Protected Species Observer - Groton, CT

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 protected species observers (PSO) to deploy on a vessel during seafloor deepening operations in the Thames River in Connecticut. AIS is looking for individuals with NMFS PSO approval letters to stand watch during while the vessel is under way to record data on protected species sightings and implement mitigation measures during blasting operations when necessary. The PSO will be stationed on a vessel during daylight operations. Duties include but are not limited to identification of protected species, documenting location, documenting behavior and other essential data; implementing mitigation measures as required, documenting data on logs in an organized manner. Candidates will be selected based on their past experience identifying protected species. Operations will be conducted during daylight hours only and PSO will have an average of 8-10 hours of work per day. This position is expected to start November 1, 2025 and continue through January 2026 with operations requiring PSO taking place 2 days per week.

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 course/training and provide certificate

Must be NMFS approved PSO (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.

Locations:

Groton, CT

Contact:

If you would like to apply for this exciting new opening, please visit our Careers Page to submit the required information:

Resume

Cover letter detailing relevant experience.

3 professional references (name, email address and phone number),

PSO Training Certificate

Offshore Safety Training Certificate

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 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