Field Operations and Data Modernization 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 Field Operations and Data Modernization Specialist to support National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), Fish Ecology Division (FE) in Seattle, WA

Primary Function:

The Field Operations and Data Modernization Specialist leads at-sea and estuarine field data collection for long-term surveys while modernizing how that data is captured, processed, and delivered. This elevated role focuses on improving project efficiency, advancing the integration of newer field technologies, and bridging the gap between at-sea data collection and rapid analytical synthesis, preserving the safety and historic continuity of multi-decade survey time series while transitioning them to digital collection, automated ship-to-shore workflows, and analysis-ready data products. This position is contingent upon contract award and available funding. 

Duties / Responsibilities:

• Digital Field Collection & Technology Integration: Lead the field collection of biological and environmental data in estuarine and marine environments, spearheading the transition from traditional analog recording to digital data collection platforms (e.g., electronic measuring boards, ruggedized tablets), and continuously evaluate and implement new field technologies to improve at-sea efficiency.
• eDNA Sample Collection & Liaison: Develop rigorous eDNA protocols and oversee field-based collection, preservation, and chain-of-custody of environmental DNA (eDNA) water samples; ensure strict adherence to at-sea anti-contamination protocols and serve as the primary operational liaison to ‘Omics laboratory personnel to ensure field samples are appropriately primed for bioinformatics processing.
• Workflow Automation & Rapid Product Generation: Design and implement automated data pipelines to streamline the transfer of data from ship to shore, and develop scripts or workflows that rapidly generate preliminary data products, cruise summaries, and visualization tools immediately following field operations.
• Optimize Datasets: Maintain project databases to improve overall organization, accessibility, and usability for interdisciplinary team members, ensuring that historical and newly digitized datasets are standardized and accessible for analysis.
• Logistics & Asset Management: Direct the mobilization and demobilization of project equipment, utilizing modern inventory tracking systems to keep project members organized and assets deployment-ready.
• Scientific Communication: Synthesize methodological improvements and field results by authoring technical reports, contributing to journal manuscripts, and presenting workflow modernization strategies at regional and national scientific meetings.
• Develop and implement standardized, reproducible procedures to efficiently format, QA/QC, and transition raw at-sea biological observations into analysis-ready scientific formats.
• Produce comprehensive, documented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for new digital data collection methods, eDNA field sampling protocols, and database structures.

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 higher from an accredited college or university with a major in a field of study directly related to fisheries, ecology, natural sciences, mathematics, statistics, oceanography, or hydrology.
• Three (3) or more years of relevant experience with the marine and anadromous species and habitats managed by NOAA Fisheries within the West Coast region.
• Demonstrated quantitative capabilities, including proven experience in statistical and complex data analysis.
• Familiarity with open science concepts and working proficiency in analytical tools and software such as R, Python, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven track record of authoring technical reports and contributing to published, peer-reviewed scientific articles.
• Familiarity with standard workplace productivity software (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite).
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently manage dynamic workloads, maintain high organizational standards, and produce high-quality deliverables within established timelines.
• Adaptable, capable of working both independently in the field and collaboratively within interdisciplinary scientific teams.
• Ability to work outdoors in sometimes harsh conditions in or around water, including aboard vessels.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license during the period of performance.
• Must be able to pass a background investigation and be suitable for public trust classification prior to beginning performance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a related field.
• Hands-on experience with digital field data collection platforms (e.g., electronic measuring boards, ruggedized tablets) and transitioning surveys from analog to digital recording.
• Experience developing eDNA field sampling and chain-of-custody protocols, and coordinating with genomics/‘Omics laboratory personnel.
• Experience designing automated ship-to-shore data pipelines and near-real-time data products.
• Experience directing field survey mobilization/demobilization and inventory tracking systems.

Travel:

• Travel is anticipated.
• Contractor personnel may periodically be required to drive Government vehicles; when a Government vehicle is not available, mileage on a personal vehicle is reimbursed in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulation.

Location:

• 2725 Montlake Blvd. East, Seattle, WA 98112 (Northwest Fisheries Science Center) or at one of the science centers associated field stations.

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