Protected Species Observer - Long , CA

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 recruiting protected species observers/passive acoustic monitor certifications to observe the monitoring and exclusion zones around noise producing operations and implement protective measures when necessary. The PSOs will work in a team during offshore geophysical operations which may occur 24/7 and PSO will average 8 to 12 hours of work per day. This position is expected to start approximately January 13, 2026, for an estimated week of work.

Candidates will be selected based on their experience identifying protected species.

• 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 10 hours in a 24-hour period.
• Documenting behavior and other essential data.
• Documenting data on logs in an organized manner.
• Operate and maintain field equipment including Garmin GPS, binoculars with reticles, range finder, and high-resolution digital camera with video capabilities.
• Conduct personal QA/QC checks on data collected.
• Attend daily toolbox, HSE and project related meetings as needed.

Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated. This is a full‑time position and will be eligible for AIS benefits package after 30 days of employment. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.

• Must have current STCW Basic Safety Training (BST), or GWO or BOSIET training.
• Must have current CPR/First Aid certification.
• 4‑year degree with major in biological or geophysical 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/PAM course/training and provide certificate.
• Must be NMFS approved PSO and PAM (must provide NMFS approval letter).
• Must possess a current real  identification.
• Must not be affiliated with any group that may impair the objectivity or the appearance of objectivity.
• Must have proof of eligibility to work within the US.

• Some travel to and from the staging location will be reimbursed. Lodging and per diem will be provided while deployed on project.

• Long Beach, CA

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

• Resume
• 3 professional references (name, email address and phone number)
• PSO Training Certificate
• 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 .

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