Fisheries Observer - Groton, CT

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.

Recruiting a fisheries observer to utilize side scan sonar to detect fish and operate a fish startle system (training will be provided) and record any fish observed at the surface before, during and after operations deepening vessel berthing areas in Groton, CT. The observer will conduct observations and operate the fish startle system for approximately 8 hours per day, 2 days per week.

The project is expected to begin in November 2025 and last through January 2026. Duties include identification of fish and protected species; documenting location, operating fish startle system, documenting behavior and other essential data; documenting data on logs in an organized manner and providing daily activity reports.

• Work from a vessel platform and utilize visual observations and echosounder to determine if schools of fish are present in blasting area prior to blasting activities.
• Use fish startle equipment for 15 minutes prior to each blast.
• Search for dead or injured fish for 30 minutes after each blast visually at the surface and underwater using fish finding sonar equipment.
• Determine when the conditions are favorable for blasting based on fishery observations conducted in the field.
• Act as a marine mammal observer as needed.
• Accurately record data on standardized forms associated with daily sighting activities, as well as self‑audit data prior to submission.
• Operate and maintain field equipment including Garmin GPS, binoculars with reticles, range finder, and high‑resolution digital camera with video capabilities.

Hourly rate to be negotiated. Total compensation will vary depending on depth of experience. This is a part‑time position.

• Current STCW Basic Safety Training (BST), GWO, BOSIET, or equivalent training.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification.
• Physician certification as fit for sea duty, including:
• Not susceptible to chronic motion sickness.
• Ability to live in confined quarters.
• Ability to tolerate stress.
• Ability to lift objects up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to vigilantly monitor waters surrounding observation platform/vessel for up to 4 hours at a time and not more than 12 hours in a 24‑hour period.
• Pass an approved PSO course/training and provide certificate.
• NMFS approved PSO (must provide NMFS approval letter).
• Current real  identification.
• Objectivity.
• Proof of eligibility to work within the U.S.
• College degree (B.S. or higher) in marine biology or related field.
• Field experience including:
• Field research in identifying Massachusetts marine fish species.

Mileage to and from the project site will be reimbursed at the government mileage rate.

• Groton, CT

To apply, please visit our Careers Page to submit the required information:

• Resume
• Three professional references (name, email address and phone number)
• PSO Training Certificate
• Offshore Safety Training Certificate

All documents must be submitted for your application to be considered. If you have any questions pertaining to this opening, please reach out to our Talent Team or call 774‑770‑5833.

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

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