AIS Inc. is a national scientific services firm supporting maritime activities requiring certification of compliance with environmental regulations. We are recruiting protected species observers to observe the monitoring and exclusion zones around noise-producing operations and implement protective measures when necessary.

Primary Function:

Protected species observers will work in a team during offshore operations, which will be conducted 24/7. The position is expected to start in mid-November 2024 for an estimated one to two weeks of work. Candidates will be selected based on their experience identifying protected species.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Observe the transportation and placement of dredged material at the Historical Area Remediation Site (HARS) to ensure placement occurs in the correct location.
• Ensure permit conditions are followed by the dredge disposal crew.
• Observe the scow prior to departing for the dredging site for any visible damage and that safety requirements are met.
• Record characteristics of dredged material, volume of material, and photograph scow contents.
• Identify marine animals using the naked eye and visual technology.
• Ability to vigilantly monitor for visual detections of marine mammals around the observation platform/vessel for up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period.
• Document behavior and other essential data.
• Document data on logs in an organized manner.
• Operate and maintain field equipment, including Garmin GPS, binoculars with reticles, range finder, thermal imaging cameras, and high-resolution digital camera with video capabilities.

Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated. This is a full-time temporary position. Once you complete 90 days of work, you will be eligible for the AIS benefits package, which 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 a major in biological or geophysical sciences.
• Must be certified by a physician as fit for sea duty, including:
• Not being 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 the 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 a certificate.
• Must be NMFS-approved PSO (must provide NMFS approval letter).
• Must be a USACE-approved Dredge Material Inspector.
• 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:

• Yonkers, NY