Fisheries Field Operations Coordinator - Harvesting Unit

AIS•Pascagoula, MS

3d•Onsite

About The Position

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is seeking a Fisheries Field Operations Coordinator to support the Southeast Fisheries Science Center’s Fisheries Assessment, Technology & Engineering Program. This position provides scientific, analytical, and field coordination support to fisheries research programs focused on fishing gear technology, ecosystem impacts, and sustainable harvesting practices. The role integrates field research, data management, stakeholder engagement, and technical reporting to support NOAA’s mission of sustainable fisheries management.

Requirements

Master’s degree in marine biology, fisheries science, oceanography, ecology, or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience
Demonstrated experience in fisheries research, including field data collection and scientific analysis
Knowledge of commercial fishing gear types (trawls, gillnets, seines, longlines) in the Southeast U.S. and Gulf of Mexico
Experience with statistical analysis, data management, and database development
Proficiency in scientific software tools (e.g., R, Python, Excel, or equivalent statistical/analytical platforms)
Experience preparing technical reports and delivering scientific presentations
Experience serving as a lead or primary data collector on field research projects
Ability to comply with NOAA Small Boat Operating Procedures
Valid driver’s license
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
Ability to operate independently in field and laboratory environments
Effective communication skills for both technical and stakeholder audiences
Ability to manage multiple concurrent research and coordination tasks
Must be able to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

PhD in a related field
Knowledge of selective fishing methods and gear technology innovation
Experience with fishing gear construction, repair, or evaluation
Experience conducting public outreach, training, or stakeholder engagement
Experience supporting international fisheries programs or interagency coordination

Responsibilities

Serve as project and field coordinator for Harvesting Unit research activities, including planning, execution, and real-time field decision support
Collect biological and fisheries data during field operations in support of gear research and ecosystem studies
Perform data entry, validation, and database development to support long-term research data archiving
Conduct statistical and quantitative analyses of fisheries data and produce technical summaries, reports, and scientific deliverables
Prepare and contribute to scientific publications, presentations, and internal NOAA reporting products
Coordinate and deliver outreach and training sessions for commercial fishers on federally required fishing gear and best practices
Support international outreach efforts, including participation in Turtle Excluder Device (TED) verification and training missions with NOAA and Department of State personnel
Prepare for and participate in scientific meetings, workshops, and symposiums, including development of abstracts and presentations
Provide intermittent field and operational support to laboratory programs, including gear technology assistance, data collection, and small boat operations
Coordinate multi-agency survey efforts, including stakeholder engagement with NOAA offices, fishery management councils, and partner organizations
Ensure compliance with NOAA protocols, including small boat operations, data quality standards, and safety requirements