Open To Work
Sean O'Sullivan
Marshfield,USA
Work Preference
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
4037
4037
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Protected Species Observer
ERSG
Jamestown, Rhode Island
10.2025 - Current
- Fully trained and certified under NOAA and BOEM regulations to work offshore construction/survey projects.
- approved under NOAA/NMFS/BOEM standards to ensure regulatory compliance, minimize environmental impact and facilitate sustainable development for marine construction and demolition, pile driving, explosive blasting, and geophysical (seismic) surveys.
- monitor and mitigate for marine mammals, turtles and other protected species following restrictions implemented by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
- Working on geotechnical / geophysical survey vessels conducting visual and acoustic monitoring for marine mammals / protected species
- Monitored marine environments continuously as Protected Species Observer, ensuring regulatory compliance and protection of marine life..
- Implemented measures to prevent marine strikes.
- Implemented mitigation measures to address frequency emissions from vessel equipment, safeguarding marine wildlife.
- Cetaceans, turtles and pinnipeds are dealt with in accordance with the company's BOEM lease and NOAA regulations.
- Each animal has its own exclusion zone with respect to distance from the equipment. If the animal is inside the exclusion zone, a shutdown is requested for a specific period of time designated for the animal by BOEM and NOAA.
- PAM operators use a hydrophone during night-time hours and fog to pick up any unvisualized detections.
- Recorded and logged all detections in detail, capturing coordinates, animal behavior, and movement patterns during observations.
- Observed and documented project activities and environmental conditions.
- All environmental data collected and recorded every hour 24/7
- Supported data collection efforts for environmental assessments and analysis.
Deckhand Bluefin Tuna
Andre LLC
Marshfield, Massachusetts
06.2023 - Current
- Operated deck equipment, enhancing vessel navigation and docking efficiency.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of deck surfaces and equipment to ensure safety and operational readiness.
- Tie all necessary knots for fishing
- Monitored weather conditions to support safe sailing decisions and practices.
- Tied various fishing knots to secure lines effectively.
- Demonstrated techniques for battling large tuna during fishing expeditions..
Deckhand Sockeye Salmon
Silver Bay Seafoods LLC
King Salmon, Alaska
06.2026 - 07.2026
- Operated fishing gear and equipment for efficient catch processing.
- Loaded and unloaded catch from vessels, ensuring proper handling techniques were used.
- Collaborated with crew to ensure safety protocols were followed at all times.
- Participated in routine maintenance of equipment and machinery onboard the vessel.
- Performed safety checks on all equipment and gear prior to use.
- Conducted regular maintenance on deck machinery such as winches, pumps, cranes.
- Handled rigging, lines and tow to increase equipment longevity.
- Inspected hulls for damages or corrosion when entering or leaving port.
- Fastened handling lines and moorings to prevent boats, barges and equipment from drifting away.
- Maintained professionalism and efficiency in emergency situations.
- Assisted in maintaining vessel cleanliness and organization during operations.
- Maintained a clean deck area through daily sweeping and scrubbing of surfaces.
- Cleaned fishing gear after each catch was unloaded from the boat.
- Assisted with minor renovation or repair to keep boat in operable condition.
- Carried out instructions issued by captain regarding docking procedures.
- Executed errands ashore, including purchasing fuel and provisions for the vessel.
- Prepared meals for crew members and served them at meal times.
- Communicated effectively with team members to coordinate daily tasks and schedules.
- Stood watch in high-density traffic areas under extreme weather and sea conditions to support navigation rules.
- Operated navigational systems including GPS trackers, radar units, sonar systems.
- Executed errands ashore, including purchasing fuel and supplies for the vessel. as needed such as purchasing fuel or provisions for the vessel.
- Stored food items safely in order to reduce spoilage during long journeys.
- Shared limited living quarters with three crew members during extended voyages. with 3 others for long periods of time.
Protected Species Observer
Nine tails Marine Observing
Tampa, Florida
02.2026 - 04.2026
- Fully trained and certified under NOAA and BOEM to work nearshore construction jobs including dredging and pile driving.
- Approved under NOAA/NMFS/BOEM standards to ensure regulatory compliance, minimize environmental impact and facilitate sustainable development for marine construction and demolition, pile driving, explosive blasting, and geophysical (seismic) surveys.
- Monitor and mitigate for marine mammals, turtles and other protected species following restrictions implemented by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
- Conducted visual monitoring of lease area to protect manatees and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
- Observed and documented project activities and environmental conditions.
- Documented project activities and environmental conditions to support compliance and inform stakeholders.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure compliance with safety protocols.
- Assisted in preparing reports on environmental observations and findings.
- Prepared reports on environmental observations and findings to provide insights for project management and regulatory compliance.
- Worked 12-hour shifts in challenging Florida heat to support project operations.
Hatchery Technician
Island Creek Oysters
Duxbury, USA
12.2024 - 01.2026
- Grow shellfish (oyster, clams, scallops) from scratch in hatchery.
- Conditioned and acclimatized shellfish to optimal spawning threshold by adjusting water temperature bi-daily, contributing to successful spawning cycles.
- Collect gametes from spawn and fertilize eggs
- Operated hatchery equipment for optimal oyster larval development.
- Monitored water quality parameters to maintain a healthy environment for shellfish, ensuring optimal growth conditions.
- Prepared and maintained hatchery supplies and materials for daily operations.
- Assisted in spawning and breeding processes of various shellfish species.
- Conducted routine inspections of hatchery systems and equipment functionality.
- Documented hatchery data accurately for compliance and tracking purposes.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline operational processes effectively.
- Trained new staff on hatchery protocols and safety procedures efficiently.
- Conducted routine water quality tests including temperature, salinity, pH levels and dissolved oxygen.
- Adjusted aeration systems to maintain appropriate oxygen levels in all tanks throughout the facility.
- Disinfected trays containing hatched larvae before transferring them into rearing tanks.
- Monitored algae incubators (photo-bio reactors) for proper temperatures and humidity levels to ensure optimal conditions for algae to grow.
- Performed daily hatchery duties such as cleaning and sanitizing tanks, pumps, hoses, trays and other equipment.
- Assisted in spawning activities by collecting eggs and sperm from individual animals.
- Monitor shellfish larvae by draining down tanks and grading every other day (sorting by size)
- Maintained accurate production records, including hatch dates, egg counts, and mortality rates, facilitating compliance and tracking of hatchery performance.
- Regulating upwelling and downwelling systems
- Grow 10-12 different species of algae via photosynthesis that are fed to the larvae/seed. Each algae species has a different health benefit for the shellfish depending on their age.
- Installed and repaired PVC plumbing systems in hatchery.
Oyster Farmer
Island Creek Oysters
Duxbury, USA
05.2023 - 01.2026
- Cultivated and harvested high-quality oysters in designated growing areas.
- Operated land-based upwelling systems to enhance seed growth and survival rates
- Operated floating upwelling systems to optimize water flow and nutrient delivery
- Assisted with the relocation of juvenile oysters from hatcheries to grow-out sites.
- Operated boats efficiently for various aquaculture tasks.
- Proficient boat driver
- Trained new staff on proper harvesting techniques and safety protocols.
- Performed routine cleaning duties within aquaculture facilities.
- Inspected aquaculture facilities for signs of damage or deterioration and reported findings to management.
- Developed strategies that streamlined oyster farming operations, contributing to improved efficiency and productivity.
- Worked in the Nursery portion of the farm taking care of and developing oyster, clam and scallop seed from about 1mm in size up to almost an inch in diameter.
Protected Species Observer
RPS
New Bedford, USA
06.2021 - 02.2025
- Fully trained and certified under NOAA and BOEM regulations to work offshore construction/survey projects.
- Approved under NOAA/NMFS/BOEM standards to ensure regulatory compliance, minimize environmental impact and facilitate sustainable development for marine construction and demolition, pile driving, explosive blasting, and geophysical (seismic) surveys.
- Monitor and mitigate for marine mammals, turtles and other protected species following restrictions implemented by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
- Working on geotechnical / geophysical survey vessels conducting visual and acoustic monitoring for marine mammals / protected species
- Implemented mitigation strategies to address frequency emissions from vessel equipment, protecting marine wildlife from potential harm.
- Mitigation efforts in response to frequency emissions of vessel equipment that may be harmful to marine wildlife.
- Cetaceans, turtles and pinnipeds are dealt with in accordance with the company's BOEM lease and NOAA regulations.
- Maintained 24-hour watch as a Protected Species Observer to monitor marine wildlife..
- PAM operators use a hydrophone during night-time hours and fog to pick up any unvisualized detections.
- Monitored animal exclusion zones around equipment to ensure compliance with BOEM and NOAA regulations.
- All environmental data collected and recorded every hour 24/7
- All detections are recorded and logged in detail - including coordinates at beginning and end of detection, behavior of animals and where they were heading as they appeared and left.
- Adapted to living on boats for extended periods during offshore projects.
- Assisted in preparing reports on environmental observations and findings.
- Engaged in training sessions to deepen understanding of industry standards and best practices.
- Coordinated data collection for environmental assessments, contributing to comprehensive analysis and reporting.
Fisheries Observer
Quantech
Marshfield, USA
05.2021 - 09.2023
- Researched large pelagic fisheries for NMFS in South Shore Massachusetts to support data collection and analysis.
- Visited various marinas to interview fishermen targeting bluefin tuna, sword/sailfish, and sharks, contributing valuable insights to NMFS research database. The interviews are sent in to NMFS for their research database.
- Information on the interviews includes size and length of catch, location of catch, types of hooks, types of bait, number of fishermen, permit numbers, boat names and captain names.
- Asked follow-up questions to gather details about each fishing trip.
Environmental Service Department Manager
VPNE, Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, USA
07.2020 - 12.2020
- Managed inside-hospital operations to ensure efficient service delivery
- Processed payroll transactions daily
- Setting work schedule each week
- Handle covers / call outs
- Conducted interviews and facilitated new hires to strengthen team capabilities
- Problem solving / issue resolving
- Oversaw team operations
Research Assistant Marine Soundscapes
University of Vermont
Burlington, USA
08.2018 - 05.2020
- Using new data analytic programs called Arbimon and ONDAS to observe years' worth of data from Costa Rica/Panama
- Using new data analytic programs called Arbimon and ONDAS to observe years worth of data from Costa Rica/Panama
- Performed data analysis and management using Rstudio to enhance research findings
- Developed research proposal outlining study objectives and methods
- Studied humpback whale migration patterns and communication methods
- Analyzed lunar cycle and substrate impact on soundscape characteristics
Lobsterman
Lobster co
Marshfield, USA
05.2012 - 05.2020
- Developed strong relationships within fishing community, collaborating with various fishermen
- Worked on boats every day
- Removed lobster traps from the water
- Steered boats through local waters
- Got to know all the fishermen in the harbor
- Was able to work with other fishing vessels occasionally
- Maintained regular communication with lobster men to coordinate fishing efforts
- Managed consistent contact with live lobsters to ensure optimal handling and care
- Familiar with all fishing boats and fishing gear in the area
Research Assistant
University of Vermont
Burlington, USA
08.2019 - 03.2020
- Conducted hands-on research with mussels to investigate how a specific species assimilates to ocean acidification.
- Before the experiment mussels were dissected in order to learn about the enzymatic activity of the posterior abductor muscle. This is the muscle that opens and closes the shell.
- Exposed groups of mussels to varying pH levels for two weeks, followed by dissection to analyze the effects on enzymatic activity due to increased acidity.
- Engaged in brainstorming sessions to generate innovative ideas for research projects.
- Utilized a spectrophotometer to measure light absorbance in samples for analysis.
Timeline
Deckhand Sockeye Salmon
Silver Bay Seafoods LLC
06.2026 - 07.2026
Protected Species Observer
Nine tails Marine Observing
02.2026 - 04.2026
Protected Species Observer
ERSG
10.2025 - Current
Hatchery Technician
Island Creek Oysters
12.2024 - 01.2026
Deckhand Bluefin Tuna
Andre LLC
06.2023 - Current
Oyster Farmer
Island Creek Oysters
05.2023 - 01.2026
Protected Species Observer
RPS
06.2021 - 02.2025
Fisheries Observer
Quantech
05.2021 - 09.2023
Environmental Service Department Manager
VPNE, Boston Children's Hospital
07.2020 - 12.2020
Research Assistant
University of Vermont
08.2019 - 03.2020
Research Assistant Marine Soundscapes
University of Vermont
08.2018 - 05.2020
Lobsterman
Lobster co
05.2012 - 05.2020
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of Vermont
High School -
Boston College High School
Summary
Detail-oriented Protected Species Observer with over 500 sea days of experience ensuring compliance with NOAA/NMFS/BOEM standards to minimize environmental impact during marine construction activities. Conducted extensive monitoring and mitigation efforts for marine mammals and protected species in accordance with the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act. Leveraged extensive background in commercial fisheries and aquaculture to enhance technical knowledge and critical thinking skills in data-driven environments.
Skills
- Marine vessel operations
- Vessel monitoring techniques
- Marine biology
- Aquatic species monitoring
- Wildlife observation techniques
- Marine habitat management
- Environmental assessment
- Environmental data collection
- Regulatory compliance
- Safety protocol adherence
- Field equipment operation
- Environmental Services
- Data collection
- Data gathering
- Data Analysis
- Data interpretation
- Visual monitoring
- Visual analysis
- Laboratory Experience
- Research
- Research writing
- Project Management
- Wildlife regulations
- Conservation strategies
- Team collaboration
- Problem solving
- Critical reading
- Excel
- Outdoor work
- Marine systems oversight
- Marine navigation
- Marine equipment assessment
- Spectrophotometer
- Research and Development
- Marine navigation
- Marine equipment assessment
- Conservation strategies
- Environmental data collection
- Wildlife regulations
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of Vermont
Burlington, VTHigh School -
Boston College High School
Boston, MACertification
- First Aid Certification
- Driver's License
Personal Information
- Willing To Relocate: Anywhere
- Title: Biologist
Additional Information - Authorized To Work
US for any employer