Advanced Field Operations and Data Modernization Support Service

Ocean Associates Incorporated•Seattle, WA

12d•$30 - $45•Hybrid

About The Position

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking an applicant to provide advanced field operations and data modernization support services to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), Fish Ecology Division (FE) in Seattle, WA. The Fish Ecology Division at the NWFSC conducts scientific research on marine and anadromous species in the Pacific Northwest and California to support management of these species. The NWFSC is a leader in quantitative analyses supporting fisheries management for marine and anadromous species, producing increasingly large datasets as quantitative research techniques become more complex. Researchers examine complex relationships between managed stocks and their environments that involve highly technical statistical approaches that continue to rapidly evolve. The Center collaborates with regional partners to manage data and provide public access to empirical and modeled data products. There is a strong need for continued improvement in both the ability to conduct advanced quantitative analyses and to adeptly manage and share resulting research products. Modern fisheries management faces a growing data-capacity gap: data volume is surging while managers have less time to interpret complex research.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in a field of study directly related to the requirements of this contract. Acceptable fields include, but are not limited to fisheries, ecology, natural sciences, mathematics, statistics, oceanography, or hydrology.
Three (3) or more years of experience related to the outlined tasks. This experience must include demonstrated familiarity with the marine and anadromous species and habitats managed by NOAA Fisheries within the West Coast region. An Advanced Degree in a related field may be substituted for two (MS) or four (PhD) years of experience.
Demonstrate quantitative capabilities, including proven experience in statistical and complex data analysis. Personnel must demonstrate familiarity with open science concepts and possess working proficiency in analytical tools and software, such as R, Python, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Personnel must have a proven track record of authoring technical reports and contributing to published, peer-reviewed scientific articles. Familiarity with standard workplace productivity software (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite) is required.
Demonstrated ability to efficiently manage dynamic workloads, maintain high organizational standards, and produce high-quality deliverables within established timelines. Personnel must be adaptable, capable of working both independently in the field and collaboratively within interdisciplinary scientific teams.

Responsibilities

Lead the field collection of biological and environmental data in estuarine and marine environments, spearheading the transition from traditional analog recording to digital data collection platforms (e.g., electronic measuring boards, ruggedized tablets). Continuously evaluate and implement new field technologies to improve at-sea efficiency.
Develop rigorous eDNA protocols and oversee field-based collection, preservation, and chain-of-custody of environmental DNA (eDNA) water samples. Ensure strict adherence to at-sea anti-contamination protocols and serve as the primary operational liaison to the 'Omics laboratory personnel to ensure field samples are appropriately primed for bioinformatics processing.
Design and implement automated data pipelines to streamline the transfer of data from ship to shore. Develop scripts or workflows that rapidly generate preliminary data products, cruise summaries, and visualization tools immediately following field operations.
Maintain project databases to improve overall organization, accessibility, and usability for interdisciplinary team members. Ensure that historical and newly digitized datasets are standardized and accessible for analysis.
Direct the mobilization and demobilization of project equipment, utilizing modern inventory tracking systems to keep project members organized and assets deployment-ready.
Synthesize methodological improvements and field results by authoring technical reports, contributing to journal manuscripts, and presenting workflow modernization strategies at regional and national scientific meetings.