Advanced Field Operations and Data Modernization Support Service

Oceanassoc; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 41,328 - 61,992; Full time

Job summary

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) seeks an applicant for Advanced Field Operations and Data Modernization Support Services to NOAA Fisheries, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, FE in Seattle, WA.

The role leads field data collection, automates data pipelines, and coordinates cross-disciplinary teams. You will work with ecologists and data scientists, applying R, Python, and GIS tools, and preparing technical reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in fisheries, ecology, natural sciences, mathematics, statistics, oceanography, or hydrology.
• 3+ years of related experience with NOAA Fisheries West Coast region or similar.
• Proficiency in R, Python, and GIS; strong quantitative skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; track record of technical reports/publications.
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead field data collection and technology integration for marine environments.
• Develop and oversee eDNA protocols and chain-of-custody for samples.
• Design automated data pipelines to transfer data from ship to shore and generate quick data products.
• Maintain and standardize project datasets for easy access and analysis.
• Direct logistics and asset management for field operations and equipment.
• Contribute to technical reports and presentations at meetings.

Skills

R

Python

GIS

Statistical analysis

Technical reporting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher (relevant fields)

Tools

R

Python

GIS

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Advanced Field Operations and Data Modernization Support Service

Seattle, WA, Seattle, WA, US

24 days ago Requisition ID: 1751

Salary Range: $30.00 To $45.00 Hourly

Note: We are seeking applicants for this position prospectively, which is dependent on award of contract

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact Ocean Associates at 703-388-9548 to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking an applicant to provide advanced field operations and data modernization support services to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), Fish Ecology Division (FE) in Seattle, WA. OAI is a Virginia corporation established in 2003 that provides consulting and technical services to the U.S. government, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and the private sector. We specialize in scientific program and project management, strategic planning, professional and technical services, and stakeholder engagement, supporting government contracts.

Background

The Fish Ecology Division at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) conducts scientific research on marine and anadromous species in the Pacific Northwest and California to support management of these species as mandated by the authorizing mechanisms outlined above. Some stocks are managed under the MSA to produce abundant harvest opportunities for commercial and recreational fishermen and to meet tribal treaty obligations, while others are in decline and protected by the ESA. The NWFSC also researches ways to improve aquaculture and increase seafood safety. Holistic understanding of all factors controlling the abundance and health of fisheries and aquaculture often requires an ecosystem approach, working to understand how managed natural resources are affected by their prey, competitors, predators, habitats, and humans. This position will support NWFSC staff and interdisciplinary teams of scientists, natural resource managers, and tribal representatives to conduct ecological research on species that NOAA is mandated to manage.

The NWFSC is a leader in quantitative analyses supporting fisheries management for marine and anadromous species. It produces increasingly large datasets as quantitative research techniques become more complex. Researchers examine complex relationships between managed stocks and their environments that involve highly technical statistical approaches that continue to rapidly evolve. The Center collaborates with regional partners to manage data and provide public access to empirical and modeled data products. There is a strong need for continued improvement in both the ability to conduct advanced quantitative analyses and to adeptly manage and share resulting research products. Modern fisheries management faces a growing data-capacity gap: data volume is surging while managers have less time to interpret complex research.

Tasks

Key tasks include the following:

• Digital Field Collection & Technology Integration: Lead the field collection of biological and environmental data in estuarine and marine environments, spearheading the transition from traditional analog recording to digital data collection platforms (e.g., electronic measuring boards, ruggedized tablets). Continuously evaluate and implement new field technologies to improve at-sea efficiency.
• eDNA Sample Collection & Liaison: Develop rigorous eDNA protocols and oversee field-based collection, preservation, and chain-of-custody of environmental DNA (eDNA) water samples. Ensure strict adherence to at-sea anti-contamination protocols and serve as the primary operational liaison to the 'Omics laboratory personnel to ensure field samples are appropriately primed for bioinformatics processing.
• Workflow Automation & Rapid Product Generation: Design and implement automated data pipelines to streamline the transfer of data from ship to shore. Develop scripts or workflows that rapidly generate preliminary data products, cruise summaries, and visualization tools immediately following field operations.
• Optimize datasets: Maintain project databases to improve overall organization, accessibility, and usability for interdisciplinary team members. Ensure that historical and newly digitized datasets are standardized and accessible for analysis.
• Logistics & Asset Management: Direct the mobilization and demobilization of project equipment, utilizing modern inventory tracking systems to keep project members organized and assets deployment-ready.
• Scientific Communication: Synthesize methodological improvements and field results by authoring technical reports, contributing to journal manuscripts, and presenting workflow modernization strategies at regional and national scientific meetings.

Start Date: Contingent upon award of contract.

Location: Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, WA, or at one of its associated field stations in WA or OR.

Travel: Travel is anticipated. A valid driver’s license must be maintained.

Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary, commensurate with experience, between $30.00 - $45.00 per hour.

• This is a full-time position with benefits.

Requirements

Applicants must have the following minimum requirements:

• A Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in a field of study directly related to the requirements of this contract. Acceptable fields include, but are not limited to fisheries, ecology, natural sciences, mathematics, statistics, oceanography, or hydrology.
• Three (3) or more years of experience related to the outlined tasks. This experience must include demonstrated familiarity with the marine and anadromous species and habitats managed by NOAA Fisheries within the West Coast region. An Advanced Degree in a related field may be substituted for two (MS) or four (PhD) years of experience.
• Demonstrate quantitative capabilities, including proven experience in statistical and complex data analysis. Personnel must demonstrate familiarity with open science concepts and possess working proficiency in analytical tools and software, such as R, Python, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Personnel must have a proven track record of authoring technical reports and contributing to published, peer-reviewed scientific articles. Familiarity with standard workplace productivity software (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite) is required.
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently manage dynamic workloads, maintain high organizational standards, and produce high-quality deliverables within established timelines. Personnel must be adaptable, capable of working both independently in the field and collaboratively within interdisciplinary scientific teams.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire, and successfully complete a federal government background check. OAI does not discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law.

OAI is a government contractor and is required by law to invite applicants to voluntarily self-identify their disability status and veteran status. OAI's online application includes check boxes to either voluntarily self identify or decline to self identify. While the information is collected through your application, it is collected anonymously and is not connected to your application. OAI uses the information it collects to track its disability and veteran hiring progress, and to meet its obligations under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and under VEVRAA.

Note: If you are not selected, your materials may be retained for present or future opportunities. We may use your resume in bidding on a project and if we are awarded the work, we will contact you before seeking further applicants. If you do not wish us to retain or use your resume to seek work for you, please let us know in the 'Notes' section on the second page of the online application.