NMFS Certified Protected Species Observer (PSO)

Benefits:

• Competitive salary

Protected Species Observer (PSO) – Sparrows Point Container Terminal Project
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REMSA, Inc. is seeking experienced, NMFS‑qualified Protected Species Observers (PSOs) to support marine mammal monitoring for the Sparrows Point Container Terminal (SPCT) Project in Baltimore County, Maryland. This multi‑year project includes pile‑driving, dredging, and construction of a new container terminal within the Patapsco River. PSOs will support compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS requirements, and the project‑specific Marine Mammal Monitoring Plan (MMMP).

Project Overview

• Construction of a new marginal wharf
• Installation of approx. 1,517 steel piles using vibratory and impact hammers
• Marine mammal monitoring during all pile‑driving activities
• Monitoring of Level A Shutdown Zones and Level B Harassment Zones
• Long‑term construction over 2–3 years

Responsibilities

• Conduct marine mammal monitoring during pile‑driving and dredging
• Monitor Level A Shutdown Zones and visible Level B Harassment Zones
• Perform 30‑minute pre‑activity, continuous active, and 30‑minute post‑activity monitoring
• Implement shutdown procedures when marine mammals enter exclusion zones
• Maintain real‑time communication with contractor environmental staff
• Collect and document marine mammal observations
• Prepare daily logs and compliance documentation
• Support weekly and annual reporting
• Operate binoculars, spotting scopes, range finders, GPS units, and night‑vision equipment
• Support environmental compliance oversight as needed

Qualifications

Required:

• Must be a U.S. Based citizen, with Valid TWIC Card (REQUIRED)
• Meet NMFS Protected Species Observer qualification requirements
• Experience conducting marine mammal monitoring (pile‑driving or dredging preferred)
• Experience with environmental compliance oversight
• Ability to identify marine mammals and behaviors in the field
• Strong communication skills with construction teams
• Experience preparing environmental compliance reports & monitoring Documents
• Ability to work independently in active marine construction environments
• Ability to conduct land‑based monitoring from designated observation points

Preferred:

• Experience monitoring Level A Shutdown and Level B Harassment Zones
• Experience supporting NMFS Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) projects
• Marine construction monitoring experience
• Federal contractor experience  
• Degree in marine biology, biological sciences, environmental science, wildlife biology, or related field

Required Skills

• Marine mammal identification
• Environmental compliance documentation
• Real‑time communication
• Data collection and reporting
• GPS, range finder, binocular, and spotting scope operation
• Night‑vision monitoring
• Technical report preparation

Schedule

• Seasonal variability
• Seven (7)‑day work weeks during peak monitoring
• Daylight monitoring standard
• Occasional dusk/night monitoring when pile installation extends beyond daylight

Work Environment

• Outdoor work in active marine construction settings
• Land‑based shoreline observation points
• Exposure to weather and marine conditions
• Extended periods of standing and visual monitoring
• Coordination with construction crews and environmental compliance personnel

Reports To

• Environmental Compliance Manager / REMSA Project Management Team

Qualified candidates with marine mammal monitoring experience are encouraged to apply immediately for upcoming deployment opportunities. 

Candidates meeting the above qualifications must submit the following for consideration:

• Current Resume 
• Certified NMFS 
• Relevant Monitoring Experience 

Please email all required documents to [email protected] and use the subject line "NMFS PSO Candidate-[Your full name]. Incomplete packages will not be considered.