Reef Fish and Shrimp Fisheries Observer - Galveston, TX

Fisheries Observer

Interested in Fishery Sustainability, Management and Hands on Marine Biology Work? Become a Fisheries Observer!!

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 recruiting Reef Fish and Shrimp Fisheries Observers to work at sea collecting and recording data and biological samples for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFCS) aboard commercial fishing vessels.

The primary goals of the government shrimp and reef fish observer programs are to provide quantitative biological, vessel, and gear‑selectivity information for the southeastern shrimp fishery and Gulf of Mexico reef fish fishery. Observers deploy on commercial shrimp and reef fish vessels operating in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic.

Observers record detailed information on the gear and fishing activity of the vessels. They work on deck on vessels ranging from 30' to 90' on trips roughly ranging from 1 to 45 days collecting data on fish catch and bycatch, and incidental takes such as marine mammals, seabirds and marine turtles. After attending a 3‑week paid training in‑person in Galveston, TX, observers are deployed from ports throughout the Gulf of Mexico and southern Atlantic states.

Gear types assessed include shrimp trawl, bottom longline, modified buoy gear, bandit reel, and handline. Training is projected for end of March/April timeframe.

This is a challenging job; candidates must be mentally prepared to be away from home without access to internet or cellular telephone signal for multiple days and often weeks at a time. Candidates must be physically able to handle heavy lifting, work odd hours, and spend long days in rough seas. Many crews speak limited English which can compound the effects of loneliness and isolation on long trips.

Observing provides an excellent career path in marine biology. A broad range of advancement opportunities are available, including project management, field supervisors, and fieldwork in other programs.

Observers' starting pay is $19.33/hour. With enrollment in the H&W benefit, observers may also be eligible for an additional $4.57/hour for the first 40 hours worked each week, for a total of $23.90/hour. This is a full-time position with benefits. Annually, observers earn between $35K–$55K depending on availability and personal sea day accomplishments. Observers will be paid a minimum of 8 hours for each calendar day offshore and are also eligible for additional compensable activities while on land.

AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits. Potential additional compensation includes data quality bonuses, service awards, fitness center reimbursement, and candidate referral bonus. Travel is reimbursed in accordance with federal travel guidelines at an hourly rate along with compensation for miles accrued on a personal vehicle as well as per diem at the specified government rate.

Accommodations and meal reimbursement are provided during the in‑person training session.

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the natural sciences and a minimum of 30 semester hours or equivalent in the biological sciences.
• At least one undergraduate course in math or statistics.
• All relevant coursework must have been performed at a level acceptable for credit at the candidate's academic institution.
• Experience with data entry on computers.
• Observer candidates must be U.S. citizens, or be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Candidates must be physically able, as determined by a licensed physician's certification to perform observer duties.
• Your own transportation is required.

• At‑sea experience.
• The ability to work independently and live in close quarters with little to no communication for up to 8 weeks (phone, internet, email and other amenities are unavailable…