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 sea-going Field Scientist to support the Cooperative Research Branch (CRB) at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center’s Population & Ecosystems Monitoring & Analysis Division (PEMAD)

Primary Function:
This position involves both shore-side and at-sea responsibilities, including survey preparation, field deployment, data collection and auditing, equipment maintenance, and direct support of partner vessels and crews. Projects include the Study Fleet, Gulf of Maine Bottom Longline Survey, Industry-Based Biological Sampling Program, and Environmental Monitors on Lobster Traps and Large Trawlers. Typical fieldwork includes up to 40 sea days annually aboard various commercial fishing vessels.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide field and laboratory support for all Cooperative Research Branch (CRB) research initiatives.
• Conduct technical tasks at sea and ashore, including training, equipment deployment on commercial vessels, troubleshooting electronic data systems, data collection, and protocol adherence.
• Maintain detailed logs of equipment/software malfunctions and assist with resolution strategies.
• Support permitting, procurement, and distribution logistics for cooperative research operations.
• Participate in commercial fishing vessel research trips, including cruise preparation, gear deployment/retrieval, biological sampling, and crew coordination.
• Maintain, service, and repair laboratory equipment, fishing gear, and scientific instruments.
• Provide logistical support to industry partners: recruit participants, lead port visits, deliver training, and facilitate ongoing communication.
• Collect, process, and analyze biological specimens (e.g., for age, growth, genetics, diet) from at-sea and shoreside activities.
• Track and maintain survey equipment, including hook-and-line and longline gear, measuring boards, laptops, and oceanographic instruments; assist in fabricating gear and workstations as needed.
• Process and analyze catch data, perform dissections, and tag marine organisms for internal and external collaborators.
• Deliver biological samples to NEFSC partners from survey and fishery trips.
• Support development of data collection protocols, practices, databases, and software tools.
• Operate field equipment and software, ensuring proper data collection and adherence to scientific procedures.
• Review and analyze underwater video data to assess bottom habitat and identify organisms.
• Manage and update fishery-related databases, including data entry, error checking, and auditing.
• Analyze data from fishery-dependent and independent sources to support research objectives.
• Contribute to scientific deliverables, including technical reports, proposals, and manuscripts.
• Represent CRB research at industry meetings, conferences, workshops, and symposia.
• Create outreach materials such as user manuals, guides, newsletters, web content, and social media posts.
• Meet monthly with CRB leadership to report progress, identify challenges, and propose improvements.
• Assist in onboarding and training of new team members.
• Work independently with minimal supervision to meet objectives.
• Operate small vessels as needed for NOAA research missions.

Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated, and total compensation will vary depending on candidates’ depth of experience. This is a full–time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in fisheries science, biological science, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience conducting fisheries or marine field research.
• Experience identifying and implementing technical solutions in fisheries research settings.
• Proven ability to collect and process biological and environmental data aboard commercial fishing vessels.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in both field and office environments.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with members of the commercial fishing industry, both at sea and onshore.
• Experience using scientific and fisheries electronic data collection tools.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting and maintaining data collection hardware and software.
• Capable of leading or assisting field teams in executing research protocols.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to function effectively in adverse field conditions, including offshore and port-based work.
• Flexible and patient in working within geographically dispersed teams.
• Skilled at facilitating collaboration among individuals with diverse technical backgrounds.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Proficient in Google Workspace tools (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Calendar, Sites, etc.).
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to operate government or rented vehicles.

Required Certifications and Credentials:

• Completion of NSC Defensive Driving Course.
• Current First Aid, CPR, and AED certification (American Red Cross or equivalent).
• Safety-at-Sea training certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

• NOAA Motorboat Operator Certification
• NOAA Small Boat Component Certification

Travel: 

• Estimated 40 sea days/year and regular port visits
• Reimbursed at an hourly rate along with compensation for miles accrued on a personal vehicle as well as per diem at the specified Government rate.

Location:

• 28 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI, 02882