Aquarist

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 qualified Aquaculture & Marine Biology professional to support NOAA’s Aquaculture and Marine Fish and Shellfish Biology Program at the NW Fisheries Research Station

Primary Function:

The selected individual will be responsible for the culture and husbandry of marine fish and shellfish, construction and maintenance of life support systems, production of live feeds, and collection of scientific data in support of NOAA research objectives. This position contributes directly to advancing sustainable aquaculture practices and improving the management of wild marine populations by supporting research.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Life Support Systems

• Construct, plumb, maintain and repair egg, larval, and adult culture systems including recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS), flow-through tank systems, and net-pen systems


• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance to ensure systems remain fully operational in accordance with performance standards


• Ensure life support systems meet healthy conditions for all life stages (target: >90% survival for adults and >25% survival for larvae and eggs)
  
  

Animal Husbandry

• Conduct daily husbandry of cultured marine fish and shellfish including cleaning and disinfection of tanks, incubators and silos


• Perform maintenance of nets and feed containers for net-pens


• Support spawning, incubation and larval rearing activities in coordination with NOAA scientists

Live Feeds Production

• Produce and maintain live feeds for fish and shellfish larvae, including rotifers, artemia and algae


• Prepare and distribute appropriate diets for adult fish and shellfish


• Maintain clean and functional live feed production systems

Data Collection

• Collect and accurately record data during spawning and rearing, including fish tagging, growth assessments and other experimental parameters


• Record physical and chemical parameters of life support and live feed systems on a daily, weekly and monthly basis


• Enter data in preformatted Excel spreadsheets, electronic devices or web-based platforms in accordance with NOAA protocols


• Contribute to monthly logbooks and progress reports summarizing task status, system condition, and notable events or mortality

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:

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Fisheries, Biology, Aquaculture, Zoology, Environmental Studies, or related field


• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in the propagation and husbandry of marine fish and/or shellfish


• Hands-on experience with the operation and maintenance of recirculating or flow-through aquaculture systems


• Knowledge of fish and shellfish culture techniques, including spawning, larval rearing, and incubation


• Ability to collect, record, and manage biological and system operating data using Excel or electronic data entry tools


• Experience in the production of live feeds (rotifers, artemia, algae) for marine organisms


• Expertise in plumbing and mechanical repairs related to aquaculture systems


• Experience in the tagging and assessment of marine species in a research setting


• Familiarity with NOAA protocols and/or experience working in a federal research facility

Travel:

• Reimbursed at an hourly rate along with compensation for miles accrued on a personal vehicle as well as per diem at the specified Government rate.

Location:

• 7305 Beach Dr E, Port Orchard, WA, 98366

Contact:

If you would like to apply for this exciting new opening, please visit our Careers Page to submit the required information:

• Resume


• Cover letter detailing relevant experience.


• 3 professional references (name, email address and phone number)

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 Employer