Fisheries Gear Specialist

AIS•Pascagoula, MS

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 Fisheries Gear Specialist to support the Southeast Fisheries Science Center’s Gear Monitoring Team. This position provides hands-on technical, field, and outreach support focused on selective fishing gear, vessel operations, and compliance training for commercial fisheries. The role combines practical gear construction and repair, at-sea and dockside operations, and direct engagement with fishers and marine law enforcement to support regulatory compliance and bycatch reduction initiatives.

Requirements

Minimum 2 years of experience in net construction, gear repair, or commercial fishing operations
Minimum 2 years of experience operating and maintaining small vessels and associated marine equipment
Strong hands-on mechanical aptitude (gear repair, vessel handling)
Ability to work in physically demanding and field-based environments
Effective communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences
Ability to work independently and as part of a field team
Experience reading and interpreting federal fisheries regulations
Ability to write clear summary reports and document field activities
Physical ability to safely embark/disembark vessels and perform work in marine environments
Ability to obtain and maintain: U.S. Coast Guard Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels License (6-Pack)
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
HAZWOPER 40-hour certification
CPR and Basic First Aid certification
Ability to meet NOAA Small Boat Program training and certification requirements

Nice To Haves

Experience in commercial shrimp trawl fisheries or net shop operations
Knowledge of selective fishing gear technologies and bycatch reduction strategies
Experience conducting outreach, training, or public engagement
Basic computer proficiency (Word, Excel, reporting tools)
Ability to read, write, or speak Vietnamese

Responsibilities

Assist in the construction, maintenance, and repair of selective fishing gear, including Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) and Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRDs)
Support fisheries research projects by providing gear expertise and participating in field evaluations of modified fishing gear
Operate, maintain, and support Mississippi Laboratory research vessels (Class A, I, and II), including trailering and transport of vessels and equipment
Obtain and maintain required certifications (e.g., USCG 6-Pack License, TWIC, NOAA Small Boat Program compliance)
Conduct outreach and training for commercial fishers on proper use of federally required fishing gear through workshops, dockside visits, and industry meetings
Provide training to federal and state marine law enforcement personnel on inspection procedures for regulated fishing gear
Conduct at-sea and dockside inspections of fishing gear and document compliance with federal regulations
Perform trawl repair and interpret gear construction diagrams to support field operations and training
Assist in developing technical training materials, presentations, and outreach content using multimedia tools
Support emergency response efforts (e.g., oil spills) requiring rapid deployment for sea turtle protection and outreach coordination
Maintain equipment, vessels, and workspace including warehouse and shop organization
Prepare summary reports of outreach, inspections, and field activities