Field Marine Biologist/ Scallop Program Observer

East West Technical Services (EWTS) was founded in January of 1995 and offers a wide portfolio of marine monitoring services. We have an impressive list of clients which includes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and various private firms world-wide.

Our skilled team of professionals have extensive experience working in the highly dynamic marine industry. Each are trained and certified to the highest standards by appropriate government agencies.

EWTS is dedicated to delivering exceptional marine services and products to match any need. Since our inception, EWTS has successfully completed over 100 service contracts in the United States and numerous countries around the world.

Position Overview

Are you looking for an adventure-filled, outdoor-based, sea-going position that affords job purpose and a flexible schedule? Well, this is it! 

Get your career started in fisheries management and marine biology by applying to East West Technical Services (EWTS). EWTS is actively searching for the next group of enthusiastic candidates to fill openings in our Scallop Observer program. The next training is scheduled for June of 2021.

Candidates for the Field Marine Biologist/ Scallop Program Observer position must possess a strong drive to collect high quality data at-sea while displaying a passion for marine conservation. If you like working outdoors in inclement weather and challenging yourself both mentally and physically to attain a greater goal in marine conservation, then please send us your cover letter, resume, references and an unofficial copy of your transcripts.

Requirements:

Candidates must successfully pass a three-week training course scheduled for June 21st of 2021. The training facility is located on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Upon successful completion of training, candidates will be tasked with vessel trip assignments ranging from commercial fishing ports in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey and Virginia.

Education and Experience - Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree with a major in one of the biological sciences from an accredited four-year college or university. 

One year of specialized experience, performed at an acceptable level, may be substituted for the degree. The specialized experience must have been in the field of fisheries and included functions such as:

• observing ocean fishing activities;
• recording data for marine mammal sighting and fishing activities;
• tallying incidental takes of marine mammals, sea turtles and sea birds on
• fishing vessels; or
• collecting biological specimens from postmortem animals.

Additional Requirements:

• Basic First Aid/ CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Repertory) valid certification by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association is required.
  • Candidates must pass a NOAA background check as well as a medical screening form.

• Physical Condition:
  • Candidates have to be certified by a physician to be physically fit to work as an observer on a commercial fishing vessel.
  • The physician must understand the observer’s job and working conditions.

• Physical considerations include, but are not limited to:
  • Susceptibility to chronic motion sickness;
  • Ability to live in confined quarters;
  • Ability to tolerate stress;
  • Ability to lift and carry heavy objects up to 50 pounds;
  • Ability to drag heavy objects up to 200 pounds; and
  • Ability to climb a ladder.

Observer candidates will be asked to demonstrate their ability to do the following during Observer Training:

• Swim 100 meters;
• Tread water for three minutes;
• Don an immersion suit in 60 seconds or less; and
• Perform various water survival skills (i.e., boarding a life raft and cold water survival introduced during safety training.

Character Disposition:

• Candidates must be able to work independently, while following technical instructions.
• Candidates must be able to get along with others.
• Observers must maintain objectivity, and the appearance of objectivity.
• Observers must not have either direct or indirect financial or political interest in an organization that might be aided by the performance or non-performance of an observer’s duties.
• Candidates must have the capability and aptitude to conduct the required protected species (marine mammal and sea turtle) sampling.

Citizenship:

• Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, or a non-citizen who has legally resided in the United States continuously for at least the past 2 years.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter, resume and references.