Protected Species/Marine mammal Observer – Bio-Waves (Seal Beach, CA)
Protected Species/Marine Mammal Observers (PSOs/MMOs)
Job Title: Marine Mammal/Protected Species Observers Level I and Level II (Junior & Senior)
Job Location: Location: Seal Beach (Orange County)
Period of Performance: Starting Jan/Feb 2020; ending Dec 2022
General Description: This is a pile-driving/dredging monitoring & mitigation project being conducted in Anaheim Bay, near Seal Beach, CA, and possibly in San Diego Bay, CA.
Detailed Job Description: Junior and Senior Protected Species Observers are needed for a land-based monitoring of protected marine species for mitigation of dredging, pile driving and other marine construction activities inside protected harbors and bays in Southern California, USA. PSOs will utilize standard marine mammal and sea turtle observation methods to record all incidents of marine mammal and green sea turtle occurrences and will document any behavioral reactions in relation to construction (e.g. dredging and pile-driving) activities. Observations will be recorded using paper data-forms or electronic data forms via a laptop computer or tablet.
Work is expected to begin early 2020 (exact dates TBD) and continue until approximately Dec 2022. Observation and monitoring activities may be conducted around the clock (day and night). Most of the monitoring activities are expected to occur Monday through Friday (M-F) and for the Anaheim bay project mostly during the daytime (an 8-hour period). However, some observation activities may involve work outside of regular working hours including weekends and nighttime.
This job will involve long, tedious and sometimes monotonous work outside in the elements in all seasons and weather conditions (including periods of rain) that can occur in Southern California. Shifts typically will be limited to 4-6 hours but multiple shifts, sometimes exceeding 8 hours per day might be possible.
Requirements/Skills: A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent job experience) or higher in the biological, environmental, or physical sciences is required. Other degrees may be considered based on work experience. Field experience, either via university course work, or relevant job experiences is preferred but not required.
- Prior experience working as a marine PSO or similar job is preferred.
- Experience or training in the field identification of marine mammals and sea turtles, including the identification of behaviors is desirable but not required.
- Visual acuity in both eyes (correction is permissible), sufficient for the discernment of moving targets (e.g. marine mammals and turtles) at the water’s surface with the ability to estimate animal size and distance; use of binoculars will be required. Familiarity with SLR cameras is preferable.
- Ability to conduct field observations for long periods outdoors and to collect systematic data according to protocols is necessary.
- Writing skills that are sufficient to prepare and review reports of observations;
- Good oral and communication orally, by radio or in person, is needed.
- Ability to take precise and detailed data in a consistent manner.
- Must have the ability to work a flexible work schedule throughout the entirety of the performance period. Some overnight and weekend shifts may be required.
- PSO training, orientation, and safety training for work around construction operations will be provided to workers prior to start of work.
- Must be U.S. citizen, have a green card (Lawful Permanent Resident Card) or a work visa and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
- Hiring is dependent on passing DOD/Navy government background check.
Pay and Benefits Pay and employment status will be non-exempt hourly wages. Pay rates will start at ~$20.00 per hour and will be determined based on experience with opportunity for performance-based increases. Positions are temporary based and contractual. Health Care and other benefits will not apply.
A food allowance and accommodations may be provided for the Anaheim Bay Project (TBD). No allowances will be provided for the San Diego Bay project.
To apply, send résumé or CV (3 pages or less) to:
Please do not call or otherwise contact us. We will confirm receipt and contact you to request a phone or in-person interview if we are interested.