Coral Propagation and Culture Lab Coordinator III (MDBC)

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 Coral Propagation and Culture Lab Coordinator III to support NOAA SEFSC Population and Ecosystems Monitoring Division (PEMD).

Primary Function:

The Coral Propagation and Culture Lab Coordinator III leads operations at the NOAA Galveston Deep Sea Coral Laboratory. The incumbent coordinates staffing, manages supply inventories, leads coral husbandry and culture system maintenance, prototypes novel equipment for advancing coral restoration, conducts field work for broodstock collection and outplanting, responds to disease outbreaks, and leads data analysis and manuscript preparation in support of MDBC restoration program goals.

Duties / Responsibilities:

• Coordinate staffing and maintain inventories of supplies and equipment for the coral culture facility


• Maintain recirculating culture systems; conduct safety inspections, monitor water quality, and report malfunctions


• Conduct routine care of live coral specimens under optimum conditions for health and growth; confer with staff and veterinarians regarding ESA coral care


• Participate in at-sea surveys for broodstock collection and outplanting of laboratory-reared specimens


• Prototype novel equipment and tools to facilitate and optimize coral husbandry (e.g., 3D printer, acrylic glass fabrication)


• Respond to unusual coral disease and bleaching outbreaks; transport specimens to Galveston facility for treatment and recovery


• Conduct work aboard Federal government and contract vessels; transfer live coral fragments or colonies to participating laboratories


• Write SOPs and manuals for cold-water coral husbandry; perform data entry, QA/QC, and manage tracking sheets


• Conduct parentage, regional, and health analyses to ensure biosecurity protocols are followed


• Perform imagery (photo, video, acoustic) analysis to determine coral growth, size, and physiological structure


• Lead preparation of manuscripts, data analyses, graphs, and presentations; lead tours as workload allows


• Complete required safety training; lead outreach and education activities

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:

• Master's degree in marine sciences or related biology field with at least 3 years of experience maintaining coral culture systems, OR 5 years of relevant experience


• Knowledge of water quality, aquaculture/mariculture, and animal husbandry concepts; capable of independently performing scientific tasks


• Knowledge of basic plumbing, carpentry, and facility maintenance


• Capable of following oral and written instructions for mesophotic and deep coral care; able to recognize animal behaviors


• Capable of writing college-level reports and making oral and written presentations


• Must possess a valid U.S. driver's license


• Must be able to lift 50 lb sacks of salt and work in environments maintained at or near 40°F

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of marine life, preferably cold water and/or mesophotic corals


• Fabrication/prototyping skills using a 3D printer, laser cutter, or similar device


• CAD software proficiency


• Knowledge of water quality and animal husbandry

Travel:

• Domestic travel required for at-sea surveys and field operations.

Location:

• 4700 Avenue U, Galveston, Texas 77551 (Galveston Laboratory SEFSC)

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