Watch Stander 04281 LBYD Federal

North Wind Group • Kings Bay Base, GA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Watch Stander supports 24/7 marine mammal operations, working closely with veterinary and biotech staff to provide animal care, including administering vitamins and medication, issuing appropriate diets, and carrying out routine medical procedures. Care and husbandry are tailored to each animal’s health requirements and needs. The role serves as primary handler for multiple animals and observes and investigates possible intrusions into or near operational areas.

The Watch Stander provides technical direction and non-supervisory oversight to MMA I, II, and III staff, assists with marine mammal transport, and serves on a boat team to train or assist in training animals. Duties include monitoring animal health and behavior, conducting working sessions and open-water training, supporting diving and fish-house operations, operating watercraft, and carrying out other care and training tasks for marine mammal projects. The position requires travel with animals for extended periods, potentially anywhere in the world and to harsh or high-risk locations, with as little as 72 hours’ notice.

Requirements

• At least 30 months of MMS experience, including one year of Swimmer Interdiction Security System (SISS) support.
• Close-circuit diver qualification or SCUBA dive supervisor qualification.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, holidays, and weekends.
• Must pass a swim and dive test and dive physical.
• Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to safety for the project, team members, and animals, including adherence to safety culture, policies, and procedures.
• Must have and maintain a Secret-level security clearance; candidates may be required to obtain and hold a Secret or higher U.S. Government clearance.
• U.S. citizenship is required to meet security requirements; proof of citizenship is required as a condition of employment.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to pass the Maritime Vessel Operation Color Blind Test as directed by the contract.
• Must be physically qualified to perform dive operations.
• Ability to stoop, bend, squat, climb, kneel, talk, and hear.
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods.
• Ability to spend extended periods on a water vessel in different sea states.
• Ability to travel with animals for extended periods, including to harsh or high-risk locations, on 72 hours’ notice.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology or a related field.
• Current first aid and CPR certification.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary handler for multiple animals.
• Provide non-supervisory oversight and guidance to MMA I, II, and III staff.
• Communicate with veterinary staff about medication schedules, injuries, husbandry plans, and chronic cases.
• Discuss animal issues and solutions with lead staff.
• Routinely monitor and observe animal behavior and wellness, and report findings to onsite personnel.
• Conduct animal working sessions, including body inspections and assessments of behavior and health.
• Train and rehearse multiple behaviors with animals for performance in open water.
• Record information about each session and animal performance.
• Feed animals and administer food supplements.
• Assist with basic animal husbandry.
• Provide diving support, including enclosure inspection and maintenance.
• Support fish-house operations by preparing individually formulated animal rations.
• Operate a variety of watercraft.
• Perform marine mammal care and training tasks for specific projects.
• Deter nuisance animals according to established processes and procedures.
• Travel with animals for extended periods, potentially anywhere in the world and to harsh or high-risk locations, with as little as 72 hours’ notice.
• Assist with marine mammal transport and serve on a boat team to train or assist in training animals.

Benefits

• 401(k) with company matching.
• Medical and health insurance options.
• Dental insurance options.
• Life insurance.
• Disability insurance.
• Professional development and training opportunities, including North Wind University.
• Formalized mentorship program.
• Health and wellness program.
• Employee service awards program.
• Paid leave.
• Tuition reimbursement for eligible employees.
• Work-life balance support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: High school or GED