Protected Species Observer - Haverhill, MA

A.I.S., Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is recruiting protected species observers (PSO) for a bridge reconstruction project in Haverhill, MA. The PSO will document protected species sightings and mitigation measures during daylight operations on land or vessels.

Requirements include NMFS PSO approval, BST/GWO/BOSIET, CPR/First Aid, and a 4‑year science degree. Position is full‑time with AIS benefits after 30 days of employment.

Qualifications

• 4-year degree in biological or geophysical sciences.
• Current BST/GWO/BOSIET training.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification.
• NMFS PSO approval letter.
• NMFS approved PSO certificate.
• Must possess a real ID for work in the US.

Responsibilities

• Identify marine animals by sight and with visual tech.
• Monitor for visual detections of marine mammals for up to 10 hours in a 24‑hour period.
• Document behavior and other essential data.
• Record data logs in an organized manner.
• Operate and maintain field equipment (GPS, binoculars, range finder, camera).
• Perform daily QA/QC checks on data collected.
• Attend daily toolbox, HSE and project meetings as needed.

Skills

Marine observation

Data collection

Field equipment operation

Safety training

Education

Bachelors in biological or geophysical sciences

Tools

Garmin GPS

Binoculars with reticles

Range finder

High‑resolution camera

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 protected species observers (PSO) to deploy during a bridge reconstruction project in Haverhill, MA. AIS is looking for individuals with NMFS PSO approval letters to stand watch during in water construction operations to record data on protected species sightings, specifically sturgeon species, and implement mitigation measures during construction operations when necessary. The PSO will be stationed on land or on a construction vessel during daylight operations. Duties include but are not limited to identification of protected species, documenting location, documenting behavior and other essential data; implementing mitigation measures as required, documenting data on logs in an organized manner. Candidates will be selected based on their past experience identifying protected species. Operations will be conducted during daylight hours only and PSO will have an average of 10‑12 hours of work per day. This position is expected to start in November of 2026 and continue through the end of the year with operations requiring PSO taking place 6 days per week.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Identify marine animals using the naked eye and visual technology.
• Ability to vigilantly monitor for visual detections of marine mammals around observation location for up to 10 hours in a 24‑hour period.
• Documenting behavior and other essential data
• Documenting data on logs in an organized manner
• Operate and maintain field equipment including Garmin GPS, binoculars with reticles, range finder, and high‑resolution digital camera with video capabilities.
• Conduct personal QA/QC checks on data collected.
• Attend daily toolbox, HSE and project related meetings as needed.

Compensation:

Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated. This is a full‑time position and will be eligible for AIS benefits package after 30 days of employment. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have current STCW Basic Safety Training (BST), or GWO or BOSIET training.
• Must have current CPR/First Aid certification.
• 4-year degree with major in biological or geophysical sciences
• 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
• Must not be affiliated with any group that may impair the objectivity or the appearance of objectivity
• Must have proof of eligibility to work within the US.

Locations:

• Haverhill, MA

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