Protected Species Observer (PSO)-Anchorage AK

Overview

Pay Status: Full Time or Part Time Hourly

Reports to: Fairweather Science Senior Staff

FLSA Status: Hourly

Job Summary

Protected Species Observer serves onshore and or aboard ocean-going vessels embarking and disembarking within Alaska while assigned to projects related to environmental compliance on marine construction, dredging, and oil and gas operations. Reporting directly to senior staff, but is expected to operate independently and is responsible for marine mammal observations, data collection, and entry of data into electronic data sheets throughout the period of performance.

The Protected Species Observer will have experience and be willing to work 24-hour rotations on shore and or aboard a moving platform/vessel for up to 60 days.

Essential Duties

• Assist the project by carefully watching for marine mammals according to permit requirements near the vessel during all activities, including start-up, transit, and other operations.
• Monitor all marine water within the indicated monitoring zone for the presence of listed species. Upon identification of a listed species, PSOs will have the ability and authority to order appropriate mitigation responses, including shutdowns. If a take occurs, PSOs are responsible for immediately reporting the occurrence to senior staff using the provided contact information.
• Effective and professional communication with vessel operators, supervisors, team members, regulators, and clients.
• Work closely with clients, staff, and regulators to develop reasonable solutions.
• Maintain appropriate data records and report on activities as assigned under their oversight responsibility, and participate in daily planning meetings or as requested.
• Must be flexible and adapt to the vessel's challenging logistics (e.g., weather, ice conditions, schedule changes, etc.).
• Familiarize vessel personnel with special operating procedures, applicable regulations, and mitigation measures while underway.
• Gain an understanding of shipboard operations and safety, as well as science activities, the tools used for data collection, ultimate data products, and their availability to the public, as well as the overall goal of the mission.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Must have a minimum of 3 years of experience as a protected species/marine mammal observer.
• Familiar with protected species in Alaska marine environments.
• Experience working on shore and or an ocean-going vessel performing work for long periods of time.
• Have personal ID, in the form of a valid driver's license or passport.
• Able to communicate in English verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Repetitive and prolonged postures involving standing, sitting, twisting, squatting, kneeling, stooping, and reaching to full range from above the head to the deck.

• Must always have good balance and coordination to safely walk over catwalks, enter/ exit hatches, and over uneven and/or slippery surfaces.

• Must have the ability to sit and/or stand for at least 6-hour shifts, walk for prolonged periods, handle (lift, carry, push, and pull) various materials and tools, climb ladders, and stairwells while working in inclement weather.

• Must have ability to work minimum of 30 day on vessel and off-shore environment.

• Must be able to work in cold/hot weather while wearing required PPE (e.g., life preserver, respirators, goggles, etc.).

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Must be safety conscious at all times.
• Must have working knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, policies, and procedures.
• Functional knowledge to effectively perform e-mail management and reporting
• Proficient in Windows-based computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Team player to develop strong relationships with staff and ship crew members
• Ability to test for and pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen and follow all drug and alcohol testing program requirements and random drug screening.
• Ability to pass federal background check.
• Incumbent must be self-directed and motivated, and will rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals and objectives with limited oversight.
• Strong oral and written skills to communicate with stakeholders regarding the vessel's activities.

Fairweather is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Disclaimer: The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required.

PREFERENCE STATEMENT: As a Doyon company, Fairweather grants preference to qualified Doyon Shareholders first, and second to qualified shareholders of other Alaska Native corporations that grant a similar preference in all phases of employment and training, which include, but are not limited to hiring, promotion, layoff, transfer, and training.