Program Manager - Gear Monitoring Team

aisobservers; Pascagoula (MS); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

Vacation and holiday benefits

Job summary

AIS Observers is seeking a Program Manager for the Gear Monitoring Team in Pascagoula, MS. This essential role involves managing gear monitoring operations, including program oversight, data management, and compliance verification.

Successful candidates will coordinate training sessions and outreach for commercial fishers while ensuring engagement with regulatory stakeholders and managing program logistics. A comprehensive benefits package is offered alongside a negotiable hourly rate based on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in commercial fishing operations or related fisheries field.
• Demonstrated experience in managing fisheries-related projects.
• Valid driver's license and physical ability for vessel operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead construction and deployment of selective fishing gear.
• Oversee fisheries research projects on bycatch reduction.
• Coordinate training for fishing associations.

Skills

Commercial fishing operations

Net construction and repair

Stakeholder engagement

Program management

Technical report writing

Tools

Database management tools

Vessels and marine equipment

Job description

Overview

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a national scientific services firm supporting maritime activities requiring certification of compliance with environmental regulation and collecting data for use by Federal, State, Municipal, and other government agencies along the US coastline. AIS is seeking a Program Manager for the Gear Monitoring Team to provide program-level oversight of gear monitoring operations, including coordination of training, stakeholder engagement, regulatory compliance verification, and data management.

Primary Function

Serve as Program Manager for the Gear Monitoring Team, responsible for planning, coordination, execution, and reporting of all program activities. The role integrates technical expertise in fishing gear with leadership responsibility for planning, executing, and reporting Gear Monitoring Team activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead construction, maintenance, and deployment of selective fishing gear (TEDs and BRDs) for research, training, and compliance activities
• Provide technical expertise and oversight for fisheries research projects evaluating modified gear for bycatch reduction
• Operate and maintain Mississippi Laboratory research vessels (Class A, I, II), including trailering and transport of vessels and equipment
• Obtain and maintain required certifications, including USCG licenses and NOAA Small Boat Program compliance
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct outreach and training sessions for commercial fishers across Gulf of Mexico states
• Engage with fishing associations, industry stakeholders, and state agencies to support effective training delivery and regulatory compliance
• Coordinate and conduct training for federal and state marine law enforcement personnel on proper inspection of federally regulated fishing gear
• Oversee and participate in at-sea and dockside inspections of fishing gear, documenting compliance with federal regulations
• Manage data collected during compliance inspections and generate comprehensive monthly and biannual reports
• Develop and deliver technical presentations, training materials, and outreach content for diverse audiences
• Provide hands‑on demonstrations of gear construction and proper use to commercial fishers and enforcement personnel
• Represent the program at industry and government meetings, presenting findings on TED technology, compliance trends, and outreach outcomes
• Coordinate and support emergency response efforts (e.g., oil spills) requiring rapid deployment for sea turtle protection and targeted outreach
• Support general unit operations including equipment maintenance, warehouse oversight, and operational readiness

Compensation

Full‑time position. Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated. Compensation will vary depending on candidates’ depth of experience. Benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in commercial fishing operations, net shop work, or related fisheries field
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing fisheries‑related projects or programs
• Demonstrated experience in net construction and repair
• Experience operating and maintaining small vessels and associated marine equipment
• Proficiency with word processing and database management tools
• Demonstrated experience writing technical reports and delivering oral presentations
• Valid driver’s license
• Physical ability to safely perform vessel‑based operations
• Strong leadership and program management capability in field‑based environments
• Advanced stakeholder engagement and communication skills across industry and regulatory audiences
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent operational priorities and field deployments
• Strong technical understanding of fishing gear systems and regulatory frameworks

Certification Requirements

• Obtain U.S. Coast Guard Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels License (6‑Pack) within one year
• Obtain Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within one year
• Obtain U.S. Coast Guard 100‑ton Master License within two years
• Maintain HAZWOPER 40‑hour certification, CPR and Basic First Aid certification
• Meet NOAA Small Boat Program training and certification requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of selective fishing gear technologies and bycatch reduction strategies
• Experience conducting public outreach and large‑scale training programs
• Ability to read, write, or speak Vietnamese

Travel

• Estimated travel 40‑50% (frequent regional travel across Gulf of Mexico states, field deployments, outreach events, and emergency response support)

Location

3209 Frederic St, Pascagoula, MS, 39567 – Southeast Fisheries Science Center’s Pascagoula Laboratory

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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