Field Party Chief and Component Lead II (MDBC)

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 - Mesophotic Deep Benthic Communities (MDBC) to support NOAAs SEFSC Population and Ecosystems Monitoring Division (PEMD).

Primary Function:

The Field Party Chief and Component Lead II supports the MDBC survey program within NOAA SEFSC PEMD. The incumbent assists with survey coordination, leads at-sea operations as Field Party Chief or Watch Leader on ROV/AUV surveys of mesophotic and deep benthic communities (50–1800 m), manages specific survey data components, and supports analysis and publications related to DWH oil spill restoration assessments.

Duties / Responsibilities:

• Assist MDBC Project Management Leads in coordinating survey preparation, execution, and completion including scheduling, supply/equipment needs, and survey vehicle selection
• Serve as subject matter expert for identifying marine fishes from mesophotic and deep reef habitats
• Lead a specific MDBC data component (e.g., data applications); manage MDBC database, backups, and security with OMI
• Collate biological data inventory and mine acoustic bathymetric data; calculate species density and produce graphs
• Attend scientific meetings and present results; participate in outreach and education activities
  
• Assist with manuscripts for peer review; coordinate presentations and abstracts
• Work with MDBC personnel to integrate AI/ML automated data outputs; maintain project management tools
• Conduct video annotation, review, and QA/QC of ROV-based footage; manage annotation tracking sheets
• Coordinate daily vessel activities, personnel, positions, ports of call, and weather conditions
• Write cruise instructions and cruise reports; manage participant clearance paperwork

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; proficient with ArcGIS including Spatial Analyst and 3D Analyst extensions; able to write college-level reports and make oral presentations
• Functional knowledge of ROV, AUV, and UUV operations; ability to develop logistical plans for at-sea operations using these assets
• Proficient with fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification keys; expert knowledge of major structure-forming invertebrates in mesophotic and deep benthic communities of the Gulf of America
• Sea going contractors must submit NOAA Health Services Questionnaire and TB Screening Form annually/biennially; must have current tetanus vaccine
  
• Knowledge of procedures when encountering endangered or threatened species
• Experience as lead data collector on at-sea surveys; knowledge of shipboard hydrological and biological data systems
• Knowledge of MDBC field sampling protocols

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS Degree in Marine Science or related field

Travel:

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

Location:

• 3500 Delwood Beach Rd, Panama City, Florida 32408 (SEFSC Panama City 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