At-Sea Survey Technician (Level I - III)

AIS Inc•Beaufort, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is seeking an At-Sea Survey Technician (Level I–III) to support NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Fishery-Independent Survey (SEFIS). This role involves conducting field survey duties aboard vessels (approximately 60–80 days per year), processing survey videos and biological samples in a laboratory setting, and providing data management and analytical support for the remainder of the year. The SEFIS program is a long-term trap and video survey focused on documenting the occurrence, distribution, and abundance of reef fish species along the southeast U.S. Atlantic coast.

Requirements

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.
Must be able to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

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 II).
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 (Level III).
Maintain survey databases (Level III).
Lead or support research and operational activities related to video automation and analyses (Level III).
Provide oversight of other survey staff (Level III).
Domestic and international travel may be required for or in support of at-sea surveys, project-related workshops, and working group meetings.

Responsibilities

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.
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).
Perform entry and editing of survey data.
Conduct data analysis and summaries; construct spatial distribution maps of the catch using GIS; and provide data reports, publications, and presentations.
Support surveys by loading and unloading vessels, gathering required equipment and data, maintaining gear and supplies, and archiving and labeling collected data and samples.
Participate in public outreach efforts.