Environmental Data Scientist; AI​/ML

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 U.S. coastline. AIS is looking for an Environmental Data Scientist (AI/ML) to support the Southwest Fisheries Science Center's Ecosystem Science Division.

The Environmental Data Scientist (AI/ML) will support the Southwest Fisheries Science Center's Ecosystem Science Division in developing and operationalizing Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) workflows for automated processing and analysis of large-scale imagery datasets. These datasets are generated by advanced technologies including underwater glider cameras, aerial imaging systems, animal‑borne video loggers, and remote trail cameras used to monitor marine and terrestrial environments.

The specialist will evaluate available methods, develop integrated data management systems, deploy models in cloud environments, and lead efforts to increase the efficiency and scalability of ESD's analytical capabilities.

• Develop new capabilities including data management systems and integrated workflows to increase efficiency of processing and preparing data for research projects and AI/ML model development
• Explore various optical imagery datasets for the design, development, evaluation, and application of AI/ML capabilities, edge computing, and automated analytic workflows
• Develop or adapt software for optical imagery processing and web‑based dashboards using Python and/or C/C++
• Deploy models using virtual machines in the Google Cloud Platform
• Execute technical research projects, track progress, and present technical material in a variety of forums including weekly team meetings, conferences, working groups, and program reviews
• Create standard operating procedures (SOPs) for implementing AI/ML pipelines and instruct additional staff on their use
• Submit monthly progress reports reflecting the status and progress of all tasks

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.

• Master's Degree in a related field plus two (2) years' experience.
• Demonstrated experience coding in Python, R, and/or C/C++
• Experience developing automated workflows for data processing or analysis
• Experience maintaining application software and data management tools
• Must be a U.S. Citizen

• PhD may be substituted for master’s degree and 2 years of relevant experience.
• Experience developing or applying computer vision and machine learning models for ecological or environmental image analysis
• Familiarity with Google Cloud Platform (GCP) services including virtual machine deployment and cloud storage
• Experience with edge computing platforms or embedded systems for field data collection
• Background in marine, environmental, or fisheries science contexts

• Travel (limited) is required for conferences, working groups, and program reviews.
• No routine field travel is anticipated for this position.

8901 La Jolla Shores Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037 (Southwest Fisheries Science Center)

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