Biosampling Standardization 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 Biosampling Standardization Specialist to support NOAA SEFSC Fisheries Statistics Division (FSD).

Primary Function:

The Biosampling Standardization Specialist supports quality assurance and standardization of the Trip Interview Program (TIP) dockside biosampling operations, including QA/QC reporting, data exploration, electronic data collection system improvement, and sampler training. The position involves periodic field accompaniment of TIP samplers, database analysis using SQL and SAS, and development of training materials and technical manuals.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Periodically accompany Federal and Partner TIP samplers to field sites to observe operations and assist in collecting lengths, weights, and biological samples; produce a brief report within one week of each trip.
• Use the QA/QC reporting system in the TIPS web portal to produce quarterly reports on SEFSC TIP sampler adherence to protocols, including a summary page of common issues.
• Meet biannually (phone or in person) with contractor dockside samplers to discuss QA/QC report results.
• Update and improve the SAS code underlying the QA/QC reporting tool as necessary; coordinate with application developers for testing.
• Use SQL Developer to review historical TIP data, answer user questions, and respond to custom data requests within 5 business days (products delivered within 30 days).
• Work with technology vendors to research and implement electronic data collection improvements for the TIP program.
• Develop and maintain training materials, technical manuals, and curricula for electronic data collection systems; update manuals within 6 months of significant protocol changes.
• Provide training and support for TIP samplers on electronic technologies; respond to support requests within 5 business days.
• Participate in SEFSC-sponsored outreach events to explain port sampling goals and electronic technologies to the public.
• Attend training sessions or conferences to acquire updates to sampling protocols and technology.

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

• BS Degree plus three (3) years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of basic concepts, principles, and methodologies of fish or related biological fields sufficient to independently perform scientific tasks.
• Proficient in the use of fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification books and keys.
• Computer literate and experienced with SQL, SAS, and common word processing, database, and graphics programs.
• Capable of writing reports at the college level and making oral presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS Degree in Marine Science or a related field
• Experience collecting catch and effort information from commercial fishermen.
• Knowledge of collection of routine biological samples (lengths, age structures, gonads, etc.) from marine fish.
• Skill in use of Android mobile device applications for field collection of environmental data.

Travel:

• Periodic travel required to coastal field sites to accompany TIP samplers, and to training sessions and conferences as needed.

Location:

• 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, Florida, 33149 (SEFSC Miami Laboratory)

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