Fisheries Gear Specialist

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. AIS is looking for a Fisheries Gear Specialist to support the Southeast Fisheries Science Centers Gear Monitoring Team

Primary Function:

This position provides hands-on technical field and outreach support focused on selective fishing gear vessel operations and compliance training for commercial fisheries. The role combines practical gear construction and repair at-sea and dockside operations and direct engagement with fishers and marine law enforcement to support regulatory compliance and bycatch reduction initiatives. This position is contingent upon contract award and available funding.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assist in the construction maintenance and repair of selective fishing gear including Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) and Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRDs)
• Support fisheries research projects by providing gear expertise and participating in field evaluations of modified fishing gear
• Operate maintain and support Mississippi Laboratory research vessels (Class A I and II) including trailering and transport of vessels and equipment
• Obtain and maintain required certifications (e.g. USCG 6-Pack License TWIC NOAA Small Boat Program compliance)
• Conduct outreach and training for commercial fishers on proper use of federally required fishing gear through workshops dockside visits and industry meetings
• Provide training to federal and state marine law enforcement personnel on inspection procedures for regulated fishing gear
• Conduct at-sea and dockside inspections of fishing gear and document compliance with federal regulations
• Perform trawl repair and interpret gear construction diagrams to support field operations and training
• Assist in developing technical training materials presentations and outreach content using multimedia tools
• Support emergency response efforts (e.g. oil spills) requiring rapid deployment for sea turtle protection and outreach coordination
• Maintain equipment vessels and workspace including warehouse and shop organization
• Prepare summary reports of outreach inspections and field activities

Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated and total compensation will vary depending on candidates depth of experience. This is a fulltime position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance vacation sick and holiday benefits.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in net construction gear repair or commercial fishing operations
• Minimum 2 years of experience operating and maintaining small vessels and associated marine equipment
• Strong hands-on mechanical aptitude (gear repair vessel handling)
• Ability to work in physically demanding and field-based environments
• Effective communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to work independently and as part of a field team
• Experience reading and interpreting federal fisheries regulations
• Ability to write clear summary reports and document field activities
• Physical ability to safely embark/disembark vessels and perform work in marine environments
• Strong hands-on mechanical aptitude (gear repair vessel handling)
• Ability to work in physically demanding and field-based environments

Ability to obtain and maintain:

• U.S. Coast Guard Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels License (6-Pack)
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

• HAZWOPER 40-hour certification
• CPR and Basic First Aid certification
  
• Ability to meet NOAA Small Boat Program training and certification requirements
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in commercial shrimp trawl fisheries or net shop operations
• Knowledge of selective fishing gear technologies and bycatch reduction strategies
• Experience conducting outreach training or public engagement
• Basic computer proficiency (Word Excel reporting tools)
• Ability to read write or speak Vietnamese

Travel:

• Travel Estimated: 30-40% (Frequent regional travel across Gulf of Mexico coastal states for outreach inspections and fieldwork).

Location:

• 3209 Frederic St Pascagoula MS 39567- Southeast Fisheries Science Centers Pascagoula Laboratory

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)

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 .

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

Required Experience:

Senior IC