Sr. Ichthyoplankton Ecologist

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 Sr. Ichthyoplankton Ecologist to support SWFSC California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI). Primary Function The Sr. Ichthyoplankton Ecologist supports the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) Ichthyoplankton Ecology Program at the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center. The incumbent performs laboratory sorting and identification of fish and zooplankton samples, participates in at-sea sample collection during quarterly CalCOFI and fishery resource assessment surveys, and contributes to data analysis and scientific reporting in support of stock assessments and Integrated Ecosystem Assessments. Duties/Responsibilities Serve as Chief Scientist on NOAA-led CalCOFI surveys: plan station activities; communicate with the ship’s bridge; liaise between ship crew, scientific staff, and Principal Investigators; coordinate ship onloading/offloading; schedule staff for shifts Sort samples in the laboratory; identify target taxa; count all sorted specimens; measure lengths of key taxa; record data on standard forms and deliver completed forms to data entry personnel Via and label sorted samples and box per standard protocols Perform data analyses and literature reviews as needed in preparation of scientific manuscripts Complete and preserve sample collection data sheets and identification/count databases following standard protocols Collect trawl catch compositions and demographic data for target species per cruise‑specific protocols Work aboard research vessels to deploy and recover oceanographic equipment (CTD rosettes, plankton nets) and process samples during CalCOFI and fishery resource assessment surveys Submit monthly progress reports covering accomplishments, issues encountered, significant outcomes, action items, and recommendations 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 PhD with prior experience serving as Chief Scientist on research cruises or Master’s degree plus two (2) years Experience using a microscope to sort fish eggs, larvae, and paralarval cephalopods from plankton samples Experience using a microscope and ocular micrometer to make standard measurements Experience identifying fish eggs and larvae, preferably of target coastal pelagic species (Northern Anchovy, Pacific Sardine, Pacific Hake, Jack Mackerel, Pacific Mackerel) Experience in plankton sample collection and processing, preferably using standard CalCOFI protocols (Kramer et al. 1972, NOAA Tech. Rep. NMFS Circ‑370) Experience processing fish from trawl surveys (length/weight measurements, otolith and tissue collection) Ability to complete required medical clearances for field work Preferred Qualifications Experience sorting spiny lobster phyllosoma larvae from plankton samples Experience following SWFSC Fisheries Resources Division protocols including identification of target coastal pelagic species (Northern Anchovy, Pacific Mackerel, Jack Mackerel, market squid) Experience in rearing planktonic fish eggs under controlled conditions Travel Domestic and overseas travel required Sea days deployed at research vessels are anticipated during quarterly CalCOFI surveys and fishery resource assessment cruises. Location 8901 La Jolla Shores Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037 (Southwest Fisheries Science Center) 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr A.I.S., Inc.