Safety and Compliance Specialist

*Authorized to work in the US Required (US Citizen Preferred)

*Onsite at a SEFSC Facility (TX, FL, Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, or Caribbean)

*Proposal Effort: Position is Subject to Contract Award

*Must be able to provide 3 professional references

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Safety and Compliance Specialist ensures the health, safety, and regulatory compliance of personnel and operations supporting NOAA. They deploy fishery observers across the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, and Caribbean to collect high-quality fisheries and environmental data essential for managing U.S. marine resources.

This position plays a critical role in risk management, safety training, and regulatory compliance, ensuring all NOAA, federal, and maritime safety standards are met across observer deployments, field facilities, and program operations. The Safety and Compliance Specialist will collaborate closely with NOAA leadership, field observers, trainers, and technical staff to maintain a safe and compliant work environment - both onshore and at sea.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, implement, and enforce safety and compliance protocols in accordance with NOAA, U.S. Coast Guard, and Department of Labor regulations
• Conduct safety audits and inspections of field gear, immersion suits, Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), and other observer-issued equipment to ensure full functionality and certification.
• Coordinate observer safety training, including pre-deployment safety briefings, emergency procedures, and vessel safety orientation.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal laws, including:
  • NOAA Safety Standards
  • Observer Health and Safety Regulations
  • Merchant Marine Act (Jones Act)
  • U.S. Longshore and Harbor Worker's Compensation Act
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Service Contract Act (SCA)
  • Federal Travel Regulations (FTR)
  • Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA)
• Maintain and review safety documentation, including incident reports, safety checklists, risk assessments, and compliance certifications.
• Assist with safety equipment procurement, testing, and maintenance, ensuring all observers are equipped per NOAA's Sampling and Safety Gear standards.
• Develop and deliver safety training modules and refresher sessions for new and experienced observers.
• Investigate and document incidents, near misses, and safety violations, working with NOAA's Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to develop corrective action plans.
• Support continuous improvement of safety management systems through data analysis, field feedback, and compliance audits.
• Collaborate with Gear Technicians and Project Managers to ensure all field operations and personnel remain compliant with NOAA directives and maritime safety standards.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, Marine Operations, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience in safety management, compliance, or maritime operations.
• Working knowledge of OSHA, NOAA, and U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations.
• Experience conducting risk assessments, safety inspections, and incident investigations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and digital documentation systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively train and communicate with diverse personnel, including field observers and federal scientists.
• Experience working with NOAA, NMFS, or federal field research programs.
• Familiarity with marine and fisheries fieldwork, especially involving observer deployments or offshore operations.
• Experience with safety data management systems, compliance tracking, or safety program audits.

Please contact if you have any questions or concerns.