Jr. Sea Turtle Research Ecologist

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. Sea Turtle Research Ecologist to participate in data collection for the Sea Turtle Ecology research program. This position is part of a contract opportunity we are currently bidding on.

Primary Function:

NOAA fisheries evaluate the status of sea turtle populations within the Greater Atlantic Region of the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. This program assesses the current and anticipated population dynamics of these species, as well as their ecology, distribution, occurrence, health, and habitat usage.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Preparation for field work and de-staging
• Participate in data collection for land-based or at-sea field research programs
• Take photos of species that are able to positively identify sea turtles and other marine species
• Interacting with live turtles or turtle carcasses
• Record/edit data collected at sea and maintain databases and equipment
• Pursue, handle, collect physical measurements (i.e. carapace lengths and width), collect samples, and apply tags to live turtles. Be able to collect physical measurements, tag, and necropsy dead turtles. This includes collecting the following counts/surveys: epibiota removal, laparoscopy, cloacal, gastric lavage, measure, monitor vitals, photograph/video, blood, fecal material, scutes, skin, ultrasound, and weight
• Participate in small boat operations deployed from land or sea
• Complete project reports

Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated, and total compensation will vary depending on the 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 in one of the biological sciences and more than 3 months of experience with the tasks listed above.
• Have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written (including visual presentations) that may target a variety of audiences including technical, scientific, and the general public, as appropriate.
• Have previous experience working as an effective member of a team; adapting to quickly changing priorities and strict timelines; and exhibiting self-motivation to complete assigned tasks; strong time management skills; the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, strong management skills, and attention to detail
• Shall have all necessary medical clearance and required safety training certificates before research activities
• Shall have corrected 20/20 vision when position is a visual observer
• Shall have capability to work outside, including on a small boat, for periods of up to 12 hours at a time
• Be able to safely lift 40 lbs. on a rolling vessel
• Willingness and ability to work far from home (including far from land) for weeks at a time
• Meet the requirements listed under NOAA Small Boat Requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least one (1) year of experience successfully performing the above tasks, or a Master’s degree in relevant field.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Oracle, R, and R shiny is also required.
• Past experience working in offshore research activities
• Experience with necropsies, especially performing sea turtle necropsies
• Some experience with data management, analytical reporting, and environmental and biological data

Travel:

• Domestic travel may be required as follows: offshore survey support, 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