Plankton Survey Support

Saltwater Inc•Pascagoula, MS

10d•$30 - $45•Hybrid

About The Position

Saltwater Inc. is seeking two Plankton Survey Support Marine Biologists for NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Population & Ecosystems Monitoring Division (PEMD). These positions will provide support for various tasks related to resource surveys and laboratory analysis. This is a full-time contractor position with a one-year base period and potential for three option periods. The work will be performed at the SEFSC Laboratory in Pascagoula, MS, and may require working on NOAA Ships, charter vessels, and/or small boats.

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 Marine Science or a related field of study, plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; or BS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study, plus a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
Knowledge of applying basic concepts, principles and methodologies of marine plankton research sufficient to independently perform scientific duties using standard methods and techniques.
At-sea experience and ability to work productively on extended (~2-3 week) research survey cruises.
Proficient in the identification of marine invertebrate zooplankton and/or ichthyoplankton from the western central Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of America.
Capable of writing reports at the college level and making oral presentations.
Proficient in the use of fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification books and dichotomous keys.
Computer literate and experience with common word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs.
Sea going contractors must have a current tetanus vaccine (once every 10 years).
Driver’s license to operate government vehicles.

Nice To Haves

LEVEL II Desirable: Experience as lead data collector for field projects.
LEVEL II Desirable: Knowledge of procedures required upon encountering endangered or threatened species.
LEVEL II Desirable: Knowledge of Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) field sampling protocols for plankton surveys.
LEVEL II Desirable: Experience with running the Scientific Computing System (SCS).
LEVEL II Desirable: Knowledge of techniques and instrumentation (e.g., Zooscan, Flowcam) used to gather digitized data on marine plankton specimens.
LEVEL II Desirable: Knowledge of statistical treatment of marine plankton and oceanographic data.
LEVEL III Desirable: Experience as lead data collector for field projects.
LEVEL III Desirable: Knowledge of procedures required upon encountering endangered or threatened species.
LEVEL III Desirable: Knowledge of Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) field sampling protocols for plankton surveys.
LEVEL III Desirable: Experience with running the Scientific Computing System (SCS).
LEVEL III Desirable: Knowledge of techniques and instrumentation (e.g., Zooscan, Flowcam) used to gather digitized data on marine plankton specimens.
LEVEL III Desirable: Knowledge of statistical treatment of marine plankton and oceanographic data.

Responsibilities

Participate in large vessel plankton surveys and other resource surveys.
Fulfill duties associated with Survey Field Party Chief, Survey Watch Leader, or Survey Watch Stander roles.
Write and submit pre-cruise instructions and post-cruise reports.
Ensure science participant clearance forms are completed and submitted.
Plan, coordinate, and provide logistical support for surveys.
Coordinate with IT staff for data collection and retrieval.
Serve as liaison between ship and science teams.
Oversee preparation and loading of survey gear, supplies, and equipment.
Coordinate daily vessel activities, personnel, vessel position and movements, and ports of call.
Oversee and conduct data and sample collection, logging, and processing under field conditions.
Report to the Branch Chief and Survey Coordinator with weekly progress updates or issues.
Clean and store equipment; log and appropriately store data upon completion of each survey.
QA/QC data for entry into the survey database.
Perform pre-survey and post-survey inventory of equipment and gear.
Coordinate the activities of Survey Watch Standers and other survey staff.
Identify zooplankton and ichthyoplankton from plankton samples, verify identifications, and analyze samples using various techniques.
Conduct analyses of plankton samples using digital imaging systems, machine learning algorithms, and molecular techniques.
Assist with the preparation of biological samples for shipping using hazardous materials.
Maintain DOT/IATA and HAZWOPER compliance certifications.
Perform data entry, edits, verification, and updates.
Maintain updated knowledge of plankton taxonomy and systematics.
Participate in zooplankton and ichthyoplankton taxonomic and identification workshops.
Provide support for data analyses and prepare data summaries.
Assist with the development of data reports, publications, and presentations.
Coordinate abstracts, presentations, and publications with the Trawl and Plankton Branch Chief.
Support other surveys and research activities as needed.
Participate in public outreach and education efforts.
Prepare for and present, facilitate, or participate in scientific meetings, workshops, and symposiums.