Bottom Longline Survey Support

Saltwater Inc•Pascagoula, MS

10d•$30 - $45•Hybrid

About The Position

Saltwater Inc. is seeking two Bottom Longline Survey Support Marine Biologists, one for Level II and one for Level III, to support NOAA's Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Population & Ecosystems Monitoring Division (PEMD). These contractor positions will provide support for various tasks including resource surveys, laboratory support, data management, analytical support, and outreach. The role involves working on NOAA ships, charter vessels, and small boats, as well as at the SEFSC Laboratory in Pascagoula, MS. This is a full-time position with a one-year base period and potential for three option periods.

Requirements

LEVEL II: MS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study; or BS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study, plus three (3) years of relevant experience.
LEVEL III: MS Degree in Biology or related science and a minimum of 5 years of experience in fish biology, marine biology, oceanography, ecology, or related fields or BS Degree in Biology or related science and a minimum of 10 years of experience in fish biology, marine biology, oceanography, ecology, or related fields.
Demonstrable field experience with multiple gear types (i.e. longlines, trawls, plankton collection devices), oceanographic equipment (e.g. side scan sonar, CTDs) and video technologies.
Knowledge of applying basic concepts, principles and methodologies of fisheries biology and survey design to independently perform scientific tasks using standard methods and techniques.
Experience with stomach content analyses and basic statistics associated with trophic studies.
Ability to accurately identify elasmobranchs, teleosts, and invertebrates indigenous to southeastern U.S. marine waters.
Computer literate and advanced competency with common word processing, database utilization and management (particularly, ACCESS and Oracle), statistical, and graphics programs.
Documented experience with management of large datasets and statistical analysis of data.
Ability to lead research projects to completion.
Experience in conducting public outreach events and public speaking.
Sea going contractors must have a current tetanus vaccine (once every 10 years).
Sea going contractors will be required to annually/biennially (age dependent) submit a NOAA Health Services Questionnaire (NOAA Form 57- 10-01) and Tuberculosis Screening Form (NOAA Form NF 57-10-02) to OMAO health services to determine fitness for sea duty.

Nice To Haves

Considerable experience with longline gear is preferred for this position.

Responsibilities

Serve as Field Party Chief, Watch Leader, or Watch Stander on SEFSC Bottom Longline Survey and other SEFSC resource surveys.
Support non-survey related field work for other SEFSC research activities in similar roles.
Write and submit cruise instructions and cruise reports.
Ensure all participant clearance forms are completed and submitted.
Plan, coordinate, and provide logistical support for surveys.
Coordinate with IT staff for data collection and post-survey retrieval.
Act as liaison between ship and science crews.
Assist in procuring, preparing, and loading survey gear, bait, supplies, and equipment.
Coordinate daily vessel activities, personnel, vessel position and movements, ports of call, and monitor weather and sea conditions with vessel staff.
Conduct data collection, biological and/or environmental sampling, and logging and processing data and/or samples under field conditions.
Report to the Branch Chief and Survey Lead with routine progress updates or any issues requiring survey plan alterations.
Clean, unload, and store equipment, and log and appropriately store data upon completion of each survey.
Conduct QA/QC of data for entry into the Survey database.
Assist with pre- and post-survey inventory of equipment and gear.
Prepare and load survey gear, bait, supplies, and equipment.
Coordinate the activities of Watch Standers and the deployment and retrieval of sampling gears.
Support and, in some instances, lead research activities.
Coordinate all aspects of trophic studies on elasmobranchs, including laboratory maintenance, sample procurement, cataloging, applying analytical methods, and presenting results.
Assist and advise other SEFSC personnel assessing diets of teleosts.
Assist colleagues examining various aspects of shark biology and gear interactions.
Perform entry and editing of research data and maintain databases for archiving and distribution in accordance with PARR requirements.
Upload data to the appropriate SEFSC Oracle database.
Provide tag and biological sampling information to SEFSC colleagues.
Maintain survey data associated with genetic samples.
Conduct data analysis and summaries, and provide data reports, publications, and presentations.
Follow all SEFSC publication review procedures.
Conduct advanced analyses including non-parametric and multivariate statistics.
Conduct spatial analysis, such as kriging, mapping, and heat maps.
Provide field and laboratory support for SEFSC projects and programs.
Support marine mammal and sea turtle stranding activities, including animal identification, measuring, bagging, transportation, and data submission.
Conduct and organize outreach events for a wide range of audiences.
Prepare for and present, facilitate, or participate in various workshops, scientific meetings, symposia, and public forums.