Protected Species Observer - Norfolk, VA

aisobservers; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 55,104 - 103,320; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

Vacation and holidays

Meals and lodging on vessel

Job summary

AIS is recruiting Protected Species Observers to deploy on a vessel conducting geophysical survey operations off the coast of Virginia. The PSO will observe for protected species, record data, and advise on mitigation measures; shifts can be up to 12 hours within a 24-hour period, with operations 24/7, starting July 23, 2026 for 4–6 weeks.

Qualified candidates will hold NMFS PSO approval letters, STCW BST/GWO/BOSIET or equivalent, CPR/First Aid, a 4-year biology degree, fitness for sea duty, and

Qualifications

• PSO course/training and NMFS approval required.
• CPR/First Aid certification required.
• 4-year degree in biological sciences required.
• Physician's fitness for sea duty certification required.
• At least 30 days at-sea experience monitoring marine mammals required.

Responsibilities

• Identify marine animals using the naked eye and visual technology.
• Monitor for marine mammals around observation location for up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period.
• Advise vessel crew on project regulatory requirements and real-time mitigation actions.
• Document behavior and other essential data.
• Enter data into required data forms in an organized manner.
• Perform QA/QC checks on collected data and entries.
• Operate and maintain field equipment (thermal cameras, GPS, binoculars, range finder, camera).
• Attend daily toolbox, HSE and project meetings as needed.

Skills

PSO training / NMFS approval

CPR / First Aid

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences

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 on a vessel conducting geophysical survey operations off the coast of Virginia. AIS is looking for individuals with NMFS PSO approval letters to stand watch during while the vessel is under way to record data on protected species sightings and mitigation measures when necessary. The PSO will in operate in shifts during offshore operations which will be conducted 24/7 and will have an average of 8 - 12 hours of work per PSO per day. This position is expected to start July 23, 2026 for an estimated 4-6 weeks of work.

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 12 hours in a 24-hour period.
• Advise vessel crew on the project specific regulatory requirements and real time mitigation actions
• Documenting behavior and other essential data
• Collect and enter data into the required data form in an organized manner
• Conduct personal QA/QC checks on data collected and entered into data form
• Operate and maintain field equipment including mounted thermal cameras, Garmin GPS, binoculars with reticles, range finder, and high-resolution digital camera with video capabilities.
• 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 temporary position. Once you complete 30 days of work you will be eligible for the AIS benefits package. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits. Meals and lodging provided on vessel.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have current STCW Basic Safety Training (BST), GWO, BOSIET or equivalent training.
• Must have current CPR/First Aid certification.
• 4-year degree with major in biological 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 have 30 days of at-sea experience monitoring for marine mammals, including baleen whales, and recording observational data.
• Must be approved as a PSO for the Sunrise Wind project via NMFS PSO approval team
• Must not be affiliated with any group that may impair objectivity or the appearance of objectivity
• Must have proof of eligibility to work within the US.

Locations:

Must be willing to deploy out of one of the following locations.

• Norfolk, VA

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 Employee