Marine Biologist (At‑Sea Monitor) – Kennebunkport, ME

About the role

Join A.I.S., Inc. as an At‑Sea Monitor (Marine Biologist) to collect and record biological data aboard commercial fishing vessels for the National Marine Fisheries Service Northeast Fisheries Science Center. You will work on trips ranging from 1 to 14 days, after completing a paid three‑week training program in Falmouth, MA.

Key responsibilities

• Record detailed gear and fishing activity on vessels 20‑100 ft long.
• Collect biological samples and document catch, discard, and incidental takes of fish, marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles.
• Assess gear types including trawl, gillnet, longline, and handline.
• Follow sampling protocols, safety procedures, and data‑recording standards.

Required profile

• Willingness to be away from home for multiple days and work odd hours.
• Physical ability to handle heavy lifting and work in rough sea conditions.
• Strong interest in fishery sustainability, management, and hands‑on marine biology.

Required skills

• Fish species identification.
• Marine mammal and sea turtle identification.
• Knowledge of sampling protocols and gear types.
• Safety and onboard operational procedures.

What we offer

• Three‑week paid in‑person training with accommodations and meal reimbursement.
• Opportunity to work on federally funded fisheries observation programs.
• Career advancement pathways within marine biology and fisheries research.