Protected Species Observer - Norfolk, VA

A.I.S. Inc.
A.I.S. Inc.

Norfolk, VA, USA

Posted on Jul 21, 2026

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.

Primary Function:

AIS is recruiting Protected Species Observers (PSO) to deploy on a vessel conducting geophysical survey operations off the coast of Virginia. AIS is looking for individuals with NMFS PSO approval letters to stand watch during while the vessel is under way to record data on protected species sightings and mitigation measures when necessary. The PSO will in operate in shifts during offshore operations which will be conducted 24/7 and will have an average of 8 - 12 hours of work per PSO per day. This position is expected to start July 23, 2026 for an estimated 4-6 weeks of work.

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Identify marine animals using the naked eye and visual technology.
  • Ability to vigilantly monitor for visual detections of marine mammals around observation location for up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period.
  • Advise vessel crew on the project specific regulatory requirements and real time mitigation actions
  • Documenting behavior and other essential data
  • Collect and enter data into the required data form in an organized manner
  • Conduct personal QA/QC checks on data collected and entered into data form
  • Operate and maintain field equipment including mounted thermal cameras, Garmin GPS, binoculars with reticles, range finder, and high-resolution digital camera with video capabilities.
  • Attend daily toolbox, HSE and project related meetings as needed.

Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated. This is a full–time temporary position. Once you complete 30 days of work you will be eligible for the AIS benefits package. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits. Meals and lodging provided on vessel.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Must have current STCW Basic Safety Training (BST), GWO, BOSIET or equivalent training.
  • Must have current CPR/First Aid certification.
  • 4-year degree with major in biological sciences
  • Must be certified by a physician as fit for sea duty including:
  • Not be susceptible to chronic motion sickness
  • Ability to live in confined quarters
  • Ability to tolerate stress
  • Ability to lift objects up to 30 pounds
  • Ability to vigilantly monitor waters surrounding observation platform/vessel for up to 4 hours at a time and not more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period.
  • Must have passed an approved PSO course/training and provide certificate
  • Must have 30 days of at-sea experience monitoring for marine mammals, including baleen whales, and recording observational data.
  • Must be approved as a PSO for the Sunrise Wind project via NMFS PSO approval team
  • Must not be affiliated with any group that may impair objectivity or the appearance of objectivity
  • Must have proof of eligibility to work within the US.

Locations:

  • Must be willing to deploy out of one of the following locations.
    • Norfolk, VA

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),
  4. PSO Training Certificate
  5. Offshore Safety Training Certificate

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 Employee

See more open positions at A.I.S. Inc.