Field Party Chief and Component Lead II (Gulf Video Survey)

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 Field Party Chief and Component Lead II (Gulf Video Survey) to support NOAAs SEFSC Population and Ecosystems Monitoring Division (PEMD).

Primary Function:

The Field Party Chief and Component Lead II serves as the at-sea leader and laboratory survey component lead for GCRF reef fish surveys within NOAA SEFSC PEMD. The incumbent manages field crews, oversees logistical survey support, leads specific survey components (e.g., habitat mapping, automated video processing), coordinates with OMI for Oracle database management, and provides analytical support for manuscripts and reports.

Duties / Responsibilities:

• Serve as Field Party Chief for NOAA Ships and Small Research Vessel surveys; coordinate vessel activities, personnel, vessel movements, and ports of call
• Submit cruise instructions and cruise reports; ensure all participant clearance forms are completed
• Plan and coordinate logistical support for surveys including shipboard data collection and post-survey support
• Conduct biological and/or environmental sampling; log and process data per survey SOPs
• Serve as point of contact and subject matter expert for specific survey components (habitat mapping, video QA/QC, database management, automated processing)
• Perform video annotation, review, and data entry using VIAME; identify marine fishes from Gulf of America and Caribbean Sea habitats
• Manage review and tracking sheets; update GitHub project management tools
• Coordinate with OMI on Oracle database QA/QC, data backups, security, and standardization
• Assist FATES personnel in integrating automated data outputs for AI/ML interoperability
• Assist data analysts with QA/QC, data preparation, figure creation, and manuscript review
• Attend scientific meetings and present results; participate in outreach and education activities

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:

• BS Degree plus 3 years of relevant experience
• Computer literate; experienced with word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs; able to write college-level reports and make oral presentations
• Knowledge of SEAMAP field sampling protocols for reef fish
• Experience as lead data collector on at-sea surveys; knowledge of shipboard SCS and SEAL data systems
• Proficient with fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification keys; knowledge of reef taxa from the Gulf of America
• Knowledge of procedures when encountering endangered or threatened species
• Sea going contractors must submit NOAA Health Services Questionnaire and TB Screening Form annually/biennially; must have current tetanus vaccine

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS Degree in Marine Science or related field

Travel:

• Domestic and international travel anticipated for at-sea surveys and scientific meetings.

Location:

• 3209 Frederic St, Pascagoula, Mississippi (SEFSC Pascagoula Laboratory)

An Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of A.I.S. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our employees and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Must be able to work in the U.S. • VEVRAA Federal Contractor • Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals • Equal Opportunity Employer