About this role
Location: Silverdale, Washington Title: Marine Mammal System Assistant I Schedule (FT/PT): Regular Full Time Travel Required: No Government Clearance: Able to acquire Government Security Clearance
LBYD Federal is a firm that performs high quality planning, engineering, architecture, and professional services in a fast-paced and collaborative environment, with our employees as our greatest asset. We offer opportunities to work on challenging projects for federal clients nationwide and provide opportunities for career development through education, training, certifications, work assignments, and advancement across affiliated business lines including Engineering, Environmental, Construction, and Mission Support activities.
The Marine Mammal Systems Assistant I (MMA I) will support 24/7 operations by working closely with veterinary and biotech staff in providing care to the mammal complement through vitamins/medication delivery, issuance of proper diets, and routine medical procedures. Each animal receives customized care based on their health requirements, and husbandry behaviors are developed and maintained based on animal-specific needs.
Essential duties and responsibilities:
- Monitor and observe animal behaviors and wellness routinely and report to onsite personnel
- Complete animal working sessions including body inspections and assessments of wellbeing
- Engage with animals through working sessions rehearsing and executing multiple behaviors to be performed in open water
- Record information about each session and the animal’s performance
- Perform feedings and administration of food supplements
- Assist with basic animal husbandry
- Provide diving support to operations, including enclosure inspection and maintenance
- Support fish house operations to prepare individually formulated rations designed to meet each animal’s specific need
- Operate a variety of watercraft
- May be trained to become a designated secondary handler for specific animals
- Perform tasks related to the care and training of marine mammals for specific projects
- Deter the presence of nuisance animals while following established processes and procedures
- Travel with the animal for extended periods anywhere in the world, potentially in harsh environments and risk locations, with short notice
Minimum qualifications: Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology or related field and basic open water scuba diving certification with minimum of one year experience OR
- One year of animal training experience and basic open water scuba diving certification with minimum of one year experience and high school diploma (or equivalent) OR
- Operational and navigation experience on small boats (40’ or under), USCG license or higher, or U.S. Navy Coxswain’s certification, and operational experience using maritime navigational devices and basic open water scuba diving certification with minimum of one year experience and high school diploma (or equivalent)
Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to work flexible hours including nights, holidays, and weekends
- Must pass a swim and dive test in addition to basic scuba certification
- Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Commitment to safety of the project, team members, and animals
Special Requirements:
- Ability to obtain a government security clearance prior to starting
- US Citizenship is required to meet security requirements for this position
- Must successfully pass swim test and dive physical
Preferred qualifications:
- Animal training experience
- Advanced scuba diving certifications (dive master, instructor, commercial diver, etc.)
- Current First Aid and CPR Certification
Physical demands:
- Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs
- Must be able to pull oneself out of the water and onto deck and boat platforms without a ladder
- Able to pass the Maritime Vessel Operation Color Blind Test
- Physically qualified to perform dive operations
- Able to stoop, bend, squat, climb, kneel, talk and hear
- Stand or walk for extended periods
- Spend extended periods of time on a water vessel in different sea states
Working environment:
- Outdoor work on boats, docks, and in water in all weather elements and conditions
Reasonable accommodation: North Wind offers a competitive pay and benefits package including health, life, and disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid leave and tuition reimbursement for eligible employees. The company is committed to employee wellness, professional development, and work-life balance and values safety and reliability. For more information about benefits or hiring philosophy, refer to the North Wind Career Opportunities page.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The nature of accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or need an alternative method for applying, you may contact the company for assistance.
North Wind is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, or other protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
Proof of citizenship may be required as a condition of employment.
Candidates may be required to obtain and hold a Secret or Higher US Government Clearance.
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information is collected and for what purpose.