Protected Species Observer - Philadelphia, PA

AIS•Philadelphia, PA

4h•Onsite

About The Position

AIS is recruiting a protected species observer (PSO) to deploy on a hopper dredge conducting channel maintenance. The PSO will stand watch while the vessel is conducting operations to record data on protected species sightings and implement mitigation measures when necessary. The PSO will be stationed on the vessel during both daylight and nighttime operations, which will be weather dependent. PSOs will have an average of 6-12 hours of work per day. This position is expected to start June 4, 2026, and last for approximately 2 weeks.

Requirements

Must have current STCW Basic Safety Training (BST), or GWO or BOSIET training.
Must have current CPR/First Aid certification.
4-year degree with major in biological or geophysical sciences.
Must be certified by a physician as fit for sea duty including: Not be susceptible to chronic motion sickness, Ability to live in confined quarters, Ability to tolerate stress.
Ability to lift objects up to 30 pounds.
Ability to vigilantly monitor waters surrounding observation platform/vessel for up to 4 hours at a time and not more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period.
Must have passed an approved PSO course/training and provide certificate.
Must be NMFS approved PSO (must provide NMFS approval letter).
Must possess a current real ID approved identification.
Must not be affiliated with any group that may impair the objectivity or the appearance of objectivity.
Must have proof of eligibility to work within the US.

Responsibilities

Identify marine animals using the naked eye and visual technology.
Ability to vigilantly monitor for visual detections of marine mammals around observation location for up to 10 hours in a 24-hour period.
Documenting behavior and other essential data.
Documenting data on logs in an organized manner.
Operate and maintain field equipment including Garmin GPS, binoculars with reticles, range finder, and high-resolution digital camera with video capabilities.
Conduct personal QA/QC checks on data collected.
Attend daily toolbox, HSE and project related meetings as needed.