Vessel Strike Avoidance Observer - Cataumet, Ma

A.I.S., Inc.; Cataumet (MA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 48,216; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vacation benefits

Paid sick leave

Job summary

A.I.S., Inc. is hiring vessel strike avoidance protected species observers (VSAO) for offshore operations off the coast of Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island. The VSAOs will monitor for marine mammals and ensure compliance with environmental regulations during 24-hour operations.

The ideal candidate must have a degree in biological or geophysical sciences and necessary certifications, including NMFS PSO approval. Compensation includes an hourly rate and benefits after 30 days of employment.

Qualifications

• Current STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) or equivalent.
• CPR/First Aid certification required.
• Certification as fit for sea duty by a physician.
• Passed an approved PSO course/training.

Responsibilities

• Monitor marine mammals for up to 12 hours.
• Advise vessel crew on regulatory requirements.
• Document behavior and data collection.
• Attend daily toolbox and HSE meetings.

Skills

Marine mammal monitoring

Data collection and entry

Field equipment operation

Observation and reporting

Education

4-year degree in biological or geophysical sciences

Tools

Garmin GPS

Binoculars with reticles

Thermal imaging devices

High-resolution digital 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 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. AIS is looking for individuals with NMFS PSO approval letters to stand watch while the vessel is under way to record data on protected species sightings and implement strike avoidance protective measures when necessary. The VSAOs will be stationed offshore during 24-hour operations. The VSAO will work in opposite shifts during offshore operations which will be conducted 24/7 and will have an average of twelve hours of work per PSO per day. This position is expected to start in late July 2026 for an estimated 4‑5 weeks of work.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Ability to vigilantly monitor for visual detections of marine mammals around vessel for up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period.
• Advise vessel crew on the project specific regulatory requirements and real time mitigation actions.
• Identify marine animals using the naked eye and visual technology.
• Document behavior and other essential data.
• Collect and enter data into the required data sheet in an organized manner.
• Conduct personal QA/QC checks on data collected.
• Attend daily toolbox, HSE and project related meetings as needed.
• Operate and maintain field equipment including Garmin GPS, binoculars with reticles, range finder, handheld thermal imaging and night vision devices, and high-resolution digital camera with video capabilities.

Compensation

Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated. This is a full-time temporary 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, and 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

• Cataumet, 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