AMLR Biological Technician

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 Biological Technician to support SWFSC U.S. Antarctic Marine Living Resources (AMLR) Program Support.

Primary Function:

The AMLR Biological Technician supports the U.S. Antarctic Marine Living Resources (AMLR) Program at the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center. Responsibilities span three phases: pre-field season preparation at SWFSC, in-field data and sample collection at remote Antarctic field camps (Cape Shirreff and Copacabana), and post-field season data processing and quality control at SWFSC. The role supports pinnipeds and seabird research, field logistics, and data management in one of the world's most remote and demanding field environments.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Pre-season: Maintain inventories of field equipment and gear; coordinate with procurement staff to ensure supplies, provisions, equipment calibrations, and safety gear are purchased and ready for shipment to Chile
• Pre-season: Inventory, organize, and pack all field equipment, gear, provisions, and safety supplies per established protocol; prepare shipping documents for hazardous materials as necessary
• Field season: Participate in logistical operations during all port calls and transport of equipment, supplies, and personnel between research vessel and field camps
• Field season (Holt Watters): Conduct pinniped research — assist PI with collecting and analyzing standardized data on South Shetland Antarctic fur seals, elephant seals, leopard seals, and Weddell seals (reproduction, foraging ecology, growth, abundance, distribution, survival); activities include weighing fur seal pups, tagging, scat collection, placement of transmitters and instrumentation, and maintaining trail cameras
• Field season (both camps): Conduct seabird research — assist PI with collecting and analyzing data on seabird reproduction, foraging, growth, abundance, and survival; activities include weighing penguin chicks, banding, stomach sampling, instrument placement, and trail camera maintenance
• Enter data promptly and accurately into designated spreadsheets and databases
• Read and strictly adhere to MMPA permit requirements; maintain catalogue and inventory of all samples and a continuous tally of all permitted captures and procedures
• Review existing written protocols and provide feedback; assist in writing new protocols as directed by lead technician and PI(s)
• Assist with logistics and maintenance of field camps, including generators, solar arrays, wind generators, weather stations, and construction projects
• Participate in general camp maintenance including cooking, cleaning, and regular chores
• Assist station leader in writing weekly reports covering pinniped and seabird research activities
• Adhere to all relevant permits including the Cape Shirreff and Copacabana Operations and Safety Plan, MMPA permit, and Antarctic Conservation Act permits
• Assist with inventory of all research and camp supplies; prepare Excel-format inventories and lists of needs for the upcoming field season
• Post-season: Perform quality and accuracy checks on all field-collected data; process fur seal scat samples not processed in the field; analyze imagery data from uncrewed aerial systems, animal-borne instrumentation, and overwinter trail cameras
• Submit monthly progress reports covering accomplishments, issues encountered, significant outcomes, action items, and recommendations

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 institution with major in biology, zoology, fisheries, oceanography, natural science, mathematics, or hydrology, plus one (1) year of related experience, or a combination totaling five (5) years of combined education and experience
• Experience living and working in remote, isolated locations for extended periods
• Ability to complete required medical clearances for field work (including Antarctic deployment requirements)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience handling wild animals, particularly large mammals and birds
• Wilderness safety training (e.g., Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification)
• Prior experience with pinniped or seabird research in remote or polar environments
• Experience with animal tagging, sample collection, and data entry in field conditions

Travel:

• Domestic and foreign/overseas travel required (remote working conditions - isolated field camps lacking basic services).
• Extended Antarctic field deployments required (Cape Shirreff, Livingston Island and Copacabana, King George Island, South Shetland Islands).
• Limited work in Punta Arenas, Chile and at sea during vessel transit.

Location:

• 8901 La Jolla Shores Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037 (Southwest Fisheries Science Center)

Contact:

If you would like to apply for this exciting new opening, please visit our Careers Page to submit the required information:

• Resume
• Cover letter detailing relevant experience.
• 3 professional references (name, email address and phone number)

All documents must be submitted for your application to be considered. If you have any questions pertaining to this opening, please reach out to our Talent Team or call 774-770-5833.

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