Scientific Research and Technical Services Department

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 Lead/Master Deckhand to support the operations of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center's R/V Gloria Michelle.

Primary Function:

Provide operational and technical support a 72-foot NOAA research trawler homeported in Woods Hole, MA. This position supports the vessel's annual survey missions, including two 21-day groundfish bottom trawl surveys and a four-week Gulf of Maine shrimp survey-as well as a variety of special projects conducted between April and October. Duties include supporting coastal oceanographic, hydrographic, and benthic surveys; deploying and retrieving scientific equipment; maintaining and repairing vessel systems and gear; and assisting with vessel logistics and safety. The vessel's missions span from Sandy Hook, NJ to the Hague Line, extending up to 300 nautical miles offshore.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Deploy and retrieve a variety of sampling gear, including trawls, dredges, CTDs, grabs, and other instruments used in scientific marine investigations.
• Perform maintenance and repairs on fishing trawls and related gear, including net mending and hydraulic system upkeep.
• Operate and maintain all vessel systems, including Caterpillar 3406 propulsion engines, Isuzu diesel generators, and auxiliary hydraulic and electrical equipment.
• Assist with meal preparation and perform routine housekeeping duties, including cleaning of interior decks, the galley, and restroom facilities.
• Load and unload ship stores, scientific equipment, and supplies during vessel staging and de-staging.
• Participate in docking operations, including line handling, fender placement, and tying of various rope knots.
• Operate deck equipment such as articulating cranes, trawl winches, net reels, and anchor windlasses in support of vessel operations and survey activities.
• Perform navigation and anchor watches using standard wheelhouse instruments such as GPS, radar, fathometers, and chart plotters to ensure safe transit to and from working grounds.
• Support safe vessel navigation by standing wheelhouse watches as directed by the Officer in Charge (OIC); typical watch durations are one hour, not to exceed four hours.
• Respond to emergencies and drills (e.g., fire, flooding, man overboard, abandon ship) by following the lawful orders of the OIC or Junior Officer in Charge (JOIC).
• Oversee and ensure the safe and efficient execution of deck operations during underway missions.
• Provide technical guidance and collaborate effectively with the science crew to accomplish sampling objectives.
• Communicate clearly and act as a professional team member in a small crew setting, particularly during extended offshore deployments.

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:

• Minimum of six (6) years of experience of trawling experience operating hydraulic winches, cranes, and windlasses, including deployment/retrieval of bottom or midwater trawls, rigging trawl gear, and net repair/mending.
• Knowledge of and adherence to all applicable maritime safety and operational regulations.
• Ability to remain calm, composed, and team-oriented during long deployments in confined living quarters under occasionally stressful or challenging conditions.
• Strong working knowledge of diesel mechanics, hydraulics, electrical systems, plumbing, metalworking, and general vessel maintenance.
• Demonstrated leadership and operational experience aboard small research or commercial vessels
• Must be capable of operating mechanical and hydraulic systems while maneuvering scientific instruments overboard.
• Requires physical strength, coordination, balance, and endurance to work on a vessel in rough sea conditions.
• Comfortable working long days (typically 12 hours, occasionally up to 20 hours).
• Must tolerate motion sickness and work effectively during extended periods at sea.
• Will be exposed to a variety of weather conditions and must be prepared for physical work in wet, cold, and windy environments.
  
• Must be able to work on slippery decks, climb ladders, and occasionally go aloft (up to 40 feet above the waterline) in accordance with safety protocols.
  
• Ability to safely lift and carry items weighing up to 60 pounds.
  

Required Certifications and Credentials:

• Completion of NSC Defensive Driving Course.
  
• USCG 100 Gross Ton Master's License
• Must meet NOAA Small Boat Policy requirements for small vessel operation (NAO 217-103).

Preferred Qualifications:

• NOAA Motorboat Operator Certification
• NOAA Small Boat Component Certification
  
• Possession of a valid U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

Travel:

• Reimbursed at an hourly rate along with compensation for miles accrued on a personal vehicle as well as per diem at the specified Government rate.
  
• Estimated 50 sea days/year and regular port visits

Location:

• 166 Water St, Woods Hole, Ma, 02543
  
  

Contact:

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

1. Resume
2. Cover letter detailing relevant experience.
3. 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 508-990-9054.

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