AMLR Biological Technician

AIS Inc•San Diego, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

AIS is looking for a Biological Technician to support the U.S. Antarctic Marine Living Resources (AMLR) Program at the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center. This role involves three phases: pre-field season preparation, in-field data and sample collection at remote Antarctic field camps, and post-field season data processing and quality control. The position supports research on pinnipeds and seabirds, field logistics, and data management in a challenging remote environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution with a major in biology, zoology, fisheries, oceanography, natural science, mathematics, or hydrology, plus one (1) year of related experience, or a combination totaling five (5) years of combined education and experience.
Experience living and working in remote, isolated locations for extended periods.
Ability to complete required medical clearances for field work (including Antarctic deployment requirements).

Nice To Haves

Experience handling wild animals, particularly large mammals and birds.
Wilderness safety training (e.g., Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification).
Prior experience with pinniped or seabird research in remote or polar environments.
Experience with animal tagging, sample collection, and data entry in field conditions.

Responsibilities

Maintain inventories of field equipment and gear, and coordinate with procurement for supplies and calibrations.
Inventory, organize, and pack field equipment, gear, provisions, and safety supplies, preparing shipping documents as needed.
Participate in logistical operations during transport of equipment, supplies, and personnel between research vessels and field camps.
Conduct pinniped research, including collecting and analyzing data on seals (reproduction, foraging ecology, growth, abundance, distribution, survival), weighing pups, tagging, scat collection, and maintaining trail cameras.
Conduct seabird research, including collecting and analyzing data on seabird reproduction, foraging, growth, abundance, and survival, weighing chicks, banding, stomach sampling, instrument placement, and trail camera maintenance.
Enter data promptly and accurately into designated spreadsheets and databases.
Adhere to MMPA permit requirements, maintaining catalogues and tallies of samples and permitted captures.
Review and provide feedback on existing written protocols, and assist in writing new protocols.
Assist with logistics and maintenance of field camps, including generators, solar arrays, wind generators, weather stations, and construction projects.
Participate in general camp maintenance, including cooking, cleaning, and regular chores.
Assist station leader in writing weekly reports on research activities.
Adhere to all relevant permits, including the Cape Shirreff and Copacabana Operations and Safety Plan, MMPA permit, and Antarctic Conservation Act permits.
Assist with inventory of research and camp supplies and prepare inventories and lists of needs for the upcoming field season.
Perform quality and accuracy checks on field-collected data.
Process fur seal scat samples and analyze imagery data from various sources.
Submit monthly progress reports.