Protected Species Observer – Haverhill, MA

About the role

A.I.S., Inc. is seeking Certified Protected Species Observers (PSO) to support a bridge reconstruction project in Haverhill, MA. The PSO will monitor daylight construction activities, record protected species sightings—particularly sturgeon—and implement required mitigation measures.

Key responsibilities

• Visually identify marine animals using the naked eye and visual technology.
• Monitor for visual detections of protected species for up to 10 hours per day.
• Document species location, behavior, and other essential data in organized logs.
• Operate and maintain field equipment such as Garmin GPS, binoculars with reticles, range finder, and high‑resolution digital camera.
• Perform personal QA/QC checks on collected data.
• Attend daily toolbox, HSE, and project‑related meetings as required.

Required profile

• Current STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) or equivalent GWO/BOSIET certification.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification.
• Four‑year degree in biological or geophysical sciences.
• Physician certification fit for sea duty (no chronic motion sickness, able to live in confined quarters, tolerate stress, lift up to 30 lb, and monitor waters up to 4 hours at a time, not exceeding 12 hours in a 24‑hour period).
• Successful completion of an approved PSO course and possession of a NMFS‑approved PSO certificate.

Required skills

• Operation of Garmin GPS.
• Use of binoculars with reticles.
• Use of range finder.
• High‑resolution digital camera operation (photo and video).
• Visual identification of marine wildlife.
• Data QA/QC and structured documentation.

What we offer

• Negotiable hourly rate for a full‑time position.
• Eligibility for AIS benefits package after 30 days (health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits).