Commercial Fishery Dockside Sampler

AIS Inc•Galveston, TX

4d•Remote

About The Position

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is seeking a Commercial Fishery Dockside Sampler to support NOAA SEFSC Fisheries Statistics Division – Scientific Support Services. This role involves conducting biological sampling and data collection operations for commercial fisheries catches along the coastal areas from North Carolina to Texas, adhering to Trip Interview Program (TIP) and SRHS protocols. Key responsibilities include collecting biological data, preparing and shipping samples, entering and verifying data, and participating in outreach and training activities.

Requirements

BS Degree plus three (3) years of relevant experience.
Knowledge of basic concepts, principles, and methodologies of fish or related biological fields sufficient to independently perform scientific tasks.
Proficient in the use of fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification books and keys.
Computer literate and experienced with common word processing, database, and graphics programs.
Must be able to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

MS Degree in Marine
Experience collecting catch and effort information from commercial or recreational fishermen.
Knowledge of collection of routine biological samples (lengths, age structures, gonads, etc.) from marine fish.

Responsibilities

Collect lengths, weights, and biological samples (primarily otoliths) from a subset of commercial fisheries catches.
Follow collection and sampling protocols defined in the current TIP and SRHS User's Guides.
Use paper forms or government-provided tablets as directed.
Enter data collected on paper forms into TIPS or SRHS web applications.
Prepare biological samples for shipment: clean, package, and label within one week of collection.
Arrange carrier pickup for sample shipments.
Ship samples to designated laboratories (Panama City Laboratory for Gulf of Mexico and mackerel samples; Beaufort Laboratory for South Atlantic samples excluding mackerels) by the 30th of the month.
Enter dockside data into TIPS or SRHS portals no later than the last day of the month subsequent to collection.
Run monthly QA/QC audits using TIPS tools and address flagged protocol issues.
Proof data entry by other data collectors in TIPS by the end of the second month following collection.
Monitor the industry, submit Headboat Activity Reports (HARs) weekly, monitor vessel eLogs, and communicate with vessels regarding reporting compliance, if requested.
Assist FTE staff with sampling training sessions for new hires or TIP Partner agencies.
Participate in SEFSC-sponsored outreach events and training sessions/conferences as required.