limited work spaces. A successful candidate understands marine and dredging operations, and is able to perform the physical and detail oriented requirements of the position.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Marine Endangered Species Observers will conduct protected species observations aboard a dredging project in Myrtle Beach, SC. Observers will be required to perform duties in adverse/inclement weather aboard ships at sea for approximately 3-4 weeks at a time. Must be able to work independently and follow technical instructions as required. Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Identification of marine animals at distance, up close, and in pieces to the correct species for: sea turtles, marine mammals, sturgeons, and saw-tooth fish.

• Maintain bridge watch for sea turtles and marine mammals during all operative hours

• Physically inspect each dredge load screening basket, and points of intake for evidence of any endangered or threatened species live or dead, intact or severely damaged.

• Report interactions with endangered/threatened species to various government agencies as determined within the project’s specifications.

• Data collection, tagging, biopsies, and record keeping of biological sampling data for sea turtles and other species of concern as determined by the project detailed Biological Opinion and Specifications.

REQUIREMENTS:

U.S. Citizen or have authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship or restrictions

Prior experience w/ marine mammals, sea turtles, and other protected species

Obtain Endangered/Protected Species approval from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

Valid Driver’s License & Clean Driving Record

Be able to lift 50 pounds, operate in confined spaces, and climb ladders aboard ships and crew boats

Be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) for access to job sites

Ability to work flexible hours and daily 12 hour shifts while on assignments

*Note: Candidates meeting marine mammal and sea turtle qualifications will be considered immediately

Education:

Bachelors Degree in Marine Biology, Biology, Marine Ecology or similar education with at least one year of specialized AT-SEA experience preferred w/protected species.

Experience:

*Marine mammal and sea turtle experience is mandatory, and the ability to work in various job locations throughout the U.S. is a plus.

• Extensive hands-on experience with sea turtles is required for consideration.

• Identification of sea turtles, marine mammals and other protected marine animals to species.

• Data collection, biological sampling, identification of bones and body parts to species.

• Bridge watch for sea turtles and marine mammals.

• Capable of distinguishing specific blow patterns out to one mile, with binoculars.

• Necropsy experience a plus.

• Compliance overseer (communicate effectively to regulatory officials, program managers, and difficult persons in a clear, competent and non-confrontational manner.

– Maintaining alertness and professional diligence as an active OBSERVER during watch.

**The ability to work closely with others and the requirement to be physically fit cannot be overemphasized.

BENEFITS & SALARY:

This is an Independent Contractor position; pay rate varies with project location and scope of work.

Travel expenses to/from project locations are the responsibility of the observer.

Lodging and meals/per diem are provided on vessel/dredge

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Project duration: variable

Candidates do not need to reside in the local area.

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants should send the following application materials:

-Detailed resume documenting all relevant experience, education, and skills

-Cover letter outlining why you would be a good fit for this position indicating longevity of deployments and management of diverse situations and conditions.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Submit all materials as attachments to the posting: .pdf files or MS Word 2003 compatible files

for additional attachments email emcmichael@remsainc.com or FAX to 757.722.4571

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