Protected Species Observer (PSO)

RPS North America | Energy

US Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Alaska (Mexico and The Caribbean)

Temporary - Day Rate (based on qualifications and experience)

RPS North America provides engineering, environmental, and scientific advice across the US and Canada. We offer a comprehensive range of consulting services and technology solutions to support our clients in all sectors of the economy. We serve as the North American platform of RPS Group, one of the world's preeminent consultancies.

The RPS Difference

RPS has built its reputation on a single client deliverable: comprehensive environmental risk management. Our clients count on us to minimize their environmental liabilities, protect their people and assets, and improve their business value.

Since 1993, RPS has been recognized as a premier provider of environmental due diligence, compliance, site investigation, remediation, process optimization and value-driven management services. We primarily work for the private sector, combining our technical capabilities with a business sensibility. We focus our attention on service, client communication, and cost-effective solutions. We excel in translating environmental and facility problems directly into financial terms and bottom-line gains.

As a multi-disciplinary consultancy, we focus on providing advice upon the exploration and production of oil and gas and other natural resources, and the development and management of the built and natural environment. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, RPS employs more than 5,000 people in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Africa, the Middle East Australia, and Asia.

What are Protected Species Observers?

Protected Species Observers (PSOs) are highly qualified professionals that are certified by American regulatory agencies to deploy offshore during marine industry operations where there is the potential for the activities to negatively impact marine mammals and other protected marine life. They are tasked with the very important role of conducting observations to detect animals in the vicinity of the operations and then to advising how operations should be altered to avoid impacting the animals. The role of the PSO is focused mainly on helping to reduce impacts to marine mammals from activities that produce sound but there is also a large focus on reducing the potential for ship strikes with animals. Federal and state laws require that many types of industry activities, including the activities associated with developing an offshore wind industry in the US use PSOs.

What’s Entailed in The Role?

RPS Group is the leading PSO provider globally, since 2003. As a PSO, you will gain knowledge in the energy industry, while protecting the oceans many protected species. RPS provides industry leading PSO training created by the expertise of certified instructors, experienced PSO’s, degreed biologists, educators, and regulatory agencies. Oil rigs and drill ships are home to entire communities of sea life - some of the richest marine ecosystems in the world: The noise produced by drilling or seismic operations can be harmful to animals, especially marine mammals. Biologists trained as Protected Species Observers are deployed during many sound producing operations with the very important job of helping to prevent negative impacts to marine mammals.

Primary Responsibilities

• RPS PSO’s provide observing, reporting, and permitting services to our clients in the energy sector, on offshore drilling and seismic operation projects.
• PSO’s are stationed on oil rigs and drill ships on 4-6-week rotations in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.
• In addition to the observance of protected species marine animals, PSO’s will also be responsible for other field and weather-related data collection.

What’s Needed to Succeed

• A degree in Biology or other science, or environmental discipline is required.
• A willingness and ability to be available for 4-6-week offshore project rotations.
• The ability to complete PSO training and medical evaluation before project commencement.

What RPS Offers in Return:

RPS is an industry leader, and this is reflected in how we treat our personnel, which allows us to attract and retain individuals with outstanding qualifications and industry expertise. In addition to competitive compensation packages, we offer:

• Full PSO training and certification.
• Monetary compensation and full travel costs to and from vessel departure sites.
• On vessel lodging, meals, and ample personal downtime.

Working at RPS:

RPS is a dedicated team of talented scientific and technical individuals working together to provide our clients with cutting edge solutions to meet their evolving needs. Our global footprint enables us to work with a variety of government and private client through diverse projects.

RPS North America provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. RPS complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and requirements governing non-discrimination in every location in which we operate.

Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Mindful that a truly inclusive organization must make appropriate use of talent on a global basis and without unnecessary barriers, we are committed to embedding diversity and inclusion principles in all People processes in order to be as diverse as the communities and clients we work with, thereby securing, developing, and retaining the best available talent for the company’s future.

Our approach to Diversity and Inclusion
Our people live our purpose, deliver our promise, and demonstrate our behaviors every day. Our behaviors define who we are. Developed by our people, they underpin everything that we do. They create the memorable experiences we are known for and make RPS a great place to do great work.

‘Stronger Together’ is one of our five core behaviors and it is inherent in creating an inclusive workplace:
‘We are respectful, acknowledge diversity, and recognize the potential and contribution of everyone. We bring out the best in one another, always assuming best intent. People who learn and grow thrive in our business, sharing in our success.’

Recruitment Agencies
We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs, resumes, or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.

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