Coral Propagation and Culture Technician II (MDBC)

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 Coral Propagation and Culture Technician II to support NOAA SEFSC Population and Ecosystems Monitoring Division (PEMD).

Primary Function:

The Coral Propagation and Culture Technician II works in the NOAA Galveston Deep Sea Coral Laboratory to independently conduct coral culture operations, participate in at-sea surveys for broodstock collection and outplanting, manage coral and water quality databases, respond to disease and bleaching outbreaks, and support preparation of SOPs and research publications. This position is contingent upon contract award and available funding.

Duties / Responsibilities:

• Maintain recirculating coral culture systems; conduct safety inspections, monitor water quality, and report malfunctions
• Conduct routine care of live coral specimens including tank setup and cleaning for ESA coral species; confer with veterinarians regarding animal care
• Participate in at-sea surveys for broodstock collection and outplanting of laboratory-reared specimens
• Manage databases for corals and water quality; execute experiments with Program leads as directed
• Respond to unusual coral disease and bleaching outbreaks; transport specimens to Galveston facility for treatment
• Conduct work aboard Federal government and contract vessels; meet vessels to transfer live coral fragments or colonies
• Assist in preparing written SOPs and manuals for cold-water coral husbandry
• Perform data entry (water quality and coral health), QA/QC, and update tracking sheets and project management tools
• Collect and archive journal articles on coral biology, culture, and husbandry; assist in preparing graphs and presentations
• Complete required safety training; participate in outreach and education 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 full-time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in marine sciences or related biology field with at least 2 years of experience maintaining coral culture systems;
• Knowledge of water quality, aquaculture/mariculture, and animal husbandry concepts; capable of independently performing scientific tasks
• Knowledge of basic plumbing, carpentry, and facility maintenance
• Capable of following oral and written instructions and recognizing animal behaviors on the job
• Capable of writing college-level reports and making oral and written presentations
• Must possess a valid U.S. driver's license
• Must be able to lift 50 lb sacks of salt and work in environments maintained at or near 40°F

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of marine life, preferably corals
• Saltwater aquaria experience desired
• Knowledge of water quality and animal husbandry

Travel:

• Domestic travel required for at-sea surveys for broodstock collection and outplanting.

Location:

• 4700 Avenue U, Galveston, Texas 77551 (Galveston Laboratory SEFSC)

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