Fisheries Field Operations Coordinator – Harvesting Unit

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 Fisheries Field Operations Coordinator to support the Southeast Fisheries Science Center’s Fisheries Assessment, Technology & Engineering Program.

Primary Function:

This position provides scientific, analytical, and field coordination support to fisheries research programs focused on fishing gear technology, ecosystem impacts, and sustainable harvesting practices. The role integrates field research, data management, stakeholder engagement, and technical reporting to support NOAA’s mission of sustainable fisheries management.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Serve as project and field coordinator for Harvesting Unit research activities, including planning, execution, and real-time field decision support
• Collect biological and fisheries data during field operations in support of gear research and ecosystem studies
• Perform data entry, validation, and database development to support long-term research data archiving
• Conduct statistical and quantitative analyses of fisheries data and produce technical summaries, reports, and scientific deliverables
• Prepare and contribute to scientific publications, presentations, and internal NOAA reporting products
• Coordinate and deliver outreach and training sessions for commercial fishers on federally required fishing gear and best practices
• Support international outreach efforts, including participation in Turtle Excluder Device (TED) verification and training missions with NOAA and Department of State personnel
• Prepare for and participate in scientific meetings, workshops, and symposiums, including development of abstracts and presentations
• Provide intermittent field and operational support to laboratory programs, including gear technology assistance, data collection, and small boat operations
• Coordinate multi-agency survey efforts, including stakeholder engagement with NOAA offices, fishery management councils, and partner organizations
• Ensure compliance with NOAA protocols, including small boat operations, data quality standards, and safety requirements

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:

• Master’s degree in marine biology, fisheries science, oceanography, ecology, or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated experience in fisheries research, including field data collection and scientific analysis
• Knowledge of commercial fishing gear types (trawls, gillnets, seines, longlines) in the Southeast U.S. and Gulf of Mexico
• Experience with statistical analysis, data management, and database development
• Proficiency in scientific software tools (e.g., R, Python, Excel, or equivalent statistical/analytical platforms)
• Experience preparing technical reports and delivering scientific presentations
• Experience serving as a lead or primary data collector on field research projects
• Ability to comply with NOAA Small Boat Operating Procedures
• Valid driver’s license
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to operate independently in field and laboratory environments
• Effective communication skills for both technical and stakeholder audiences
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent research and coordination tasks

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in a related field
• Knowledge of selective fishing methods and gear technology innovation
• Experience with fishing gear construction, repair, or evaluation
• Experience conducting public outreach, training, or stakeholder engagement
• Experience supporting international fisheries programs or interagency coordination

Travel:

• Travel Estimated: 25–35% (Includes domestic and potential international travel for field research, outreach, and scientific meetings).

Location:

• 3209 Frederic St, Pascagoula, MS, 39567 – Southeast Fisheries Science Center’s Pascagoula Laboratory