Want to make a difference? Commercial fishing dates back hundreds of years. Today commercial fishing continues to be possible due to cooperation between fishermen and fisheries management scientists. In order to facilitate that cooperation, fisheries observers collect data pertaining to fishing operations, economics, catch data, and fishing effort. Collected data is used to document fish stock information which is then used for fisheries management and to preserve future generations of fish/fishermen. Commit to the journey!
Click to Learn More about Becoming a Fisheries Observer
Responsibilities: Work at sea collecting and recording data and biological samples for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) aboard commercial fishing vessels. Observers work on the decks of vessels ranging from 40’ to 100’ and on trips ranging from 1 to 14 days collecting data on fish catch, discard, and incidental takes such as marine mammals, seabirds, and marine turtles. Positions are located in various ports from North Carolina to Maine.
This is a challenging job and candidates must be physically able to handle heavy lifting, working odd hours, and long days in rough seas. Observing provides an excellent start to a career in marine biology, as observers are widely recognized as being excellent field biologists. A broad range of advancement opportunities is available to those who demonstrate appropriate work skills. Those opportunities include, but are not limited to, project management, field supervisors, and fieldwork in other programs such as protected species observing and research.
Compensation: These are full–time positions based on an average of 12 sea days a month with an income potential of $30K to $50K+ based on motivation. Observers will be paid a minimum of 12 hours of work pay for each day at sea and may be eligible for additional paid time while on land.
The AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick, and holiday benefits. Health and welfare compensation of an additional $4.27 per hour is available in lieu of medical benefits. Approved travel is reimbursed at an hourly rate along with compensation for miles accrued on a personal vehicle as well as per diem at the specified Government rate.
Potential additional compensation may consist of:
• Data quality bonus
• Service awards
• Fitness center reimbursement
• Referral bonus
• Monthly sea day accomplishment bonus
• And more!
Training: A three-week, paid training course will be held at the end of October/early November in Falmouth, MA. Accommodations and meals are provided. Training includes instructions on sampling protocols, gear, fisheries, fish identification, marine mammal/sea turtle identification, and safety.
Qualifications: A BS in Marine Biology or Biology with 30 credits of biology coursework, 6 credits of marine science, and a math class is required. Candidates are expected to commit to the program for at least one year. Your own transportation is required. At-sea experience is desirable. Candidates must be a US Citizen or a non-citizen who has legally resided in the US for the past 2 years.
Contact: If you would like to apply, please click the following link http://aisobservers.com/employment/ to submit the required information. Please note, all documents must be submitted in order for your application to be considered:
1. Resume
2. Five (5) professional references (name, phone number, and e-mail address must be included)
3. Unofficial transcript(s) – please be sure to include additional transcripts for any transferred credits and/or undergrad degree if applicable
4. Cover letter detailing sea and fish experience
Closing: TBD
More information:
VEVRAA Federal Contractor
Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals
Equal Opportunity Employer
Additional questions regarding the position can be directed to Monet N. Viens, HR Manager at 508-990-9054 or email: monetv@aisobservers.com
For more information please visit the AIS, Inc. website: www.aisobservers.com