On Call Early Career Marine Biologist

Description

• Support internal knowledge sharing by summarizing field experiences, unusual findings, or technical challenges for team learning.
• Assist with site logistics, including organizing sampling gear, coordinating vehicle use, and preparing supplies for extended field deployments.
• Conduct field surveys in marine and estuarine environments to collect physical, chemical, and biological data on water quality, benthic conditions, and marine life.
• Maintain clear communication with team leads and supervisors on task progress, logistical concerns, and field conditions.
• Enter, organize, and perform basic analysis on environmental data using Excel, Access, and other data management platforms.
• Participate in data quality assurance and quality control processes to ensure accuracy and consistency in collected data.
• Conduct background research and literature reviews to inform field investigations and support project deliverables.
• Assist in the development of biological and environmental sections of technical reports and permit applications.
• Collaborate with environmental scientists, planners, ecologists, and engineers to integrate marine data into multi-disciplinary assessments.
• Participate in pre-field briefings, post-field debriefings, and lessons learned exercises to support continuous improvement.
• Record detailed field notes and environmental observations in accordance with project documentation standards.
• Help monitor marine life behavior during in-water construction activities to support mitigation compliance (e.g., marine mammal observers).
• Support the preparation of figures, tables, and graphics for client-facing materials using standardized templates.
• Prepare and calibrate field and laboratory equipment, including water quality meters, plankton nets, sediment samplers, and GPS units.
• Assist with species identification, specimen collection, and biological sample preservation following established protocols.
• Promote environmentally responsible and ethical behavior in all project activities.
• Support the execution of habitat assessments for seagrass beds, coral reefs, tidal flats, and coastal wetlands.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Ensure that fieldwork is conducted in accordance with environmental, health, and safety policies and standard operating procedures.

Requirements

• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for conveying technical information to peers and supervisors.
• Knowledge of standard marine field sampling procedures for water, sediment, and biological specimens.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel for data handling and Word for report drafting.
• Familiarity with laboratory techniques for sorting, identifying, and analyzing marine samples.
• Organizational skills for managing multiple assignments, samples, or field activities.
• Ability to safely participate in fieldwork aboard boats, along shorelines, or in shallow waters under varying environmental conditions.
• Basic understanding of marine ecosystems, coastal habitats, and ecological relationships among marine organisms.
• Familiarity with scientific literature research methods and environmental data sources.
• Ability to travel for fieldwork, often for multiple days at a time, sometimes in remote or challenging conditions.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Biology, Biology, or a closely related discipline, or demonstrated proven equivalent experience.
• Basic understanding of health and safety considerations when conducting fieldwork in marine environments.
• Demonstrated commitment to learning, professional growth, and technical development in marine science.
• Demonstrated experience collecting, recording, and managing scientific data with attention to quality and consistency.
• American Academy of Underwater Sciences Certification
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively under supervision in field and office settings.
• Knowledge of relevant environmental regulations, such as the Clean Water Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, or Endangered Species Act.
• Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines while maintaining high-quality deliverables.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and standard operating procedures for scientific fieldwork and documentation.
• Familiarity with data entry tools, digital field forms, and GPS/GIS technology.
• Team-oriented mindset and willingness to take on a variety of tasks in a dynamic project setting.
• Demonstrate flexibility to adapt to changes in field schedules, weather conditions, or project scope.
• 0 to 1 year of relevant post-education experience in marine biology or related areas.

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance