Protected Species Observer, On-call

GEI Consultants, Inc; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Market-Rate Pay

Professional Development

Rewards & Recognition

Inclusive Culture

Job summary

GEI Consultants, Inc. is seeking staff to train as Protected Species Observers for project-specific workload in the Seattle area. Positions are on-call with hours assigned in advance, supporting projects from July 2026 through February 2027 and potentially beyond.

Local candidates preferred, with responsibilities including field monitoring, data management, and report preparation. Ideal candidates have a biology/ecology background, knowledge of marine mammals, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• BS or higher in biology, ecology, or related field (undergrad near graduation with experience considered)
• Some familiarity with Pacific marine mammal identification preferred
• Protected Species Observer training not required but preferred; training provided if needed
• Demonstrated knowledge of Washington marine mammals and strong field identification skills
• Strong oral and written communication; valid driver’s license; ability to work in inclement conditions and long hours

Responsibilities

• Conduct visual Protected Species Monitoring for construction projects near Seattle, WA
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of marine mammal regulations and survey protocols
• Prepare field equipment, plan field logistics, and supervise monitoring implementation and data management
• Participate in meetings with project teams and managers
• Process data and prepare survey reports documenting findings

Skills

Biology knowledge

Marine mammal identification

Protected Species Observer training

Driver’s license

Ability to lift 25 lbs

Education

BS or higher in biology/ecology

Job description

GEI has an outstanding opportunity to help support our growing environmental practice. We are looking to add staff to be trained as Protected Species Observers for project-specific workload. Work is expected to be continuous from July, 2026 through February, 2027, with the potential for additional seasons. Employees may have the ability to work up to 40 or more hours weekly if desired during project operations. On-call employees are scheduled for work hours as they become available, usually two to four weeks ahead of time. Each on-call employee can accept or refuse hours assigned to them. Work on projects outside of GEI is also allowed by on-call employees, so long as their outside work does not create a conflict of interest with the work they’re performing on behalf of GEI. This position is located in the Seattle area, so staff will need to be local during project operations. The position includes the following responsibilities:

• Conduct visual Protected Species Monitoring for construction projects near Seattle, WA
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of marine mammal species regulations, visual identifications, and project specific survey protocols.
• Prepare field equipment, plan field logistics, and provide oversight of monitoring implementation and data management.
• Participating in meetings and phone calls with project teams/managers.
• Processing of data and preparation of survey reports documenting findings.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS or higher in biology, ecology, or related field. Undergraduate students may also be considered if they are near to graduation and have applicable experience.
• Some familiarity with Pacific marine mammal identification is preferred.
• Prior Protected Species Observer training is not required, but is preferred. Training will be provided if prior training has not been done, or is expired.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Washington marine mammals, strong field identification skills, and the ability to learn quickly.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including providing clear direction and effective communication in meetings and in person.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work in inclement conditions such as uneven/steep terrain, wet conditions, cold and hot weather, and for long hours, if needed.
• Ability to lift/carry/move supplies and field equipment up to 25 lbs.

Additional Desired Skills/Interests

• Experience with marine mammal visual monitoring or identification.
• Prior experience as a Protected Species Observer.

We are GEI.

Some of the world’s most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.

We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients’ most complex challenges.

With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locationshere .

Employee-owned. Employee-focused.

As an employee-owned company, our employees s upport our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more. Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI’s career sitehere .

GEI’s Total Rewards Package Includes

• Market-Competitive Compensation
• Pay Range For This Position: $25.00 – $38.00/hour
• Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
• Rewards and Recognition
• A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Functional Demands:

Sedentary

x

Light

Medium

Other

Activity Level Throughout Workday (check one per row)

Physical Activity Requirements

Occasional

(0-35% of day)

Frequent

(33-66% of day)

(67-100% of day)

Not Applicable

X (4+ hours)

Standing

X (1-2 hours)

Walking

X (1-2 hours)

Climbing

X

Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds)

(0-25 lbs)

Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds)

(0-25 lbs)

Carrying objects

X

Push/pull

X

Twisting

X

X

Reaching forward

X

Reaching overhead

X

X

X

X

Keyboard use/repetitive motion

X (4+ hours)

Taste or smell

X

Talk or hear

X

Accurate 20/40

Very Accurate 20/20

Not Applicable

Near Vision

X

Far Vision

X

Yes

No

Not Applicable

X

Sensory Requirements

Minimal

Moderate

Accurate

Not Applicable

Depth perception

X

Hearing

X

Reasonably Anticipated

Not Anticipated

X

Chemical

X

X

Extreme temperatures

X

Radiation

X

Uneven surfaces or elevations

X

X

Dust/particulate matter

X

GEI is an AA/equal opportunity employer, including disabled and veterans.