REMSA is always seeking new and excited people to join our observer program. If you have the following qualifications, and are interested in conservation with a purpose, please send us your resume.

REQUIREMENTS:
• BS in Biology, or related field (One year of specialized experience, performed at an acceptable level, may substitute for educational experience)
• Hands-on experience with sea turtles, marine mammals, or fish sampling
• Physically capable of lifting objects weighing 50lbs, climbing in and out of tight spaces, and up and down ladders aboard ships
• Able to work on ships at sea for a minimum of three (3) weeks at a time
• Be a U. S. citizen, or a legal resident who has resided in the U. S. for at least the last two (2) years

MARINE ENDANGERED SPECIES OBSERVERS

There are two routes available to candidates desiring to become NMFS approved Marine Endangered Species Observers. The route taken depends on the degree of hands-on sea turtle or marine mammal experience possessed by each candidate.

For those with suitable hands-on experience, names and resumes are forwarded to NMFS for “conditional” approval. Once approved, individuals are sent to a vessel for additional training. After five days, individuals are considered fully approved.

For those with little hands-on experience, RESMA provides a formal training class consisting of 2-3 days of intensive instruction. Upon successful completion of the class, each individual’s name, resume, and test scores are sent to NMFS for “conditional approval.” Once approved, individuals are sent to a vessel for additional training. After five days, individuals are considered fully approved.

Regardless of the route taken, all candidates will receive the REMSA Marine Endangered Species Observer Manual, specifically designed to cover all aspects of an observer’s job, and will have received training in the following prior to becoming unconditionally approved:
• Sea turtle and marine mammal species identification
• Legislative requirements
• Vessel operations
• Vessel safety
• Nautical skills (tides/currents, navigation)
• Onboard watch procedures

FISHERY OBSERVER/SAMPLER

To conduct any fishery related sampling or observing, all candidates must attend a NMFS sanctioned training center specializing in the region and fisheries desired. The training generally consists of fish identification, sampling, and regulatory issues related to specific fisheries, and lasts approximately two weeks.

DISPOSAL INSPECTORS

Disposal inspectors must first be NMFS approved Marine Endangered Species Observers. Once approved as a MESO, disposal inspector candidates must be trained in the use of an automated tracking system, and demonstrate proficiency in the use of that system and in basic navigation and large scale chart plotting.

ALL

Once approved for shipboard assignment, observers experiences will vary depending on the specific job requirement (dredge monitoring, abundance survey or relocation, acoustic/seismic monitoring, fish sampling). Regardless, all observers must:
• Be adapted for a life at sea (not susceptible to motion sickness, be able to live in confined spaces, be able to tolerate stress, and physically able to move around ships) NOTE: The ability to work closely with others, and the requirement to be physically fit, cannot be overemphasized. The close quarters and rigors of shipboard life can be taxing to some, and dangerous to others.
• Be able to work independently, while following technical instructions
• Be able to get along well with diverse individuals
• Maintain objectivity, and the appearance of objectivity
• Have the capability and aptitude to conduct the required species identification and/or sampling