Field Party Chief and Component Lead II (MDBC)

AIS•Panama City, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

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 Field Party Chief and Component Lead II - Mesophotic Deep Benthic Communities (MDBC) to support NOAAs SEFSC Population and Ecosystems Monitoring Division (PEMD). Primary Function: The Field Party Chief and Component Lead II supports the MDBC survey program within NOAA SEFSC PEMD. The incumbent assists with survey coordination, leads at-sea operations as Field Party Chief or Watch Leader on ROV/AUV surveys of mesophotic and deep benthic communities (50–1800 m), manages specific survey data components, and supports analysis and publications related to DWH oil spill restoration assessments.

Requirements

BS Degree plus 3 years of relevant experience
Computer literate; proficient with ArcGIS including Spatial Analyst and 3D Analyst extensions; able to write college-level reports and make oral presentations
Functional knowledge of ROV, AUV, and UUV operations; ability to develop logistical plans for at-sea operations using these assets
Proficient with fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification keys; expert knowledge of major structure-forming invertebrates in mesophotic and deep benthic communities of the Gulf of America
Sea going contractors must submit NOAA Health Services Questionnaire and TB Screening Form annually/biennially; must have current tetanus vaccine
Knowledge of procedures when encountering endangered or threatened species
Experience as lead data collector on at-sea surveys; knowledge of shipboard hydrological and biological data systems
Knowledge of MDBC field sampling protocols

Nice To Haves

MS Degree in Marine Science or related field

Responsibilities

Assist MDBC Project Management Leads in coordinating survey preparation, execution, and completion including scheduling, supply/equipment needs, and survey vehicle selection
Serve as subject matter expert for identifying marine fishes from mesophotic and deep reef habitats
Lead a specific MDBC data component (e.g., data applications); manage MDBC database, backups, and security with OMI
Collate biological data inventory and mine acoustic bathymetric data; calculate species density and produce graphs
Attend scientific meetings and present results; participate in outreach and education activities
Assist with manuscripts for peer review; coordinate presentations and abstracts
Work with MDBC personnel to integrate AI/ML automated data outputs; maintain project management tools
Conduct video annotation, review, and QA/QC of ROV-based footage; manage annotation tracking sheets
Coordinate daily vessel activities, personnel, positions, ports of call, and weather conditions
Write cruise instructions and cruise reports; manage participant clearance paperwork