Hello, Fellow Biologists!
Smultea Environmental Sciences is a marine and terrestrial environmental consulting firm that focuses on balancing development needs with sustainability and wildlife conservation. We are actively recruiting Protected Species Observers (PSOs) for training and job placement. We are hoping you can help us reach your student and alumni network by sharing the email below along with the attached social media graphic and job description.
Currently, the majority of our work is for East Coast offshore wind energy. We’d like to recruit recent and future graduates in the natural sciences who are interested in working offshore observing and identifying marine species. While most of our work is in the Atlantic, we have other opportunities that take our offshore field staff all over the world! This is a sea-based field biology position that requires contractors to work long (12-hour days) and odd hours in various temperature and weather conditions such as heat, cold, rough seas, sun, rain, and more. PSOs are responsible for knowing the biology and ecology of local species such as marine mammals (whales, dolphins, and pinnipeds), sea turtles, birds, and even bats.
PSOs work on offshore vessels and are subject to specific regulations for each project. This position requires rotations of 4-10 consecutive weeks working 7 days a week, holidays, day, and night shifts. Additionally, PSOs may also observe from small aircraft or land. PSOs monitor and collect detailed data, working within regulatory requirements in the offshore industry, and their tasks include:
- Accurately identifying marine species and their behaviors;
- Collecting and cataloging detailed quality data;
- Providing biological expertise to clients and marine vessel crews, and;
- Knowing the regulations and guidelines for each specific project (as instructed by their Project Manager)
Required skills and qualities include:
- Valid US Passport;
- 4-year degree in one of the natural sciences OR relevant experience as a PSO;
- Good leadership/cooperation skills;
- Ability to travel frequently via car, plane, boat, etc.;
- Capable of handling hurried and hectic travel circumstances, and;
- Physically fit: able to carry gear, move around boats, and stand for a minimum continuous 4-hour shift.
We appreciate your help sharing this training opportunity. If you have any questions, please email us at psojobs@smulteasciences.com. Our PSO Hiring Questionnaire and additional details are on our website at https://www.smulteasciences.com/pso-pam-hiring.
