Jr. Analyst (Protected Species)

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 Jr. Analyst (Protected Species) to assist efforts to estimate abundance of protected species and quantify distribution trends. This position is part of a contract opportunity we are currently bidding on.

Primary Function:

NOAA Fisheries require support to assist in collecting and analyzing protected species. These detailed assessments of species distributions and abundances are used to understand broad scale movements and behaviors crucial to accomplishing these mandates. The goal is to have information on seasonal and inter-annual variability in distribution, ecology, and to estimate potential mortality or other impacts on protected species. This employee will contribute to these statutory requirements through the activities below.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assist efforts to estimate abundance of protected species and quantify distribution trends. This includes developing spatially and temporally explicit density and abundance models and maps that incorporate environmental factors via models such as Generalized Additive Models and Bayesian Hierarchical Models. Abundance estimates must also include perception and availability bias.
• Participate in efforts to develop and execute methods to address uncertainties in current analyses, such as unspecified species identification of groups of animals, species specific dive time corrections, incorporate passive acoustic data into visual abundance estimates, and compare other sampling techniques, including high-definition photogrammetry line transect aerial surveys
• Build tools using R, Rshiny, and other programming interfaces
• Quantify abundance, distribution, and bycatch of protected species and their physical/biological ecosystems, and estimate bycatch of protected species via observer and fishery data
• As directed, use tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) tools, and other electronic monitoring data tools to detect, process, and describe occurrence of bycatch; and to use these tools to develop scientific algorithms that identify targeted marine animals in digital images while also documenting false negative and false negative biases
• Assess and define the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic activities (i.e. shipping, fishing, fishing bycatch, energy development) on protected species, and the effects of potential mitigation measures to lessen these impacts
• Contribute to presentations at relevant conferences and other venues, and provide support for cruise reports, permit applications, manuscripts, and presentations

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 full–time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Alternatively, at least one (1) year extensive experience or education working with the following
  • Distance Sampling methods
  • Statistical models (i.e. general additive models)
  • Bayesian hierarchical models
  • Species distribution models
  • Computer programming experience with creating simulated survey data; this includes (but is not limited to) population dynamics, exploration of bias and uncertainty, management strategy evaluation, and predictions over time.
  • Processing remote sensing data, such as echosounder and satellite data
  • Technical experience with open source artificial or machine learning techniques
  • Experience with Oracle databases and SQL programming language
  • Demonstrated proficiency in web design
  • Bycatch estimation using observer and fisheries data
• Demonstrated experience with:
  • R, Splus, SAS, AD Model Builder, Template Model Builder, Python, C++, or similar statistical software (at least one of these)
  • Understanding basic statistical methods
• Excellent communication skills via written and visual materials which target a variety of audiences (technical, scientific, and general public)
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong time management skills and attention to detail.
• Adaptability to quickly changing priorities and timelines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in fisheries, quantitative ecology, or similar field
• At least three years’ experience or education working with and knowledge of all of the skills listed above
• Excellent programming skills with at least one of the statistical software listed above.

Travel:

• Domestic and international travel may be required as follows: attendance at project-related workshops and conferences, in addition to working group meetings.
• Anticipated three (3) travel events per year, excluding field work.

Location:

• 166 Water St, Woods Hole, Ma, 02543