Coral Propagation and Culture Technician I

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 Technician I to support NOAA SEFSC Population and Ecosystems Monitoring Division (PEMD).

Primary Function:

The Coral Propagation and Culture Technician I works in the NOAA Galveston Deep Sea Coral Laboratory under the guidance of the Program Manager and aquaculture staff. The incumbent supports operations of the coral culture facility including routine animal husbandry, water quality monitoring, data entry, and public outreach. Animal husbandry duties are required 365 days per year including holidays and weekends.

Duties / Responsibilities:

• Assist in maintaining recirculating coral culture systems; monitor water quality and report facility malfunctions to senior staff
• Assist in routine care of live coral specimens for health and growth including tank setup and cleaning for ESA coral species
• Culture live foods and feed corals (Artemia sp., Rotifers, algae, etc.)
• Record and report data on water quality and coral animal health; confer with staff and veterinarians regarding animal care
• Perform computer data entry and review using MDBC applications and tools; update tracking sheets and project management tools
• Complete required safety training: laboratory safety, chemical hygiene, defensive driving, MSDS, PPE, fire extinguisher, acid handling, battery handling, NOAA IT security, and AED
• Participate in public outreach and education activities including open houses, career fairs, and teacher education workshops

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 in marine sciences or related biology field with at least 2 years of experience maintaining coral culture systems; previous saltwater aquaria experience desired
• Knowledge of water quality, aquaculture/mariculture, and animal husbandry concepts; capable of independently performing scientific tasks using established methods
• Knowledge of basic plumbing, carpentry, and facility maintenance
• Capable of following oral and written instructions; able to learn sea turtle husbandry and 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
  

Travel:

• Domestic travel required for at-sea surveys and scientific meetings.

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