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Marine Observer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AIS, Inc.

Observer Gear Technician

Seattle, WA · On-site

The Observer Gear Technician supports the NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science Center Observer Program ... Experience using and inspecting marine safety equipment such as immersion suits, strobe lights ...

A.I.S., Inc.

Observer Gear Technician

Seattle, WA · On-site

The Observer Gear Technician supports the NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science Center Observer Program ... Experience using and inspecting marine safety equipment such as immersion suits, strobe lights ...

AIS Inc

Observer Gear Technician

Seattle, WA · On-site

The Observer Gear Technician supports the NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science Center Observer Program ... Experience using and inspecting marine safety equipment such as immersion suits, strobe lights ...

Schneider

Estimator - Marine Construction

Houston, TX · On-site

Estimator - Marine Construction - Houston, TX. Join Orion Marine Construction as an Estimator ... The Company expects and requires the incumbent and each of its other employees to observe and ...

AIS, Inc.

Marine Biologist (ASM) - Boston, Ma

Boston, MA · On-site

$19 - $23.57/hr

Become a Marine Biologist! A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a national scientific services firm supporting ... Each fishery observer or monitor operates on commercial fishing vessels operating in ports ...

AIS Inc

Marine Biologist (ASM) - Boston, Ma

Boston, MA · On-site

$19 - $23.57/hr

Become a Marine Biologist! A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a national scientific services firm supporting ... Each fishery observer or monitor operates on commercial fishing vessels operating in ports ...

APTIM

Marine Geoscientist

Tampa, FL · On-site

$31.25 - $36.06/hr

Stopping work if unsafe conditions are observed * Maintain daily field logs, acquisition reports ... Marine vibracore systems and other geotechnical samplers * Acquire, process, and interpret ...

Saltwater Inc

CR Observer

Seattle, WA · On-site

They use observer data to monitor crab populations, set catch limits, and monitor interactions with protected seabirds, marine mammals, and corals. Crab Observers are likely to witness a wide array ...

EPSILON SYSTEMS

Marine Electrician II

Escondido, CA · On-site

$26.26 - $32.53/hr

Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc. is seeking a full time Marine Electrician II in San Diego, CA. Job ... Ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). * Ability to make ...

EPSILON SYSTEMS

Marine Electrician II

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$26.26 - $32.53/hr

Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc. is seeking a full time Marine Electrician II in San Diego, CA. Job ... Ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). * Ability to make ...

EPSILON SYSTEMS

Marine Electrician II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$26.26 - $32.53/hr

Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc. is seeking a full time Marine Electrician II in San Diego, CA. Job ... Ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). * Ability to make ...

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Marine Observer information

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$10

$26

$38

How much do marine observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine observer in the United States is $26.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a marine observer?

A Marine Observer is responsible for monitoring and collecting data on marine environments, weather conditions, and vessel activities. They often work aboard ships or offshore platforms to ensure compliance with regulations, record wildlife sightings, and report potential environmental hazards. Their observations support scientific research, regulatory enforcement, and maritime safety. This role requires strong attention to detail, knowledge of marine ecosystems, and the ability to work in challenging ocean conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the marine observer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Marine Observer, you need a solid background in marine biology or environmental science, keen observational skills, and attention to detail. Familiarity with data collection tools, GPS navigation, marine survey software, and often certifications like STCW or BOEM observer training are typically required. Strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to work collaboratively or independently on vessels in challenging sea conditions are highly valued. These skills ensure accurate data collection, safety, and effective reporting while supporting vital marine conservation and regulatory compliance efforts.

What are the typical work conditions and schedule like for a marine observer?

Marine Observers commonly work onboard commercial or research vessels for extended periods, ranging from several days to a few weeks, depending on the project. Shifts can include irregular hours and require long days at sea, often in varying weather conditions. The role often involves living in close quarters with other crew members and maintaining consistently high standards of data accuracy and safety. Flexibility and resilience are important, as deployments may require rapid response or adapting to changing schedules. These experiences provide valuable fieldwork opportunities and foster strong professional skills for career advancement in marine science and environmental monitoring.

