Marine Mammal System Assistant I 04202 LBYD Federal

Location: Silverdale, Washington. Regular full-time position; no travel required. Ability to obtain a government security clearance is required; US citizenship is mandatory.

About the Role

At LBYD Federal, we deliver high-quality planning, engineering, architecture, and professional services in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we empower them to make decisions and build trust on the front lines. This role supports 24/7 operations by working closely with veterinary and biotech staff to provide superior care to marine mammals, including vitamins/medication delivery, diet issuance, and routine medical procedures. Each animal receives customized care based on individual health requirements, with husbandry behaviors developed and maintained according to specific needs.

LBYD Federal offers career growth opportunities across affiliated business lines, including Engineering, Environmental, Construction, and Mission Support activities. We provide a competitive benefits package, mentorship programs, professional development through North Wind University, and community engagement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and observe animal behaviors and wellness routinely and report to onsite personnel.
• Complete animal working sessions, including body inspections and assessments of animal wellbeing (behavior and health).
• 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 needs.
• 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.
• Ability to travel with animals for extended periods worldwide, including harsh environments and risk locations, with 72-hour notice.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology or a related field and basic open water scuba diving certification with a minimum of one (1) year of experience, or
• One (1) year of animal training experience and basic open water scuba diving certification with a minimum of one (1) year of experience and a high school diploma (or equivalent), or
• Operational and navigation experience on small boats (40’ or under), USCG license (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels/6pac – 46 CFR 10.467) or higher/U.S. Navy Coxswain’s certification, operational experience using maritime navigational devices, and basic open water scuba diving certification with a minimum of one (1) year of experience and a high school diploma (or equivalent).
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including nights, holidays, and weekends.
• Must pass a swim and dive test in addition to holding a basic scuba certification.
• Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to the safety of the project, team members, and animals through embracing safety culture, policies, and procedures.
• Must be able to obtain a government security clearance prior to starting.
• US citizenship is required to meet security requirements for this position.
• Must successfully pass a swim test and dive physical.

Preferred Qualifications

• Animal training experience.
• Advanced scuba diving certifications (e.g., dive master, instructor, commercial diver certification, 1st or 2nd class Navy Diver classification).
• 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 the use of a ladder.
• Able to pass the Maritime Vessel Operation Color Blind Test as directed by the contract.
• Physically qualified to perform dive operations.
• Able to stoop, bend, squat, climb, kneel, talk, and hear.
• Stand or walk for extended periods of time.
• Spend extended periods of time on a water vessel in different sea states.

Working Environment

Job will require working outdoors on boats, docks, and in water in all weather elements and conditions.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits package, including health, life, and disability insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Generous paid leave.
• Tuition reimbursement for eligible employees.
• Formalized mentorship program.
• Professional development through North Wind University.
• Health & wellness program.
• Employee service awards program.