Tide Environmental is recruiting individuals to monitor for manatees within Florida waters. Protected species observers monitor the impacts of ESA-listed species, including any potential interactions with or takes of those species. Tide Environmental specializes in providing individuals for marine construction projects when regulations deem there is a potential impact to Endangered or Threatened Species. Individuals are being sought for shore based projects monitoring for manatee, sea turtles, and other protected species of interest in conjunction with ongoing project(s). Applicants with prior NMFS Protected/Endangered Species and/or FWC approval will be given preference. Applicants *must* have experience observing manatees in the wild. Applicants possessing both manatee and sea turtle qualifications are desirable. *Beginning Date*: April 2021 *Experience*: · Extensive, documented *HANDS-ON manatee* experience/observation is mandatory to be considered · Ability to identify sea turtle and marine mammals to species level · Detailed data collection · Necropsy experience is a plus *Minimum Requirements*: · Must have documented experience working with manatees · Must have or be able to obtain NMFS Protected Species Approval · Must possess or be able to obtain a TWIC card for access to job sites · Must be able to work 12 hour shifts for 21-30 days in a row with no days off · Must be in good physical shape and able to stand for hours at a time, climb ladders, lift 50lbs, board vessels at sea, and operate in a safe manner · Must be detailed oriented and possess good communication skills · Must have reliable transportation and will be responsible for your own travel to job locations · Must be able to provide your own transportation from the housing location to/from the project site · Must be able to travel on short notice · Maintain objectivity and work independently · Must be able to work with ship and construction crews · Must reside within the continental U.S. · B.S. in Marine Biology or related field (specialized experience may substitute for educational experience) This is an Independent Contractor position. As an Independent Contractor, travel to/from projects is the responsibility of the observer, there are no benefits, and taxes are the responsibility of the observer. You will be issued a 1099 at the end of each year for taxes. Housing is provided at the project location. Individuals possessing the above criteria are asked to submit the following to info@tideenvironmental.com · Resume/CV detailing your relevant experience · Date of availability · Copy of TWIC (if applicable) · Copy of NMFS approval letter · References