Trawl Survey Technician (Level II–III)

AIS Inc•Pascagoula, MS

1d•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 Trawl Survey Technician (Level II–III) to support NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) groundfish (trawl) surveys. This position is contingent upon contract award and available funding.

Requirements

MS degree in Marine Science or a related field of study; or a BS degree in Marine Science or a related field plus three (3) years of relevant experience.
Knowledge of applying the basic concepts, principles, and methodologies of marine fisheries research sufficient to independently perform scientific tasks using standard methods and techniques.
Proficient in the identification of marine fish and invertebrates from the western central Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of America.
Proficient in the use of fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification books and dichotomous keys; computer literate and experienced with common word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs.
Capable of writing reports at the college level and making oral presentations.
Sea-going contractors participating on NOAA (OMAO) research cruises must submit a NOAA Health Services Questionnaire (NOAA Form 57-10-01) and Tuberculosis Screening Form (NOAA Form NF 57-10-02) annually/biennially (age-dependent) and maintain a current tetanus vaccine (every 10 years).

Nice To Haves

MS degree in Marine Science or a related field plus a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience; or a BS degree plus a minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience.
Experience as a lead data collector for field projects.
Knowledge of fisheries techniques (e.g., otolith removal/processing, stomach content analysis, tissue sample collection) and of procedures upon encountering endangered or threatened species.
Experience running the Scientific Computing System (SCS).
Knowledge of SEAMAP field sampling protocols for trawl surveys.
Knowledge of the statistical treatment of fisheries and oceanographic data.

Responsibilities

Support SEAMAP groundfish (trawl) surveys, participating on offshore research cruises and providing laboratory identification and life-history processing of fishes and invertebrates, data management, and analytical support for the Trawl and Plankton Branch.
Participate in large-vessel groundfish (trawl) surveys and other resource surveys as needed, serving in Survey Field Party Chief, Survey Watch Leader, or Survey Watch Stander roles.
Field processing includes sorting trawl samples to the species level and counting, weighing, sexing, and measuring specimens for estimations of relative abundance by species.
Field Party Chief: write/submit pre-cruise instructions and post-cruise reports; ensure participant clearance forms are completed; plan and coordinate survey logistics; coordinate with IT staff for data collection and retrieval; serve as ship/science liaison; oversee gear loading; coordinate daily vessel activities and ports of call; oversee and conduct data/sample collection and trawl-sample processing; report weekly progress to the Branch Chief and Survey Coordinator; clean/store equipment and data; QA/QC data for the survey database.
Watch Leader: pre- and post-survey inventory of equipment and gear; prepare and load survey gear; coordinate Watch Standers and gear deployment/retrieval; conduct data/sample collection and trawl-sample processing; unload, clean, and store equipment and data.
Watch Stander: pre- and post-survey inventory of equipment and gear; prepare and load survey gear; conduct data/sample collection and trawl-sample processing under field conditions; unload, clean, and store equipment and data.
Identify invertebrates and fishes (all life stages) from trawl samples collected in the western central Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of America; verify identifications using morphometric characteristics.
Process finfish for life-history studies, including removal of otoliths for age analyses, removal and examination of stomachs for diet, and removal of fish tissue (e.g., fin clips, muscle) using clean techniques for molecular and stable-isotope analyses.
Perform data entry, edits, verification, and updates.
Maintain updated knowledge of marine fish and invertebrate taxonomy and systematics; participate in taxonomic and identification workshops as needed.
Provide support for data analyses and prepare data summaries.
Assist with the development of data reports, publications, and presentations; adhere to SEFSC publication procedures; coordinate abstracts and publications with the Trawl and Plankton Branch Chief.
Support other Trawl and Plankton Branch, PEMD, and SEFSC surveys, including serving as Field Party Chief, Watch Leader, or Watch Stander, and providing laboratory and data management support as needed.
Participate in public outreach and education efforts as needed; prepare for and present, facilitate, or participate in workshops, scientific meetings, symposiums, and public forums.