Coral Propagation and Culture Lab Coordinator III (MDBC)

AIS•Galveston, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is seeking a Coral Propagation and Culture Lab Coordinator III to support NOAA SEFSC Population and Ecosystems Monitoring Division (PEMD). This role leads operations at the NOAA Galveston Deep Sea Coral Laboratory, coordinating staffing, managing supplies, overseeing coral husbandry and culture systems, prototyping new equipment for restoration, conducting field work for broodstock collection and outplanting, responding to disease outbreaks, and leading data analysis and manuscript preparation to achieve MDBC restoration program goals.

Requirements

Master's degree in marine sciences or related biology field with at least 3 years of experience maintaining coral culture systems, OR 5 years of relevant experience
Knowledge of water quality, aquaculture/mariculture, and animal husbandry concepts; capable of independently performing scientific tasks
Knowledge of basic plumbing, carpentry, and facility maintenance
Capable of following oral and written instructions for mesophotic and deep coral care; able to 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
Must be able to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of marine life, preferably cold water and/or mesophotic corals
Fabrication/prototyping skills using a 3D printer, laser cutter, or similar device
CAD software proficiency
Knowledge of water quality and animal husbandry

Responsibilities

Coordinate staffing and maintain inventories of supplies and equipment for the coral culture facility
Maintain recirculating culture systems; conduct safety inspections, monitor water quality, and report malfunctions
Conduct routine care of live coral specimens under optimum conditions for health and growth; confer with staff and veterinarians regarding ESA coral care
Participate in at-sea surveys for broodstock collection and outplanting of laboratory-reared specimens
Prototype novel equipment and tools to facilitate and optimize coral husbandry (e.g., 3D printer, acrylic glass fabrication)
Respond to unusual coral disease and bleaching outbreaks; transport specimens to Galveston facility for treatment and recovery
Conduct work aboard Federal government and contract vessels; transfer live coral fragments or colonies to participating laboratories
Write SOPs and manuals for cold-water coral husbandry; perform data entry, QA/QC, and manage tracking sheets
Conduct parentage, regional, and health analyses to ensure biosecurity protocols are followed
Perform imagery (photo, video, acoustic) analysis to determine coral growth, size, and physiological structure
Lead preparation of manuscripts, data analyses, graphs, and presentations; lead tours as workload allows
Complete required safety training; lead outreach and education activities