PIROP Observer

At Saltwater Inc., we believe that high-quality data is vital to the health of our fisheries and oceans: our mission is to provide that data. We are a Women-Owned Small Business and are constantly seeking new team members who share our passion for innovation and environmental wellness. We are currently recruiting for Marine Biologists / Fisheries Observers to collect data on effort and catch, as well as incidental interactions with protected species, such as sea turtles and marine mammals, in the Pacific Islands Region Observer Program (PIROP).   

Saltwater is submitting a proposal for a 5-year contract to provide observers for the PIROP. Work would likely start in the fall of 2023. The Marine Biologists / Fisheries Observers will have a three-week required training prior to deployment, and will be based in Honolulu, HI or American Samoa for the duration of the contract. 

Position: 

While deployed on board commercial fishing vessels targeting tunas and swordfish, observers will collect basic biological information from target & non-target species, catch & discard rates, fishing gear descriptions, catch & interaction rates of sea turtles, seabirds and marine mammals, sightings of protected species, and will collect samples & specimens from selected species. Observers also collect valuable economic survey data. Additionally, this position will require outreach to the fishers on some fishing regulations and protected species handling. The goal is to help fishers comply with certain regulations pertaining to by-catch mitigation rules. It is therefore imperative that observers are good at communicating with the fishing community, are easy-going, and can maintain composure under pressure to maintain amicable relationships with the vessels. 

Qualifications: 

• Ability to relocate to Honolulu, HI or American Samoa if not already living there.
• Excellent people/communication skills
• Bachelor's degree with a major in one of the biological sciences from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Be certified by a physician to be physically and medically fit to work as an observer aboard commercial fishing vessels
• Pass observer training including safety training course;
• Able to work independently, yet follow technical instructions;
• Able to get along well with others;
• Able to swim;
• Must be a U.S. citizen, or a non-citizen who has legally resided in the United States or its territories continuously for at least the past two (2) years and has legal visa status with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
• Possess a current CPR and First Aid certification prior to NMFS observer training. 
• Prior or currently certified PIROP Observers are encouraged to apply and will be given preference. 

Salary range is dependent on the program, experience, and solicitation. 

Only qualified applicants with the requisite experience need to apply. If interested, applicants should submit a resume and cover letter that briefly describes how you meet the qualifications listed above and why you would be the best candidate for the job. 

Saltwater’s mandatory employee COVID-19 policy requires proof of Covid-19 vaccination to safeguard the health of our employees and their families. 

Saltwater Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, parental status, veteran status, or disability status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace culture to attract the best talent and allow each member of our team to achieve their full potential and maximum productivity. Furthermore, Saltwater Inc. highly encourages individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply for positions for which they are qualified and to notify us if there are any needs for accommodation throughout the application process and/or upon hire.

We will honor all requests for application confidentiality. 

For more information, please visit our website at www.saltwaterinc.com