Field Operations and Data Modernization Specialist

Overview

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a national scientific services firm supporting maritime activities requiring certification of compliance with environmental regulations and data collection for Federal, State, Municipal, and other government agencies along the US coastline. AIS is seeking a Field Operations and Data Modernization Specialist to support NOAA Fisheries, Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), Fish Ecology Division (FE) in Seattle, WA.

The Field Operations and Data Modernization Specialist leads at-sea and estuarine field data collection for long-term surveys while modernizing how that data is captured, processed, and delivered. The role focuses on improving project efficiency, integrating newer field technologies, and bridging the gap between at-sea data collection and rapid analytical synthesis, preserving safety and historic continuity of multi-decade survey time series while transitioning them to digital collection, automated ship-to-shore workflows, and analysis-ready data products.

This position is contingent upon contract award and available funding.

• Digital Field Collection & Technology Integration:
  Lead field collection of biological and environmental data in estuarine and marine environments, transitioning from traditional analog recording to digital data collection platforms and evaluating new field technologies to improve at-sea efficiency.
• eDNA Sample Collection & Liaison:
  Develop eDNA protocols and oversee field-based collection, preservation, and chain-of-custody of environmental DNA samples; ensure adherence to anti-contamination protocols and coordinate with genomics laboratory personnel to prep samples for bioinformatics processing.
• Workflow Automation & Rapid Product Generation:
  Design and implement automated data pipelines to transfer data from ship to shore and develop workflows that rapidly generate preliminary data products, cruise summaries, and visualization tools after field operations.
• Optimize Datasets:
  Maintain project databases to improve organization, accessibility, and usability for interdisciplinary team members; ensure historical and newly digitized datasets are standardized and accessible for analysis.
• Logistics & Asset Management:
  Direct mobilization and demobilization of project equipment with modern inventory tracking to keep assets deployment-ready.
• Scientific Communication:
  Synthesize methodological improvements and field results by authoring technical reports, contributing to journal manuscripts, and presenting workflow modernization strategies at regional and national scientific meetings.
• Develop and implement standardized, reproducible procedures to efficiently format, QA/QC, and transition raw at-sea biological observations into analysis-ready scientific formats.
• Produce comprehensive, documented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for new digital data collection methods, eDNA field sampling protocols, and database structures.

Hourly rate to be negotiated; total compensation varies with depth of experience. This is a full-time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.

• Bachelor's degree or higher in fisheries, ecology, natural sciences, mathematics, statistics, oceanography, hydrology, or related field from an accredited college or university.
• Three or more years of relevant experience with marine and anadromous species/habitats managed by NOAA Fisheries within the West Coast region.
• Demonstrated quantitative capabilities with proven experience in statistical and complex data analysis.
• Familiarity with open science concepts and proficiency in analytical tools such as R, Python, or GIS.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a track record of technical reports and peer-reviewed publications.
• Familiarity with standard workplace productivity software (Google Workspace, Microsoft Office).
• Demonstrated ability to manage dynamic workloads, maintain high organizational standards, and deliver high-quality results on time.
• Ability to work independently in the field and collaboratively within…