Fisheries Methods and Vessel Technical Specialist

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a national scientific services firm supporting maritime activities requiring certification of compliance with environmental regulation ns as well as collecting data for use by Federal, State, Municipal, and other government agencies along the US coastline. AIS is seeking a Fisheries Methods and Vessel Technical Specialist to support NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center's (SEFSC) Harvesting Unit.Primary Function:This role serves as a senior technical specialist and vessel operator, responsible for maintaining and operating Class III research vessels, supporting survey cruises, and providing advanced expertise in fishing gear construction, deployment, and evaluation.Duties/Responsibilities:Construct, maintain, and repair selective fishing gear, including TEDs and BRDs, for use in research and training activitiesProvide technical expertise and support for fisheries research projects and gear evaluationsSupport Mississippi Laboratories survey cruises through at-sea operations and gear deploymentOperate and maintain Class III research vessels, serving as Captain or First Mate during research missionsEnsure vessel readiness, including maintenance, inspection, cleanliness, and seaworthinessSafely manage vessel navigation, cargo handling, deck operations, and onboard equipmentMaintain inventory of vessel supplies and support overall vessel logisticsAssist with small boat operations and general equipment maintenanceConduct outreach and training sessions for commercial fishers on proper use of federally required fishing gearProvide training to marine law enforcement on inspection and compliance procedures for regulated fishing gearPrepare reports documenting outreach, training, and operational activitiesSupport general unit operations, including warehouse maintenance and equipment organizationCompensation: 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:Minimum 5 years of experience in net construction and repair within a commercial fishery or net shop environmentMinimum 5 years of experience as Captain of a research or commercial fishing vessel, including operation and maintenance of associated equipmentCurrent U.S. Coast Guard Master's License (100-ton or greater)Demonstrated proficiency reading and interpreting fishing gear schematics and construction diagramsValid driver's licenseAdvanced vessel operations and navigation capability in research and field environmentsStrong technical expertise in fishing gear systems and construction techniquesAbility to lead safe and efficient vessel and deck operationsEffective communication skills for training and operational coordinationAbility to obtain and maintain:U.S. Coast Guard Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels License (6-Pack), if not already heldTransportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)Ability to meet all NOAA Small Boat Program training and certification requirementsPreferred Qualifications:Knowledge of selective fishing gear technologies and bycatch reduction methodsExperience delivering technical training and hands-on demonstrationsSmall boat operation certifications (e.g., fast rescue boat)Knowledge of federal fishing gear regulations and compliance requirementsTravel:Travel Estimated: 40-50% (regional travel across Gulf of Mexico states, including offshore survey cruises, regional outreach activities, and training events).Location:3209 Frederic St, Pascagoula, MS, 39567 - Southeast Fisheries Science Center's Pascagoula LaboratoryContact:If you would like to apply for this exciting new opening, please visit our Careers Page to submit the required information:ResumeCover letter detailing relevant experience.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 774-770-5833.An 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