Field Operations and Data Modernization Specialist

AIS Inc•Seattle, WA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is seeking a Field Operations and Data Modernization Specialist to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), Fish Ecology Division (FE) in Seattle, WA. This role is crucial for leading at-sea and estuarine field data collection for long-term surveys, focusing on modernizing data capture, processing, and delivery. The specialist will improve project efficiency, integrate new field technologies, and bridge the gap between data collection and analytical synthesis. The goal is to preserve the safety and continuity of multi-decade survey time series while transitioning them to digital collection, automated ship-to-shore workflows, and analysis-ready data products.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in a field of study directly related to fisheries, ecology, natural sciences, mathematics, statistics, oceanography, or hydrology.
Three (3) or more years of relevant experience with the marine and anadromous species and habitats managed by NOAA Fisheries within the West Coast region.
Demonstrated quantitative capabilities, including proven experience in statistical and complex data analysis.
Familiarity with open science concepts and working proficiency in analytical tools and software such as R, Python, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven track record of authoring technical reports and contributing to published, peer-reviewed scientific articles.
Familiarity with standard workplace productivity software (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite).
Demonstrated ability to efficiently manage dynamic workloads, maintain high organizational standards, and produce high-quality deliverables within established timelines.
Adaptable, capable of working both independently in the field and collaboratively within interdisciplinary scientific teams.
Ability to work outdoors in sometimes harsh conditions in or around water, including aboard vessels.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license during the period of performance.
Must be able to pass a background investigation and be suitable for public trust classification prior to beginning performance.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a related field.
Hands-on experience with digital field data collection platforms (e.g., electronic measuring boards, ruggedized tablets) and transitioning surveys from analog to digital recording.
Experience developing eDNA field sampling and chain-of-custody protocols, and coordinating with genomics/‘Omics laboratory personnel.
Experience designing automated ship-to-shore data pipelines and near-real-time data products.
Experience directing field survey mobilization/demobilization and inventory tracking systems.

Responsibilities

Lead the field collection of biological and environmental data in estuarine and marine environments, spearheading the transition from traditional analog recording to digital data collection platforms.
Continuously evaluate and implement new field technologies to improve at-sea efficiency.
Develop rigorous eDNA protocols and oversee field-based collection, preservation, and chain-of-custody of environmental DNA (eDNA) water samples.
Ensure strict adherence to at-sea anti-contamination protocols and serve as the primary operational liaison to ‘Omics laboratory personnel.
Design and implement automated data pipelines to streamline the transfer of data from ship to shore.
Develop scripts or workflows that rapidly generate preliminary data products, cruise summaries, and visualization tools immediately following field operations.
Maintain project databases to improve overall organization, accessibility, and usability for interdisciplinary team members.
Ensure that historical and newly digitized datasets are standardized and accessible for analysis.
Direct the mobilization and demobilization of project equipment, utilizing modern inventory tracking systems.
Synthesize methodological improvements and field results by authoring technical reports, contributing to journal manuscripts, and presenting workflow modernization strategies at regional and national scientific meetings.
Develop and implement standardized, reproducible procedures to efficiently format, QA/QC, and transition raw at-sea biological observations into analysis-ready scientific formats.
Produce comprehensive, documented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for new digital data collection methods, eDNA field sampling protocols, and database structures.