Overview:
Protected Species Observer (PSO)
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.
Full Time or Part Time Hourly Positions
About Fairweather Science
Fairweather Science is a trusted service provider in Alaska, delivering specialized solutions in remote and Arctic environments. Our mission is to support operations with safety, integrity, and excellence. We offer a dynamic and inclusive work environment, ensuring our employees are equipped with the tools and support needed for success.
Why You Should Work for Us
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Competitive compensation and benefits package
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Supportive and collaborative work culture
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Opportunities for professional development and career growth
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Commitment to employee safety and well-being
Total Rewards & Benefits
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Medical Coverage: Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plans, including medical, dental, and vision
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Retirement Plan: 401(k) up to 4% company match.
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Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and voluntary supplemental coverage
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free counseling and support services
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Paid Holidays: Observance of major federal holidays
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Flexible Spending Accounts: Health and dependent care options
Essential Duties
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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.
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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.
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Effective and professional communication with vessel operators, supervisors, team members, regulators, and clients.
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Work closely with clients, staff, and regulators to develop reasonable solutions.
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Maintain appropriate data records and report on activities as assigned under their oversight responsibility, and participate in daily planning meetings or as requested.
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Must be flexible and adapt to the vessel's challenging logistics (e.g., weather, ice conditions, schedule changes, etc.).
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Familiarize vessel personnel with special operating procedures, applicable regulations, and mitigation measures while underway.
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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.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
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Must have a minimum of 3 years of experience as a protected species/marine mammal observer.
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Familiar with protected species in Alaska marine environments.
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Experience working on shore and or an ocean-going vessel performing work for long periods of time.
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Have personal ID, in the form of a valid driver’s license or passport.
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Able to communicate in English verbally and in writing.
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Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds.
Physical and Mental Demands:
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Repetitive and prolonged postures involving standing, sitting, twisting, squatting, kneeling, stooping, and reaching to full range from above the head to the deck.
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Must always have good balance and coordination to safely walk over catwalks, enter/ exit hatches, and over uneven and/or slippery surfaces.
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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
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Must be safety conscious at all times.
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Must have working knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, policies, and procedures.
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Functional knowledge to effectively perform e-mail management and reporting
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Proficient in Windows-based computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
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Team player to develop strong relationships with staff and ship crew members
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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.
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Ability to pass federal background check.
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Incumbent must be self-directed and motivated, and will rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals and objectives with limited oversight.
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Strong oral and written skills to communicate with stakeholders regarding the vessel’s activities.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The majority of work takes place onshore on an ocean vessel, requiring balance and mobility, and working with a diverse group of individuals, each with distinct roles, personalities, and skills.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requires routine walking, standing, and bending, as well as good balance and tolerance for open waters on moving ocean vessels. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions]
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: It is Fairweather's business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
PREFERENCE STATEMENT: Fairweather is a Doyon company. As such, it 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, including, but not limited to, hiring, promotion, layoff, transfer, and training.
Fairweather is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments
A review of this position has excluded marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills or abilities.
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.
