NMFS Certified Protected Species Observer (PSO)

REMSA, Inc.; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

REMSA, Inc. is hiring a Protected Species Observer for the Sparrows Point Container Terminal Project in Baltimore, Maryland. The position involves conducting marine mammal monitoring during construction activities, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and reporting observations. Candidates must meet NMFS qualification requirements and have experience in marine mammal monitoring. Strong communication skills are vital for coordination with construction teams, and the role entails outdoor work in an active construction environment. Seasonal variability in work schedule with seven-day weeks during peak monitoring periods is expected.

Qualifications

• Meets NMFS Protected Species Observer qualification requirements.
• Experience conducting marine mammal monitoring, preferably in pile-driving or dredging.
• Ability to identify marine mammals and behaviors in the field.
• Strong communication skills with construction teams.
• Ability to conduct land-based monitoring from designated observation points.

Responsibilities

• Conduct marine mammal monitoring during pile-driving and dredging.
• Monitor Level A Shutdown Zones and visible Level B Harassment Zones.
• Prepare compliance documentation and daily logs.
• Ensure real-time communication with contractor environmental staff.

Skills

Marine mammal identification

Environmental compliance documentation

Real-time communication

Data collection and reporting

GPS operation

Night-vision monitoring

Technical report preparation

Education

Degree in marine biology, biological sciences, environmental science, or related field

Tools

GPS

Spotting scopes

Binoculars

Range finders

Job description

Protected Species Observer (PSO) – Sparrows Point Container Terminal Project

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:

• Meets 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