Scientific Research and Technical Services Department

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.

AIS is looking for a Lead/Master Deckhand to support the operations of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center's R/V Gloria Michelle.

Primary Function:

Provide operational and technical support a 72-foot NOAA research trawler homeported in Woods Hole, MA. This position supports the vessel's annual survey missions, including two 21-day groundfish bottom trawl surveys and a four-week Gulf of Maine shrimp survey-as well as a variety of special projects conducted between April and October. Duties include supporting coastal oceanographic, hydrographic, and benthic surveys; deploying and retrieving scientific equipment; maintaining and repairing vessel systems and gear; and assisting with vessel logistics and safety. The vessel's missions span from Sandy Hook, NJ to the Hague Line, extending up to 300 nautical miles offshore.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide field and laboratory support for all Cooperative Research Branch (CRB) research initiatives.
• Conduct technical tasks at sea and ashore, including training, equipment deployment on commercial vessels, troubleshooting electronic data systems, data collection, and protocol adherence.
• Maintain detailed logs of equipment/software malfunctions and assist with resolution strategies.
• Support permitting, procurement, and distribution logistics for cooperative research operations.
• Participate in commercial fishing vessel research trips, including cruise preparation, gear deployment/retrieval, biological sampling, and crew coordination.
• Maintain, service, and repair laboratory equipment, fishing gear, and scientific instruments.
• Provide logistical support to industry partners: recruit participants, lead port visits, deliver training, and facilitate ongoing communication.
• Collect, process, and analyze biological specimens (e.g., for age, growth, genetics, diet) from at-sea and shoreside activities.
• Track and maintain survey equipment, including hook-and-line and longline gear, measuring boards, laptops, and oceanographic instruments; assist in fabricating gear and workstations as needed.
• Process and analyze catch data, perform dissections, and tag marine organisms for internal and external collaborators.
• Deliver biological samples to NEFSC partners from survey and fishery trips.
• Support development of data collection protocols, practices, databases, and software tools.
• Operate field equipment and software, ensuring proper data collection and adherence to scientific procedures.
• Review and analyze underwater video data to assess bottom habitat and identify organisms.
• Manage and update fishery-related databases, including data entry, error checking, and auditing.
• Analyze data from fishery-dependent and independent sources to support research objectives.
• Contribute to scientific deliverables, including technical reports, proposals, and manuscripts.
• Represent CRB research at industry meetings, conferences, workshops, and symposia.
• Create outreach materials such as user manuals, guides, newsletters, web content, and social media posts.
• Meet monthly with CRB leadership to report progress, identify challenges, and propose improvements.
• Assist in onboarding and training of new team members.
• Work independently with minimal supervision to meet objectives.
• Operate small vessels as needed for NOAA research missions.
  

Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated, and total compensation will vary depending on candidates' depth of experience. This is a full-time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in fisheries science, biological science, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience conducting fisheries or marine field research.
• Experience identifying and implementing technical solutions in fisheries research settings.
• Proven ability to collect and process biological and environmental data aboard commercial fishing vessels.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in both field and office environments.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with members of the commercial fishing industry, both at sea and onshore.
• Experience using scientific and fisheries electronic data collection tools.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting and maintaining data collection hardware and software.
• Capable of leading or assisting field teams in executing research protocols.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to function effectively in adverse field conditions, including offshore and port-based work.
• Flexible and patient in working within geographically dispersed teams.
• Skilled at facilitating collaboration among individuals with diverse technical backgrounds.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Proficient in Google Workspace tools (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Calendar, Sites, etc.).
• Valid driver's license with the ability to operate government or rented vehicles.
• Current First Aid, CPR, and AED certification (American Red Cross or equivalent).
• Safety-at Sea training certification.
  

Required Certifications and Credentials:

• Completion of NSC Defensive Driving Course.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• NOAA Motorboat Operator Certification
• NOAA Small Boat Component Certification
  
• Possession of a valid U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

Travel:

• Reimbursed at an hourly rate along with compensation for miles accrued on a personal vehicle as well as per diem at the specified Government rate.
  
• Estimated 40 sea days/year and regular port visits

Location:

• 166 Water St, Woods Hole, Ma, 02543
  
  

Contact:

If you would like to apply for this exciting new opening, please visit our Careers Page to submit the required information:

1. Resume
2. Cover letter detailing relevant experience.
3. 3 professional references (name, email address and phone number),

All documents must be submitted for your application to be considered. If you have any questions pertaining to this opening, please reach out to our Talent Team or call 508-990-9054.

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