Recruiting Protected Species Observers (PSOs) for training and job placement

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.

Multiple Internships Available
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a non-profit based in the DC area, helps support our nation's marine and Great Lakes sanctuaries and raises awareness and support of their role in ensuring a healthy ocean. They also provide support to NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.

NMSF has three available internship positions available: https://www.marinesanctuary.org/career/

Questions? Reach out to Leah Izzett (ENSP Marine and Coastal, Class of 2015). She currently works there and is happy to speak to any interested candidates. Email: leah.izzett@gmail.com

Job Opportunity
Maine Aquaculture Association

The Maine Aquaculture Association (MAA) is a nonprofit aquatic farmers association committed to the responsible and sustainable development of aquaculture in Maine and the United States. For over forty years MAA has advocated for member interests and working waterfronts, educated the public and policy makers about aquaculture and developed new and progressive farming methods designed to reduce environmental impacts while growing safe, healthy seafood. 

JOB DESCRIPTION: Outreach and Development Specialist

MAA is seeking an enthusiastic and energetic individual to join the MAA team to focus on communications and outreach. The new position will focus on building the associations capacity to effectively communicate its members activities, coordinate with likeminded organizations and improve member services. The successful candidate will be highly motivated, creative, have excellent writing skills and a working knowledge of web site construction and social media. Skills in photography and videography and a knowledge of the aquaculture field will be considered additional assets. The position will report directly to the MAA executive director.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
 -- Conduct a systematic review of the existing MAA web site, and all education and outreach materials.
 -- Develop updated education and outreach materials designed to effectively communicate MAA core mission and values and member activities.
 -- Design and implement a comprehensive communications and outreach plan that includes social media and metrics to continuously assess message delivery efficacy and cost analysis.
 -- Staff the effort to coordinate between multiple institutions in Maine currently working on aquaculture development and policy.
 -- Review existing MAA member services and develop a comprehensive membership value program designed to increase MAA service to the Maine aquaculture sector.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
 -- University degree in Communications, Aquaculture or Marine Policy
 -- Effective written and oral communications skills (portfolio of work samples)
 -- Strong computer skills and interest in technology as a communications tool
 -- Experience in customer relations management systems and customer service
 -- Ability to work in a team, take direction and work independently
 -- Ability to conduct interviews, to research, analyze and summarize information
 -- Experience in project management
 -- Experienced in social media and web-based media
 -- Experience in marketing and sales will be viewed as an asset

FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY
email futureseas@aol.com