Plankton Survey Technician (Level II–III)

AIS Inc•Pascagoula, MS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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 a Plankton Survey Technician (Level II–III) —to support NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) plankton surveys. Primary Function: Support SEAMAP plankton surveys, participating on extended offshore research cruises and providing laboratory identification of zooplankton and ichthyoplankton, sample processing, data management, and analytical support for the Trawl and Plankton Branch. This position is contingent upon contract award and available funding.

Requirements

MS degree in Marine Science or a related field of study; or a BS degree in Marine Science or a related field plus three (3) years of relevant experience.
Knowledge of applying the basic concepts, principles, and methodologies of marine plankton research sufficient to independently perform scientific duties using standard methods and techniques.
At-sea experience and the 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 experienced with common word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs.
Sea-going contractors participating on NOAA (OMAO) research cruises must submit a NOAA Health Services Questionnaire (NOAA Form 57-10-01) and Tuberculosis Screening Form (NOAA Form NF 57-10-02) annually/biennially (age-dependent) and maintain a current tetanus vaccine (every 10 years).
Driver's license to operate government vehicles.

Nice To Haves

Additional requirements from the higher task level (Level III), are preferred: Level III — MS degree in Marine Science or a related field plus a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience; or a BS degree plus a minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience.
Experience as a lead data collector for field projects.
Knowledge of procedures required upon encountering endangered or threatened species.
Knowledge of SEAMAP field sampling protocols for plankton surveys.
Experience running the Scientific Computing System (SCS).
Knowledge of techniques and instrumentation (e.g., Zooscan, Flowcam) used to gather digitized data on marine plankton specimens.
Knowledge of the statistical treatment of marine plankton and oceanographic data.

Responsibilities

Participate in large-vessel plankton surveys and other resource surveys as needed, serving in Survey Field Party Chief, Survey Watch Leader, or Survey Watch Stander roles.
Field Party Chief: write/submit pre-cruise instructions and post-cruise reports; ensure participant clearance forms are completed; plan, coordinate, and provide logistical support; coordinate with IT staff for data collection and retrieval; serve as liaison between ship and science teams; oversee gear loading; coordinate daily vessel activities and ports of call; oversee and conduct data/sample collection, logging, and processing; report weekly progress to the Branch Chief and Survey Coordinator; clean/store equipment and data; QA/QC data for the survey database.
Watch Leader: pre- and post-survey inventory of equipment and gear; prepare and load survey gear and supplies; coordinate Watch Standers and other survey staff, including gear deployment and retrieval; conduct data/sample collection, logging, and processing; unload, clean, and store equipment and data.
Watch Stander: pre- and post-survey inventory of equipment and gear; prepare and load survey gear and supplies; conduct data/sample collection, logging, and processing under field conditions; unload, clean, and store equipment and data.
Identify zooplankton and ichthyoplankton from plankton samples collected in the western central Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of America; verify identifications using morphometric characteristics; perform displacement volume measurements, manual sorting, and identification, counting, and measuring of specimens.
Conduct analyses of plankton samples using digital imaging systems, machine learning algorithms, molecular techniques/DNA barcoding, and other innovative methodologies.
Assist with preparing biological samples for shipping via ground and air carriers using hazardous materials (e.g., dry ice, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, formalin).
Maintain DOT/IATA hazardous-materials shipping compliance certification and HAZWOPER compliance certification.
Perform data entry, edits, verification, and updates.
Maintain updated knowledge of plankton taxonomy and systematics; participate in taxonomic and identification workshops as needed.
Provide support for data analyses and prepare data summaries.
Assist with the development of data reports, publications, and presentations; adhere to SEFSC publication procedures; coordinate abstracts, presentations, and publications with the Trawl and Plankton Branch Chief.
Support other Trawl and Plankton Branch, PEMD, and SEFSC surveys, including serving as Field Party Chief, Watch Leader, or Watch Stander, and providing laboratory and data management support as needed.
Participate in public outreach and education efforts as needed; prepare for and present, facilitate, or participate in workshops, scientific meetings, symposiums, and public forums.