Fisheries Observer - Groton, CT

A.I.S., Inc.; New London (CT); On-site; USD 28,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

A.I.S., Inc. in Groton, CT is recruiting a Fisheries Observer to document fish presence and conditions during blasting operations. The technician will use side scan sonar, record sightings, and operate the fish startle system as part of the project near Groton, CT.

The position is part-time with hourly pay to be negotiated based on depth of experience. Travel reimbursement applies for mileage between project sites.

Qualifications

• Certification in BST/GWO/BOSIET or equivalent.
• CPR/First Aid certification is required.
• Physician fitness for sea duty including mobility and stress tolerance.
• Must have PSO training and NMFS approval or ability to obtain.
• Must possess real ID and proof of eligibility to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Observe from vessel and use observations to identify fish presence in blast areas.
• Operate fish startle equipment 15 minutes before each blast.
• Search for dead or injured fish after blasts using sonar equipment.
• Determine conditions suitable for blasting based on field observations.
• Occasionally act as marine mammal observer as needed.
• Record data on standard forms and perform self-audits before submission.
• Operate and maintain field gear: Garmin GPS, binoculars, range finder, camera.

Skills

BST/GWO/BOSIET

CPR/First Aid

Medical fitness for sea duty

PSO Training

US work eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology

Tools

Garmin GPS

Binoculars with reticles

Range finder

Camera with video

Job 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.

Primary Function:

AIS is recruiting a fisheries observer to utilize side scan sonar to detect fish and to 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. It is anticipated that the fisheries observer will conduct observations and operate the fish startle system for approximately 8 hours per day. The project is expected to begin on November 7, 2026, and last one or two days.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• 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 occurring.
• 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.
• Responsible for determining 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.

Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated, and total compensation will vary depending on candidates' depth of experience. This is a part‑time position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have current STCW Basic Safety Training (BST), GWO or BOSIET or equivalent training.
• Must have current CPR/First Aid certification.
• Must be certified by a physician as fit for sea duty including:
  • Not be 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.
• Must have passed an approved PSO course/training and provide certificate
• Must be NMFS approved PSO (must provide NMFS approval letter)
• Must possess a current real ID approved identification
• objectivity
• Must have proof of eligibility to work within the US.
• College degree (B.S. or higher) in marine biology or related field.
• Field experience including:
  • Field research in identifying Massachusetts marine fish species

Travel:

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

Locations:

• Groton, CT

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