JOBSEARCHER

Protected Species Observer - Newport, RI (Land Based)

AisNewport, RIApril 24th, 2026
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 to observe the monitoring and exclusion zones around noise producing operations and implement protective measures when necessary. The PSOs will work in a team during nearshore pile driving operations which will be conducted during daylight hours and will an average 8-10 hours of work per PSO per day. This position is expected to start in April 2025 for an estimated 6 to 8 months of work. Candidates will be selected based on their experience identifying protected species.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 10 hours in a 24-hour period.Documenting behavior and other essential dataDocumenting data on logs in an organized mannerOperate and maintain field equipment including Garmin GPS, binoculars with reticles, BigEye binoculars, range finder, and high-resolution digital camera with video capabilities.Conduct personal QA/QC checks on data collected.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 permanent position and will be eligible for AIS benefits package.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 sciencesMust be certified by a physician as fit for sea duty including:Not be susceptible to chronic motion sicknessAbility to live in confined quartersAbility to tolerate stressAbility to lift objects up to 30 poundsAbility 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 certificateMust be NMFS approved PSO (must provide NMFS approval letter)Must possess a current real ID approved identificationMust not be affiliated with any group that may impair the objectivity or the appearance of objectivityMust have proof of eligibility to work within the US.Locations:Must live in commutable distance to Newport, RIContact:If you would like to apply for this exciting new opening, please click the following link Careers Pageto submit the required information:ResumeCover letter detailing relevant experience.3 professional references (name, email address and phone number)PSO Training CertificateAll 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 acquisition team at Talent Team or 774-770-5833An Equal Opportunity EmployerIt 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