PROJECT DESCRIPTION: 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 in need of experienced PSOs and PAM operators for upcoming projects in the Northwest Atlantic. The primary purpose of these individuals is to reduce the potential for injury or harassment of protected species (marine mammals, sea turtles and sturgeon) during offshore survey and construction activities, through visual and auditory monitoring, as well as implementing mitigation measures as project guidelines require. Depending on the project, the work can require living offshore (for weeks to months at a time), and working on a 24 hour schedule divided among designated staff. Work is estimated to be available starting mid-November. Candidates will be selected based on their experience identifying and documenting Atlantic species of marine mammal. DUTIES INCLUDE: 1. Monitor a designated area for protected species, for up to 4 hours at a time and no more than 12 hours a day; 2. Communicate protected species sightings and detections to the Lead PSO; 3. Accurately record sightings and data on standardized forms associated with daily sighting activities, as well as self audit data prior to submission; 4. Operate and maintain field equipment including Garmin GPS, binoculars with reticles, range finder, and high resolution digital camera with video capabilities; 5. Operate and troubleshoot PAM equipment including tow cables, hydrophone arrays, headphones RF transmitter, Fireface audio interface, Rackmount PC, buffer interface unit and thermal imaging software; 6. Accurately detect and localize protected species using PAMGuard. COMPENSATION: Travel expenses to and from the staging location will be reimbursed. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: 1. A minimum BSc 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 (may be waved if demonstrates good performance in previous PSO duties); 2. At least one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time technical experience in observing protected species and/or using acoustic monitoring equipment.; 3. Ability to work well independently and in a team; 4. Skilled in identification of North Atlantic species of marine mammal, sea turtle and sturgeon; 5. All candidates must be NMFS/BOEM approved or have enough experience to be approved to work as a PSO; 6. Experience working on vessels - applicants must be in good health, physically fit and capable of standing for 4 hours, climbing and descending ladders to access monitoring stations, focus continuously alternating with the naked eye and binoculars and to safely navigate slippery surfaces at boat ramps and on deck; 7. Candidates will be required to provide evidence of clearance for sea duty (Norwegian Maritime Directorate (NMD) or equivalent); 8. Offshore Survival and Safety Training is required (Basic Offshore Safety Inductions and Emergency Training (BOSIET) or PST equivalent); 9. Knowledge of computer software applications including: Microsoft Office Suite, with experience filling out data forms in the field and compiling data in tabular and graphical form; 10. Candidates must be able to communicate clearly and concisely in English, both verbally and written. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 1. Flexibility! This job will require work on weekends and holidays, and some longer/earlier/later than normal work days. Being able to travel on short notice is key! 2. Professional, personable and positive! Candidates will be living in close quarters with individuals of various industries during the course of this project. It is essential that they be well mannered and proud to represent A.I.S. Inc. 3. Ability to work in remote locations and outdoors in adverse weather conditions including rainy and windy conditions, as well as extreme heat and cold. To Apply: Please submit a resume, a cover letter detailing your PSO experience, 5 professional references (name, e-mail address and phone number), and any applicable credentials/certificates. Please go to our website www.aisobservers.com to fill out our online application and submit the required documents. More information: VEVRAA Federal Contractor Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled Additional questions regarding the position can be directed to Kathryn Roy at 774-392-7127, kathrynr@aisobservers.com. For more information please visit the AIS, Inc. website www.aisobservers.com