Vessel Strike Avoidance Observer - Point Judith, RI

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vacation and sick leave

Holiday benefits

Job summary

AIS, Inc. is recruiting vessel strike avoidance protected species observers (VSA) for offshore squid trawl survey operations off the coast of New York. Candidates must hold NMFS PSO approval letters and BST/GWO/BOSIET training, with a 4-year degree in biological or geophysical sciences.

The role involves 12-hour watches on offshore platforms during 24/7 operations. Offshore deployment starts late August 2026 for four trips, each three days long.

Qualifications

• Must hold NMFS PSO approval letter.
• Must have BST or GWO or BOSIET training.
• CPR/First Aid certification required.
• 4-year degree in biological or geophysical sciences.

Responsibilities

• Vigilantly monitor for marine mammal detections for up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period.
• Advise vessel crew on regulatory requirements and real-time mitigation actions.
• Identify marine animals visually and via equipment.
• Document behavior and essential data; enter data into required sheets.

Skills

PSO approval letters

BST training

CPR/First Aid

Sea-duty fitness

Education

Bachelors in biological/geophysical sciences

Tools

Garmin GPS

Binoculars with reticles

Range finder

Night vision devices

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 (VSA) to deploy on a vessel conducting squid trawl survey operations off the coast of New York. 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 VSAs 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 mid-August 2026 on 4 individual trips, each 3 days in duration between August and September.

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.
• Documenting 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
  • 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.

Must be able to work in the U.S. VEVRAA Federal Contractor Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals Equal Opportunity Employer

Locations

• Point Judith, RI

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.