Lead Observer Coordinator – New England

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 seeking a Lead Coordinator to manage the observer cadre in New England to support the completion of assigned sea days.  The position will work throughout the Northeast Coastal region but will be primarily responsible for the New England region.

The work schedule will be Monday-Friday including nights and some holidays. The Lead Coordinator is expected to be on call 24 hours a day while working. The position reports to the Program Manager.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Work remotely at various ports as needed (up to 8 hours at a time) in order to set up trips, communicate with captains and vessel owners, identify vessels that need coverage, and maintain a substantial knowledge about industry activity.
• Research fishing and landing effort
• Conduct Captain interviews of at least 10% of observer trips per observer
• Acting as the observer/monitor’s supervisor to provide support and guidance for all aspects of the observers work experience including but not limited to: coordinating trips between vessels and observers/monitors while considering safety, travel, deployment issues, cost control and scheduling needs
• Arranging transportation from ports ranging from North Carolina to Maine including using company issued vehicle to transport observers, gear, etc.
• Pre and Post trip support- Ensuring observers/monitors communicate, document and submit all required data, enforcement issues, industry feedback, etc
• Assist observer with vessel safety check prior to deployment
• Monitor InReach messages
• Participate in training sessions
• Attend scientific conferences and meetings to present results from program
• Update observer web portal and PTNS , must be updated within 2 hours of embark or disembark trip.
• Develop understanding of SBRM sea day schedule and process.
• Completing sea day trackers, weekly reports, and other reports
• Approving weekly observer/monitor timesheet/expenses
• Filling out observer evaluations
• Accept and assign IFS trips
• Must maintain all NEFOP certifications and complete trip trainer trips
• Coordinate Biological port samplers
• Deploy as an observer as needed and to maintain certification’
• Perform Biological port sampler duties as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by the Program Manager

Compensation: Candidates will be paid a salary rate to be negotiated, and total compensation will vary depending on candidates’ availability. This is a full–time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be or be able to be a NMFS Certified Fisheries Observer or qualified to become certified (bachelor’s degree in a biological science, 30 semester hours of biology credits (6 credits focused on marine science and 1 math class)
• Must be able to work Monday-Friday including nights, some weekends, and some holidays.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and drag a 200lb carcass.
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must be proficient with MS Excel and Word
• Must have strong organizational and communication skills
• Must be motivated, self-sufficient, independent, and a strong team player
• Must be able to work efficiently with a strong concern for completeness and accuracy
• Must have qualities such as excellent judgment, tactfulness, and high energy
• Must be able to work long and odd hours
• Must be able to tolerate interrupted sleep to respond to observers/monitors
• Must be able to drive him/herself up to 8 hours a day
• Must be able to sit and do computer work for up to 8 hours a day

Preferred Qualifications:

• Logistical coordination experience
• Previous fishery observer experience
• Familiarity with ADP WorkForce Now
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel

Travel:

• Must be willing to travel up to 25% of the time to dock locations throughout the area
• A company vehicle will be provided

Location:

• Applicants must be currently living, or be willing to live near Dartmouth, MA

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