SEAMAP Trawl Survey Scientist, Levels II–III

Lynker Corporation•Pascagoula, MS

2d•$44,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

Lynker Corporation is seeking SEAMAP Trawl Survey Scientists, Levels II–III to support NOAA Fisheries’ SEFSC, Population & Ecosystems Monitoring Division, and Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program. These proposed roles will support large-vessel groundfish trawl surveys, biological sample processing, fisheries data management and analysis, scientific reporting, and public outreach. Hiring for these positions will be contingent on contract award. These positions support SEFSC fishery-independent groundfish surveys and associated laboratory and analytical activities. Personnel will conduct field sampling, identify and process marine fish and invertebrates, manage survey data, and contribute to scientific products supporting fisheries research and assessment.

Requirements

Level II: Master of Science degree in Marine Science or a related field of study; or Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus three years of relevant experience.
Level III: Master of Science degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus a minimum of five years of relevant experience; or Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus a minimum of ten years of relevant experience.
Knowledge of basic concepts, principles, and methodologies of marine fisheries research sufficient to independently perform scientific tasks using standard methods and techniques.
Proficiency identifying marine fish and invertebrates from the western central Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of America.
Proficiency using fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification books and dichotomous keys.
Computer literacy and experience with common word-processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs.
Ability to prepare college-level reports and make oral presentations.
Ability to meet NOAA sea-duty health requirements, including required NOAA Health Services and tuberculosis screening documentation and a current tetanus vaccination.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a lead data collector for field projects.
Knowledge of fisheries techniques including otolith removal and processing, stomach content analysis, and tissue sample collection.
Knowledge of procedures required when encountering endangered or threatened species.
Experience operating the Scientific Computing System.
Knowledge of SEAMAP field sampling protocols for trawl surveys.
Knowledge of statistical treatment of fisheries and oceanographic data.

Responsibilities

Participate in large-vessel groundfish trawl surveys and other resource surveys as needed.
Serve as Survey Field Party Chief, Survey Watch Leader, or Survey Watch Stander, as assigned.
Plan, coordinate, and provide logistical support for surveys.
Prepare pre-cruise instructions and post-cruise reports when serving as Field Party Chief.
Coordinate participant clearances, IT support, survey gear and equipment, vessel activities, personnel, vessel movements, and ports of call.
Serve as liaison between ship and science teams when assigned.
Conduct data and sample collection, logging, and processing under field conditions.
Process trawl catches by sorting specimens to species and counting, weighing, sexing, and measuring specimens for estimation of relative abundance by species.
Prepare, load, inventory, deploy, retrieve, unload, clean, and store survey equipment and gear.
Perform QA/QC of survey data.
Identify marine fishes and invertebrates in all life stages from trawl samples collected in the western central Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of America.
Verify marine fish and invertebrate identifications using morphometric characteristics.
Process finfish for life-history studies, including otolith removal, stomach removal and examination, and collection of tissue samples using clean techniques for subsequent analyses.
Perform survey data entry, editing, verification, and updates.
Maintain current knowledge of marine fish and invertebrate taxonomy and systematics.
Participate in relevant taxonomic and identification workshops.
Support data analyses and prepare data summaries.
Assist with reports, publications, and presentations in accordance with SEFSC publication procedures.
Support other Trawl and Plankton Branch, PEMD, and SEFSC surveys and research activities.
Participate in public outreach and education.
Prepare for and potentially present, facilitate, or participate in workshops, scientific meetings, symposiums, and public forums.

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!
Flexible spending accounts
Employee assistance program (EAP)
Short- and long-term disability insurance
Life and accident insurance
Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
Employee Referral Program
Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
Personalized career growth plans for every employee