Recreational Use Survey - Survey Technician

aisobservers; Homer (AK); On-site; USD 24,796 - 30,307; Part time

Job summary

A.I.S., Inc. is seeking Survey Technicians for a five-month field study on the Kenai Peninsula, from Nikiski to Homer. You will conduct recreational use surveys of park visitors, interact with the public, and administer paper-based instruments, traveling by personal vehicle on a set schedule.

Responsibilities include training completion, on-time prep, data collection, SMS reporting, accurate forms, photography of surveys, and weekly mileage and hours reporting in remote outdoor settings.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to maintain orderly records and submit forms on time.
• Ability to work independently in remote outdoor settings.
• Ability to walk, stand, and remain outdoors for extended periods.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record and auto insurance policy that meets state limits.
• Reliable vehicle and mobile phone.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to engage with the public.
• Ability and willingness to work all weekends throughout the survey period.

Responsibilities

• Attend all required training sessions and complete training before surveys.
• Arrive on time with materials and supplies for each survey.
• Conduct surveys following approved instruments and protocols.
• Send SMS messages when arriving at locations, at start/end of surveys, and after daily completion.
• Interact professionally with recreators and the public.
• Complete survey forms legibly and accurately per instructions.
• Photograph completed survey forms and transmit images to designated recipients.
• Be responsive to requests for clarification or corrections.
• Organize completed survey forms chronologically and keep them in good condition.
• Deliver completed survey forms to designated personnel or by mail, meeting deadlines.
• Maintain mileage logs for survey travel and submit weekly for reimbursement.
• Accurately record and report all hours worked per timekeeping procedures.
• Work independently in remote locations with proper safety practices.

Skills

Organizational skills

Independent work

Outdoor endurance

Valid driver's license

Reliable vehicle

Interpersonal communication

Weekend availability

Job description

Introduction

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 U.S. coastline. AIS is seeking Survey Technicians to support a five‑month field study running from May 11 through September 27, 2026.

Primary Function

The Survey Technician is responsible for conducting recreational use surveys of visitors to state and national parks on the Kenai Peninsula, along the Cook Inlet corridor from Nikiski to Homer. Technicians travel by personal vehicle to assigned park locations according to a set schedule to interact with recreators and administer paper‑based survey instruments, including asking questions, collecting personal information, and accurately recording all responses.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Attend all required training sessions and successfully complete training requirements prior to conducting surveys.
• Arrive on time and fully prepared for each scheduled survey assignment, including having all required materials, forms, and supplies.
• Conduct surveys in accordance with the approved survey instrument and protocols.
• Send required SMS text messages to designated recipients:
  • Upon arrival at each survey location
  • At the start and end of each survey session
  • Upon arriving home at the end of each survey day
• Interact professionally with recreators and the public, maintaining a courteous, outgoing, and approachable demeanor.
• Complete all survey forms legibly, accurately, and in full, following established instructions.
• Photograph completed survey forms and transmit images to designated recipients as instructed.
• Be available and responsive to requests for clarification, corrections, or follow‑up related to submitted survey forms.
• Organize all completed survey forms in chronological order and maintain them in good condition.
• Deliver completed survey forms to designated personnel in person or mail them as directed, meeting all submission deadlines.
• Maintain accurate mileage logs for all survey‑related travel and submit mileage reports weekly for reimbursement.
• Accurately record and report all hours worked in accordance with established timekeeping procedures.
• Work independently in remote locations, often without restroom facilities, and follow proper waste disposal and safety practices.
• Comply with all project requirements, safety guidelines, and communication protocols.

Compensation

This is a part‑time, temporary position. Weekly hours will be up to 32 hours per week.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to maintain orderly records and submit forms and reports on time.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in remote outdoor settings.
• Ability to walk, stand, and remain outdoors for extended periods of time.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record and auto insurance policy that meets state limits.
• Reliable vehicle and mobile phone.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to approach and engage members of the public.
• Ability and willingness to work all weekends throughout the survey period.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing field data collection projects.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and adaptability in dynamic field conditions.

Travel

• Regular travel throughout the Kenai Peninsula from Nikiski to Homer.
• Miles accrued on a personal vehicle will be reimbursed at the specified Government per diem rate.

Locations

• Applicants must be willing to or currently live within 15 miles of Homer, Alaska.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statements

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.