A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a diversified, national provider of marine science services. We support maritime activities along the US coastline that require certification of compliance with environmental regulations, and collect biological data for use by Federal, State, Municipal, and other government agencies.

AIS is recruiting for a Seasonal Field Coordinator in our Alaska Office in Anchorage. The FC will provide direct support to observers who collect data for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC), Fisheries Monitoring and Analysis Division (FMA).

When they are not coordinating, they will deploy on trips as an observer.

Primary Function :

The FC will be the primary source of direction and logistics support for the fisheries observers working for AIS in support of NMFS.

Throughout the year the number of observers deployed to Alaska ranges from fewer than 5 in November and December to over 40 during peak seasons January to May and August to October.

The FC will be or become an expert in the groundfish fisheries prosecuted throughout Alaska. The position will be responsible for understanding current fishing activity and projecting future fishing effort based on communication with the fishing industry, government regulators, and other key stakeholders.

Due to the seasonal fluctuation in fishing effort, the field coordinator may complete sea days throughout the year. The FC's schedule will be full-time Monday through Friday for the months of March-May and August-October.

This staff member will deploy on trips as an observer the other months of the year.

Duties / Responsibilities Include :

• Maintain current North Pacific Observer certification and deploy on trips roughly half the year.
• Provide support and mentorship to deployed observers through frequent and effective communication.
• Use good judgement to assign observers to trips in an unbiased and cost-effective manner. Assign observers to trips in ODDS.

Update ODDS and observer tracking sheet accurately and in a timely manner.

• Contacting vessel representatives to schedule deployments. Visiting docks and fish houses and telephoning vessel representatives to complete captain interviews as part of the quality control plan.
• Make observer travel and lodging arrangements. Update all tracking sheets and save receipts in a timely manner. Compose detailed travel emails and communicate travel plans with observers.
• Providing port orientations to new Observers or those who are unfamiliar with a particular fishery or port.
• Updating port information sheets containing important local information. Interacting daily with industry, including, but not limited to vessel owners, processing plant managers as well as ancillary businesses within their region such as hotel managers and taxi companies.
• Maintain inventory of AIS and NMFS gear at the Anchorage office. Facilitate the shipment of replacement gear and personal items that might be lost or damaged during a deployment to observers in the field.
• Scheduling and keeping track of mid-cruise appointments for Observers.
• Assist with recruitment effort. Review candidates and conduct interviews. Develop and update training materials and participate in trainee onboarding.
• Provide observers with detailed and accurate vessel / trip information. Follow up with observers after trips for updates, to provide guidance, and ensure all data transmission deadlines are being met.

Meet with observers in person, when possible, to build rapport.

Immediately communicate all industry complaints, incidents involving assault, harassment, discrimination, safety concerns, or injury to upper management.

Direct observer to submit all appropriate paperwork.

• Reporting safety deficiencies within 24 hours of attempted deployment.
• Updating the Observer Tracking Sheet daily to indicate the date, time and port from which Observers sail.
• Receiving calls in support of ODDS, updating tracker, and other relevant work products.
• Operate and update NMFS and AIS systems in support of the contract, including updating Observer vessel assignment within two hours of embarkation or disembarkation.
• Participate in daily staff meeting and weekly observer meetings. Attending meetings and conferences related to fisheries either in-person or virtually.
• Approve observer timecards and weekly travel reimbursement forms weekly.
• Reviewing Observer debriefing evaluations and updating evaluation tracking sheet. Track trends in data quality. Devise innovative solutions to improve common data deficiencies.
• Travel to different ports in Alaska as needed to collect logistical information, support observers, and build rapport with the industry.
• Use expertise in fisheries, seasons, and knowledge of times of high / low effort to create accurate projections using real-time data to help guide recruiting effort and staffing levels.

Summarize fishing effort and projections for monthly and quarterly publications sent to observers.

• Compose meaningful and constructive observer AIS performance evaluations.
• Keep AIS office clean and stocked with office supplies.
• Maintain company vehicles. Update milage report in real time. Schedule truck maintenance.
• Be available to take calls from industry and assist observers outside of regular working hours.
• May be required to work on weekends and holidays to ensure there is no lapse in observer support.

Coordinators are also assigned specific duties, which differ among the staff and are based on the unique skill set or interest that individual possesses.

Compensation : Candidates will be paid a salary and total compensation will vary depending on employee's experience and fishing effort.

This is a full-time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.

Minimum Qualifications :

• Current North Pacific Observer Certification
• 2 years working as a Fisheries Observer
• A Bachelor's degree in Biology or another natural science
• Experience managing field staff
• Ability to work non-traditional hours
• A valid driver's license
• Proficiency with MS Excel and Word
• Ablity to work independently, as well as, on a team
• Have strong organizational and communication skills
• Must be flexible, adaptable, and able to work on short notice
• Good interpersonal skills

Travel :

Anticipated up to 15 % of your time visiting ports or deployed as a fisheries observer.

Locations :

1503 W. 33rd. Ave. Anchorage, AK 99503

Contact :

If you would like to apply for this exciting new opening, please click the following link http : / / aisobservers.com / careers / to submit the required information :

• Resume
• Cover letter detailing supervisory and observer experience.
• 3 professional references (name, email address and phone number),

All documents must be submitted for your application to be considered. If you have any questions pertaining to this opening, please feel free to call the talent team at talentaquisitionteam@aisobservers.com or 508-990-9055.

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 Employe

Last updated : 2024-06-03