Program Manager - Gear Monitoring Team

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 and collecting data for government agencies. AIS is seeking a Program Manager for the Gear Monitoring Team to provide program-level oversight of gear monitoring operations, including coordination of training, stakeholder engagement, regulatory compliance verification, and data management. The role integrates technical expertise in fishing gear with leadership responsibility for planning, executing, and reporting Gear Monitoring Team activities.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of experience in commercial fishing operations, net shop work, or related fisheries field
Minimum 5 years of experience managing fisheries-related projects or programs
Demonstrated experience in net construction and repair
Experience operating and maintaining small vessels and associated marine equipment
Proficiency with word processing and database management tools
Demonstrated experience writing technical reports and delivering oral presentations
Valid driver’s license
Physical ability to safely perform vessel-based operations
Strong leadership and program management capability in field-based environments
Advanced stakeholder engagement and communication skills across industry and regulatory audiences
Ability to manage multiple concurrent operational priorities and field deployments
Strong technical understanding of fishing gear systems and regulatory frameworks
Ability to obtain within one year: U.S. Coast Guard Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels License (6-Pack)
Ability to obtain within one year: Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Ability to obtain within two years: U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master License
Ability to obtain and maintain: HAZWOPER 40-hour certification
Ability to obtain and maintain: CPR and Basic First Aid certification
Ability to meet NOAA Small Boat Program training and certification requirements
Must be able to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of selective fishing gear technologies and bycatch reduction strategies
Experience conducting public outreach and large-scale training programs
Ability to read, write, or speak Vietnamese

Responsibilities

Lead construction, maintenance, and deployment of selective fishing gear (TEDs and BRDs) for research, training, and compliance activities
Provide technical expertise and oversight for fisheries research projects evaluating modified gear for bycatch reduction
Operate and maintain Mississippi Laboratory research vessels (Class A, I, II), including trailering and transport of vessels and equipment
Obtain and maintain required certifications, including USCG licenses and NOAA Small Boat Program compliance
Plan, coordinate, and conduct outreach and training sessions for commercial fishers across Gulf of Mexico states
Engage with fishing associations, industry stakeholders, and state agencies to support effective training delivery and regulatory compliance
Coordinate and conduct training for federal and state marine law enforcement personnel on proper inspection of federally regulated fishing gear
Oversee and participate in at-sea and dockside inspections of fishing gear, documenting compliance with federal regulations
Manage data collected during compliance inspections and generate comprehensive monthly and biannual reports
Develop and deliver technical presentations, training materials, and outreach content for diverse audiences
Provide hands-on demonstrations of gear construction and proper use to commercial fishers and enforcement personnel
Represent the program at industry and government meetings, presenting findings on TED technology, compliance trends, and outreach outcomes
Coordinate and support emergency response efforts (e.g., oil spills) requiring rapid deployment for sea turtle protection and targeted outreach
Support general unit operations including equipment maintenance, warehouse oversight, and operational readiness