Field Coordinator

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 recruiting a fulltime Weekend Field Coordinator (FC) to work in our Anchorage, AK office.

Primary Function:

Field Coordinators (FCs) provide direct support to Observers who collect data for NMFS, Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC), and the Fisheries Monitoring and Analysis Division (FMA). They serve as the primary point of contact for Observers, offering operational guidance, field support, and industry engagement within assigned regions. Coverage is adjusted based on fishing effort as directed by the COO, with FCs cross-trained to ensure program continuity.

The Weekend FC works in-office Friday through Monday (0800–1800) and manages ODDS call center duties from 1400–2200 on Fridays and 0800–2200 on Saturdays and Sundays, with additional coverage as needed. This role also forecasts fishing effort and closures in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands and leads AIS data quality initiatives by tracking trends and developing strategies to improve observer performance.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Monitor the ODDS portal and assign Observers to vessels; contact vessel captains to schedule trips and conduct dockside interviews as part of the quality control plan.
• Update the FC field notebook and port information sheets; arrange Observer travel, lodging, and local transportation; and maintain the Anchorage AIS vehicle.
• Replenish and inventory NMFS and AIS gear at the Anchorage Office.
• Provide port orientations and mentor new or unfamiliar Observers; assist with AIS Day training, timecard completion, and data quality guidance.
• Schedule mid-cruise and debriefing appointments; encourage timely data uploads and NMFS communication.
• Conduct Observer evaluations, review results, and track evaluation outcomes.
• Actively participate in recruiting, including screening, interviewing, and selecting Observer candidates.
• Maintain regular communication with Observers to monitor mental and physical well-being and address deployment issues.
• Report industry complaints, harassment, safety concerns, or injuries promptly to NMFS and PM; document all industry communications.
• Track Observer vessel assignments and deployment status in real time; update the Observer Tracking Sheet daily.
• Attend local fisheries meetings; contribute sea day projections and updates at monthly staff meetings.
• Approve Observer timesheets and maintain the Timesheet Tracker; support ODDS call center operations and maintain accurate call logs.
• Draft area-specific updates for Observers via ADP.
• Perform additional duties based on individual skills and assignments.

Compensation: Candidates will be paid a salary and total compensation will vary depending on employee’s level of 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:

• 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
• Ability 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• NMFS Certified Observer or an individual eligible to become NMFS-certified at the next training
• At least one year working as a fisheries observer

Travel:

• Up to 15 % travel anticipated. (Visiting ports or Deploying as an observer)

Locations:

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