Marine Biologist - Point Judith, RI

AIS Inc•Narragansett, RI

54d•Hybrid

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 recruiting Marine Biologists (Fisheries Observer) to work at sea collecting and recording data and biological samples for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) aboard commercial fishing vessels. The primary goals of the government’s fishery observation programs are to provide quantitative biological, vessel, and gear-selectivity information for the New England and Mid-Atlantic fishery. Each biologist operates on commercial fishing vessels operating in ports throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic. Commercial fishing continues to be possible due to cooperation between fishermen and fisheries management scientists. Marine biologists collect data pertaining to fishing programs, economics, catch data, and fishing efficiency. Collected data is used to document stock information which is then used to protect the environment and preserve future generations of fish/fishermen. Biologists work on deck on vessels ranging from 20’ to 100’ on trips roughly ranging from 7 to 14 days collecting data on fish catch and discard and incidental takes such as marine mammals, seabirds and marine turtles. After attending a 3-week paid training that is administered in person in Falmouth, MA, biologists are deployed from ports throughout New England and Mid-Atlantic states. Gear types assessed include, but limited to, trawl, and gillnet. This is a challenging job, and candidates must be mentally prepared to be away from home for multiple days, and must be physically able to handle heavy lifting, working odd hours, and long days in rough seas. Observing provides an excellent career in marine biology, as biologists are widely recognized as being excellent field biologists. A broad range of advancement opportunities are available to those who demonstrate appropriate capabilities, including project management, field supervisors, and fieldwork in other programs.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Marine Biology or Biology from an accredited college or university with 30 credits of biology coursework, 6 credits of marine science
At least one undergraduate course in math or statistics
All relevant course work must have been performed at a level acceptable for credit at the candidate’s academic institution
Experience with data entry on computers
Candidates must be U.S. citizens, or be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Candidates must be physically able, as determined by a licensed physician’s certification to perform biologist duties
Your own transportation is required
Candidates are expected to commit to the program for at least one year
Applicants must be currently living or be willing to live within 50 miles of Narragansett, RI (Point Judith)

Nice To Haves

At-sea experience
Coursework in Dichotomous Keys

Responsibilities

Work at sea collecting and recording data and biological samples for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) aboard commercial fishing vessels
Operate on commercial fishing vessels operating in ports throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic
Collect data pertaining to fishing programs, economics, catch data, and fishing efficiency
Record detailed information on the gear and fishing activity of the vessels
Work on deck on vessels ranging from 20’ to 100’ on trips roughly ranging from 7 to 14 days
Collect data on fish catch and discard and incidental takes such as marine mammals, seabirds and marine turtles
Assess gear types including, but not limited to, trawl, and gillnet
Perform biologist duties as determined by a licensed physician’s certification