Protected Species Observer

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 a protected species observers (PSO) to deploy on a project on the Mystic River in Everett, MA. AIS is looking for individuals with NMFS PSO approval letters to stand watch during soil boring operations in the Mystic River to record data on protected species sightings and implement mitigation measures when necessary. The PSO will be stationed on the project barge during daylight operations. Duties include but are not limited to identification of protected species; documenting location, documenting behavior and other essential data; documenting data on logs in an organized manner.  Candidates will be selected based on their past experience

identifying protected species, specifically sturgeon species. Operations will be conducted during daylight hours only and PSO will work an average of 10 hours of work per day, Monday through Friday with occasional weekend requirements. This position is expected to start mid June 2026 and continue for approximately 2-3 months of work.

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 data
• Documenting data on logs in an organized manner
• Operate and maintain field equipment including Garmin GPS, binoculars with reticles, 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 position and will be eligible for AIS benefits package after 30 days of employment. 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 sciences
• Must be certified by a physician as fit for sea duty including:
  • Not be susceptible to chronic motion sickness
  • Ability to live in confined quarters
  • Ability to tolerate stress
  • Ability to lift objects up to 30 pounds
  • Ability 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/PAM course/training and provide certificate
• Must be NMFS approved PSO and PAM (must provide NMFS approval letter)
• Must possess a current real ID approved identification
• Must not be affiliated with any group that may impair the objectivity or the appearance of objectivity
• Must have proof of eligibility to work within the US.

Travel:

• Some travel to and from the staging location will be reimbursed.  Lodging and per diem will be provided while deployed on project.

Locations:

• Everett, MA