Offshore Vessel Strike & Protected Species Observer

aisobservers; Cataumet (MA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 55,104; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

Vacation, sick and holiday benefits

AIS benefits package after 30 days

Job summary

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is recruiting vessel strike avoidance protected species observers (VSAO) to deploy on a vessel conducting benthic survey operations off the coast of Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island.

VSAOs will record protected species sightings and implement strike avoidance actions while offshore on a 24-hour schedule for about 4–5 weeks starting late July 2026. Applicants must hold NMFS PSO approval and BST/GWO/BOSIET, CPR/First Aid, and a 4-year science degree.

Qualifications

• BST, GWO or BOSIET training (current).
• CPR/First Aid certification (current).
• 4-year degree in biological or geophysical sciences.
• Physician-certified fit for sea duty; able to live in confined quarters and tolerate stress; able to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Passed an approved PSO course/training and provide certificate.
• NMFS approved PSO (NMFS approval letter required).
• Real ID compliant identification.
• Must not be affiliated with any group that may impair objectivity.
• Proof of eligibility to work within the US.

Responsibilities

• Vigilantly monitor for marine mammal detections up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period.
• Advise vessel crew on regulatory requirements and real-time mitigation actions.
• Identify marine animals by sight.
• Document behavior and other essential data.
• Collect and enter data into required data sheets; perform QA/QC checks.
• Attend daily toolbox, HSE and project meetings.
• Operate and maintain field equipment (GPS, binoculars, range finder, thermal imaging, night vision, camera).

Education

4-year degree in biological or geophysical sciences

Job description

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is recruiting vessel strike avoidance protected species observers (VSAO) to deploy on a vessel conducting benthic survey operations off the coast of Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island.

VSAOs will record protected species sightings and implement strike avoidance actions while offshore on a 24-hour schedule for about 4–5 weeks starting late July 2026. Applicants must hold NMFS PSO approval and BST/GWO/BOSIET, CPR/First Aid, and a 4-year science degree.