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How much do protected species observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for protected species observer in the United States is $25.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $33.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a protected species observer?

A Protected Species Observer (PSO) is an environmental professional who monitors for marine wildlife during activities that could impact protected species, such as construction, seismic surveying, or dredging. Their primary responsibility is to ensure compliance with environmental regulations by identifying protected species and implementing mitigation measures. PSOs document wildlife sightings, advise crews on necessary operational adjustments, and report findings to regulatory agencies. This role helps minimize human impact on marine ecosystems while allowing projects to proceed responsibly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a protected species observer?

To thrive as a Protected Species Observer, you need a strong background in biological or environmental sciences, excellent identification skills for marine and terrestrial species, and often a relevant degree. Familiarity with data collection tools, GPS, digital cameras, and compliance software—as well as certifications like BOEM/BSEE or PSO/MMSO—is typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, strong observational abilities, clear communication, and the capacity to work independently or collaboratively in field settings are important soft skills. These competencies are crucial to ensure regulatory compliance, safeguard protected species, and accurately monitor activities in challenging outdoor environments.

What are the typical work environments and schedules for protected species observers?

Protected Species Observers often work outdoors on ships, construction sites, or offshore platforms, frequently in remote or marine environments. Shifts can include long hours, irregular schedules, or rotating shifts to ensure 24/7 compliance monitoring, especially during critical project phases. The work typically involves extended periods of visual monitoring, recording data, and sometimes living onboard vessels for several weeks at a time. Adaptability to changing weather conditions and the ability to remain alert for extended periods are important aspects of the job. Teamwork with other environmental professionals, project managers, and crew members is also common to achieve safety and compliance objectives.

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Protected Species Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protected Species Observer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 25% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,894 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Vessel Strike Avoidance Observer - Point Judith, RI

Narragansett, RI • On-site

AIS Inc
Environmental Consulting Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about AIS Incexternal

$18 - $22/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a national scientific services firm supporting maritime activities requiring certification of compliance with environmental regulations as well as collecting data for use by Federal, State, Municipal, and other government agencies along the US coastline.


Primary Function:

AIS is recruiting vessel strike avoidance protected species observers (VSA) to deploy on a vessel conducting squid trawl survey operations off the coast of New York. AIS is looking for individuals with NMFS PSO approval letters to stand watch while the vessel is under way to record data on protected species sightings and implement strike avoidance protective measures when necessary. The VSAs will be stationed offshore during 24-hour operations. The VSAO will work in opposite shifts during offshore operations which will be conducted 24/7 and will have an average of twelve hours of work per PSO per day. This position is expected to start in late mid-August 2026 on 4 individual trips, each 3 days in duration between August and September. 

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Ability to vigilantly monitor for visual detections of marine mammals around vessel for up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period.
  • Advise vessel crew on the project specific regulatory requirements and real time mitigation actions
  • Identify marine animals using the naked eye and visual technology.
  • Documenting behavior and other essential data
  • Collect and enter data into the required data sheet in an organized manner
  • Conduct personal QA/QC checks on data collected
  • Attend daily toolbox, HSE and project related meetings as needed
  • Operate and maintain field equipment including Garmin GPS, binoculars with reticles, range finder, handheld thermal imaging and night vision devices, and high-resolution digital camera with video capabilities.

Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated. This is a full–time temporary position and will be eligible for AIS benefits package after 30 days of employment. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Must have current STCW Basic Safety Training (BST), or GWO or BOSIET training.
  • Must have current CPR/First Aid certification.
  • 4-year degree with major in biological or geophysical sciences
  • Must be certified by a physician as fit for sea duty including:
    • Not be susceptible to chronic motion sickness
    • Ability to live in confined quarters
    • Ability to tolerate stress
    • Ability to lift objects up to 30 pounds
    • Ability to vigilantly monitor waters surrounding observation platform/vessel for up to 4 hours at a time and not more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period.
  • Must have passed an approved PSO course/training and provide certificate
  • Must be NMFS approved PSO (must provide NMFS approval letter)
  • Must possess a current real ID approved identification
  • Must not be affiliated with any group that may impair the objectivity or the appearance of objectivity
  • Must have proof of eligibility to work within the US.

Locations:

  • Point Judith, RI

Contact:

If you would like to apply for this exciting new opening, please visit our Careers Page to submit the required information:


  1. Resume
  2. Cover letter detailing relevant experience.
  3. 3 professional references (name, email address and phone number),
  4. PSO Training Certificate
  5. Offshore Safety Training Certificate

All documents must be submitted for your application to be considered. If you have any questions pertaining to this opening, please reach out to our Talent Team or call 774-770-5833.


An Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of A.I.S. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our employees and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.


Must be able to work in the U.S. • VEVRAA Federal Contractor • Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals • Equal Opportunity Employer