Protected Species Observer; PSO ; Field Based

ERM is hiring Protected Species Observer (PSO) Support to assist our client on an offshore voyage out of Boston, MA
. In this critical role, you will be responsible for observing, recording, and reporting wildlife on a medium or large vessel. You will be alternating shifts with an ERM PSO. This opportunity requires strict adherence to regulatory requirements, health and safety procedures, attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and excellent communication skills. This is a full‑time (70‑84+ hours/week), limited‑term role for a duration of 7 months
.

• Standing on deck in shifts to detect protected species.
• Observe and record protected species behavior and any Protected Marine Mammals that may pass through the NMFS/USFWS determined exclusion zone.
• Document protected species interactions and assist with data collection.
• Ensure that all staff are adhering to safe water vessel practices.
• Ensure that all parties are compliant with NOAA, NMFS, and USFWS requirements and contribute to the protection of marine biodiversity.

• Bachelor of Science in related field required.
• Must be current with BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training) certification, or capable of obtaining prior to start of project.
• Hold NMFS PSO approval.
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a PSO or a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO).
• Strong knowledge of Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
• Good observational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and reporting skills.
• Basic computer proficiency for data entry and report generation.
• Must work safely and follow instructions as per Client and ERM policies.
• Ability to work 12-hour days in shifts, 7 days per week for the duration of the project.
• Capable of working on rough seas during challenging weather conditions and exposure to potentially hazardous environment.
• Must be able to ascend/descend stairs or ladders on the vessel during all weather conditions.
• Ability to regularly lift 25 lbs. and occasionally lift 50 lbs.
• Willing to travel to remote locations for the project.

For the Protected Species Observer (PSO) Support position, we anticipate the annual base pay of $74,825 – $83,641 ($35.97/hr – $40.21/hr) USD, limited‑term, non‑exempt. An employee’s pay position within this range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue‑based metrics, and business or organizational needs.

We also may have instances where employees fall outside of the range based on the factors noted above. This job may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/Flexforce employees are NOT bonus eligible).

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life & disability insurance to benefits eligible employees.

• Benefits Eligibility is limited to Regular employees regularly scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week. Fixed‑Term employees (including Flexforce) who are regularly scheduled to work 20 hours a week or more are eligible for a limited benefits package. Casual employees are NOT benefits eligible. See your recruiter for more details.

You can apply for this role through  or through the internal careers portal if you are a current employee.

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations. At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career.

We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world‑class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their…