Fisheries Gear Specialist

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 Gear Specialist to support the Southeast Fisheries Science Center’s Gear Monitoring Team

Primary Function:

This position provides hands-on technical, field, and outreach support focused on selective fishing gear, vessel operations, and compliance training for commercial fisheries. The role combines practical gear construction and repair, at-sea and dockside operations, and direct engagement with fishers and marine law enforcement to support regulatory compliance and bycatch reduction initiatives.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assist in the construction, maintenance, and repair of selective fishing gear, including Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) and Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRDs)
• Support fisheries research projects by providing gear expertise and participating in field evaluations of modified fishing gear
• Operate, maintain, and support Mississippi Laboratory research vessels (Class A, I, and II), including trailering and transport of vessels and equipment
• Obtain and maintain required certifications (e.g., USCG 6-Pack License, TWIC, NOAA Small Boat Program compliance)
• Conduct outreach and training for commercial fishers on proper use of federally required fishing gear through workshops, dockside visits, and industry meetings
• Provide training to federal and state marine law enforcement personnel on inspection procedures for regulated fishing gear
• Conduct at-sea and dockside inspections of fishing gear and document compliance with federal regulations
• Perform trawl repair and interpret gear construction diagrams to support field operations and training
• Assist in developing technical training materials, presentations, and outreach content using multimedia tools
• Support emergency response efforts (e.g., oil spills) requiring rapid deployment for sea turtle protection and outreach coordination
• Maintain equipment, vessels, and workspace including warehouse and shop organization
• Prepare summary reports of outreach, inspections, and field activities

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:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in net construction, gear repair, or commercial fishing operations
• Minimum 2 years of experience operating and maintaining small vessels and associated marine equipment
• Strong hands-on mechanical aptitude (gear repair, vessel handling)
• Ability to work in physically demanding and field-based environments
• Effective communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to work independently and as part of a field team
• Experience reading and interpreting federal fisheries regulations
• Ability to write clear summary reports and document field activities
• Physical ability to safely embark/disembark vessels and perform work in marine environments
• Strong hands-on mechanical aptitude (gear repair, vessel handling)
• Ability to work in physically demanding and field-based environments

Ability to obtain and maintain:

• U.S. Coast Guard Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels License (6-Pack)
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• HAZWOPER 40-hour certification
• CPR and Basic First Aid certification
• Ability to meet NOAA Small Boat Program training and certification requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in commercial shrimp trawl fisheries or net shop operations
• Knowledge of selective fishing gear technologies and bycatch reduction strategies
• Experience conducting outreach, training, or public engagement
• Basic computer proficiency (Word, Excel, reporting tools)
• Ability to read, write, or speak Vietnamese

Travel:

• Travel Estimated: 30-40% (Frequent regional travel across Gulf of Mexico coastal states for outreach, inspections, and fieldwork).

Location:

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