Marine Mammal Observer

Description

The Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) is responsible for detecting marine mammals and sea turtles within the mitigation zone (Exclusion Zone – EZ) prior to and during offshore operations. The MMO advises the crew on marine mammal mitigation procedures and recommends delaying or stopping operations if protected species are observed or abnormal behavior is detected.

The role includes visual monitoring, environmental compliance, crew awareness, and accurate reporting of all observations.

• Record all sightings using approved JNCC or regulator-required forms.
• Delay start-up if animals are detected within the EZ.
• Identify species and behavior patterns whenever possible.
• Maintain clear and direct communication with vessel leadership for real-time mitigation implementation.
• Provide a comprehensive MMO report as part of the project’s HSE close-out documentation.
• Ensure alignment with all consent/licence conditions and RTE environmental requirements.
• Submit accurate raw data (Excel), including:
• Stop operations if abnormal behavior is observed.
• Attend pre-mobilization meetings and toolbox talks.
• Conduct continuous visual monitoring for marine mammals and sea turtles.
• Brief vessel crew on mitigation requirements and marine mammal awareness.
• Determine distance to animals using approved methods (reticle binoculars or range-finding sticks).

Requirements

Positions Required: 2 MMOs

Note: If the candidate is a trained biologist with relevant field experience, RTE may accept an e-learning-based MMO qualification.

Mandatory Certifications

Reports must comply with RTE’s documentation standards and regulator requirements.

MMOs must also carry a copy of the RTE HSE Specification 14 and all required recording forms.

• Raw data spreadsheets (not PDFs)
• Binoculars (preferably reticle binoculars)
• High-quality photos/videos of all sightings (marine mammals, turtles, birds, fish, etc.)
• Range-finding tool (or binoculars with reticles)
• Ability to identify species commonly found in the project area.
• JNCC MMO Certification (field-based training required)
• A camera-equipped MMO is strongly preferred
• Proven experience visually detecting marine mammals.
• Standard offshore PPE (helmet, safety boots, gloves, hi-vis, etc.)
• UK Passport or valid UK Work Visa
• Newly qualified MMOs may be accepted only if paired with an experienced mentor MMO.
• Acoustic recordings, if applicable
• Experience working offshore on vessels.
• All acoustic files (raw recordings)
• Valid Offshore Medical Fitness Certificate
• For some activities (e.g., offshore substation piling), a minimum of 20 weeks of field experience in the past 10 years is required.
• Polarized sunglasses
• Familiarity with marine mammal behavior and offshore mitigation procedures.
• Personal field gear for cold, wind, and spray

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance