At-Sea Survey Technician (Level I - III)

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a national scientific services firm supporting maritime activities requiring certification of compliance with environmental regulations as well as collecting data for use by Federal, State, Municipal, and other government agencies along the US coastline. AIS is looking for a At-Sea Survey Technician (Level I–III) —to support NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Fishery-Independent Survey (SEFIS).

Primary Function:

SEFIS is a long-term trap and video survey documenting the occurrence, distribution, and abundance of reef fish species associated with hard-bottom habitat of the southeast U.S. Atlantic coast. The technician performs field survey duties aboard vessels (approximately 60–80 survey days per year), reads survey videos and processes samples in the laboratory, and provides data management and analytical support the remainder of the year. This position is contingent upon contract award and available funding.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Resource Surveys:

• Perform survey support on reef fish surveys and participate on other resource surveys as required.
• Collect biological samples from various fish species; deploy and retrieve fish traps; outfit traps with video cameras; and provide support for video data collection.

Laboratory Support:

• Identify marine fishes in all life stages from diverse habitats of the southeast U.S. Atlantic coast and adjacent seas.
• Process otoliths and reproductive tissues for age analysis; acquire morphometric data; sort, count, and measure collected species.
• Read survey videos to collect data gathered via trap-mounted video cameras (primary laboratory activity).

Data Management Support:

• Perform entry and editing of survey data.

Analytical Support:

• Conduct data analysis and summaries; construct spatial distribution maps of the catch using GIS; and provide data reports, publications, and presentations.

Other General Duties:

• Support surveys by loading and unloading vessels, gathering required equipment and data, maintaining gear and supplies, and archiving and labeling collected data and samples.

Outreach and Education:

• Participate in public outreach efforts.

Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated, and total compensation will vary depending on candidates’ depth of experience. This is a full–time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus zero to three (0–3) years of relevant experience.
• Computer literate and experienced with common word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs; capable of writing reports at the college level and making oral presentations.
• Knowledge and application of the basic concepts, principles, and methodologies of fish or related biological field sampling sufficient to independently perform scientific tasks using standard methods and techniques.
• Experience as a data collector on at-sea surveys; knowledge and skill using shipboard software that handles data streams for hydrological (SCS) and biological data.
• Proficient in the use of fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification books and keys.
• Knowledge and identification of reef taxa from the U.S. South Atlantic region.
• Knowledge of otolith and reproductive tissue processing, stomach content analysis, and tagging techniques.
• Knowledge of procedures when encountering endangered or threatened species.
• Sea-going contractors participating on research cruises aboard NOAA ships must obtain OMAO approval.

Preferred Qualifications:

Additional duties and qualifications from the higher task levels (Level II and Level III) are preferred:

• Level II — MS degree in Marine Science or a related field, or a BS degree plus three (3) years of relevant experience; experience as a lead data collector on at-sea surveys.
• Level III — MS or PhD degree in Marine Science or a related field plus five (5) years of relevant experience; experience as a lead data analyst or data collector on at-sea surveys; experience with advanced data analysis programs.
• Additional Level III duties: maintain survey databases; lead or support research and operational activities related to video automation and analyses; provide oversight of other survey staff.

Travel:

• Domestic and international travel may be required for or in support of at-sea surveys, project-related workshops, and working group meetings.

Location:

• 101 Pivers Island Road, Beaufort, NC 28516 (SEFSC Laboratory)

An Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of A.I.S. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our employees and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Must be able to work in the U.S. • VEVRAA Federal Contractor • Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals • Equal Opportunity Employer