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Marine Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Marine Observer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,632 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Observer Gear Technician

AIS, Inc.

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

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 an Observer Gear Technician to support the North Pacific Observer Program (Gear Team).
Primary Function:
The Observer Gear Technician supports the NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science Center Observer Program gear team in Seattle, WA, where sets of observer sampling and safety gear are purchased, assembled, packed, and issued to observers deploying into the field. Working under the gear program team lead and manager, the technician maintains and repairs new and used gear, prepares and packs complete gear sets, conducts in-person gear check-out and check-in with observers, documents all gear activity in the Observer Gear Inventory System (OGIS), and prepares shipments to the Alaska field offices - keeping the gear room ready to equip roughly 500 gear deployments annually.
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Under the guidance of the gear program team lead and gear program manager, identify and complete needed maintenance of new and used gear so equipment is in proper working order, documented in the OGIS, and available for deployment with a certified observer.
  • Perform gear maintenance, including: pressure-washing gear outdoors (possibly in cold weather); disassembling spring and bench beam scales and replacing parts; lubricating moving parts; washing species ID guides; drying gear; repairing baskets with drills and zip ties; organizing sampling gear; scrubbing rust and corrosion with hand and power tools; and safely handling sharp objects such as knives and fishing gaffs.
  • Prepare up to 150 complete sets of sampling and safety gear per month by following written gear packing protocols - including attaching strobes and whistles to immersion suits and PFDs, verifying NMFS Observer Program labeling, testing hanging scales (0.5 kg to 35 kg) with certified test weights and documenting results, and organizing components into baskets.
  • Conduct in-person gear check-out with certified observers or their employers prior to deployment, verifying the observer has all gear needed for the deployment.
  • Use the OGIS to document assignment, return, or loss of complete gear sets and individual gear items before, during, and after deployment.
  • Conduct gear check-in activities, verifying returned gear is clean, dry, and ready to re-issue; note missing/broken items; and return substandard gear for additional cleaning or drying.
  • Package and ship gear to the Observer Program field offices in Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, and Anchorage, Alaska, providing shipments to on-site shipping coordinators.
  • Participate in weekly gear team meetings to assess and prioritize gear room work.
  • Clean and organize the gear room (including mopping floors), conduct inventories of available gear to support purchasing decisions, and keep equipment organized on shelves.
  • Operate a van on campus to transport equipment between areas.
  • Provide a monthly progress report covering accomplishments, issues encountered, and recommendations for improvement.

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:
  • Experience collecting scientific information onboard commercial fishing vessels or at shoreside processors.
  • Knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of fisheries observers and the equipment needed to successfully collect required data.
  • Knowledge of the fishery and vessel types encountered in the federally managed fisheries off the coast of Alaska.
  • Experience using basic hand tools to repair scientific equipment such as spring scales, measuring devices, and fish collection baskets.
  • Experience using common shop chemicals such as lubricants and anti-rust compounds.
  • Experience using power tools such as pressure washers, drills, and grinders to repair and clean scientific equipment.
  • Experience using and inspecting marine safety equipment such as immersion suits, strobe lights, personal locator beacons, and personal flotation devices.
  • Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Experience working with marine fisheries information programs or other science-based programs.
  • Experience organizing scientific equipment.
  • Ability to lift safely and repeatedly up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
  • Valid driver's license and Real ID (must be possessed and maintained throughout the period of performance).
  • Must be suited for public trust classification; a background investigation is required.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience as a certified fisheries observer in the North Pacific / Alaska groundfish and halibut fisheries
  • Prior hands-on experience maintaining observer sampling and safety gear, would be advantageous.

Travel:
  • No Travel Anticipated.

Location:
  • 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

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

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