Benthic Biologist

@Orchard LLC; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

@Orchard LLC, a growing Woman-Owned Small Business, seeks a Benthic Biologist to support NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration. Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and program managers to plan, execute, and interpret deep-sea research focused on benthic habitats, biodiversity, and seafloor ecosystems.

The role emphasizes data stewardship, scientific reporting, and interdisciplinary collaboration across institutions, with opportunities for travel to meetings and fieldwork, and a path for

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Marine Biology, Ecology, Oceanography, Zoology, Environmental Science, Biological Sciences, or related discipline.
• Experience supporting marine ecological research or environmental science programs.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience interpreting biological datasets and preparing scientific documentation.

Responsibilities

• Support investigations focused on benthic habitats, deep-sea ecosystems, and biodiversity.
• Analyze and interpret biological observations from ocean exploration missions.
• Identify and characterize benthic organisms and habitat features using imagery and samples.
• Collaborate with marine biologists, GIS specialists, engineers and multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Data analysis

Education

Master's or PhD in Marine Biology

Tools

ROV imagery interpretation

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

@Orchard is a growing Woman-Owned Small Business and federal prime contractor delivering mission-critical science, data, technology, program management, and workforce solutions. Since 2010, we have built high-performing teams and disciplined delivery systems that help federal agencies launch complex programs, sustain performance, and achieve meaningful mission outcomes.

Position Summary:

@Orchard LLC is seeking a Benthic Biologist to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Ocean Exploration.

Benthic Biologist provides scientific expertise supporting NOAA Ocean Exploration initiatives focused on deep-sea ecosystems, benthic habitats, and marine biodiversity. Working alongside multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, expedition personnel, and federal program managers, this position contributes to the planning, execution, analysis, and interpretation of scientific activities that improve understanding of seafloor environments and the biological communities they support.

The successful candidate will apply expertise in benthic ecology, taxonomy, habitat characterization, and biological data analysis to support ocean exploration missions, scientific reporting, and interdisciplinary research that advances NOAA's understanding of deep-ocean ecosystems.

Scientific Research & Analysis

• Support scientific investigations focused on benthic habitats, deep-sea ecosystems, and marine biodiversity.
• Analyze and interpret biological observations collected during ocean exploration missions.
• Identify and characterize benthic organisms and habitat features using imagery, biological samples, and scientific datasets.
• Contribute to habitat characterization and ecological assessments supporting NOAA exploration objectives.

Expedition Support

• Support planning and execution of ocean exploration missions involving benthic observations and biological sampling.
• Assist with biological specimen documentation, cataloging, and scientific data management.
• Collaborate with expedition teams to ensure accurate documentation of biological observations.

Scientific Collaboration

• Collaborate with marine biologists, geoscientists, GIS specialists, engineers, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Support preparation of technical reports, scientific publications, presentations, and briefing materials.
• Participate in scientific meetings, workshops, and collaborative research activities.

Data Stewardship

• Maintain biological datasets, metadata, and documentation in accordance with NOAA quality standards.
• Support quality assurance and quality control of scientific data.
• Contribute to standardized scientific workflows and documentation.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Advanced degree in Marine Biology, Ecology, Oceanography, Zoology, Environmental Science, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting marine ecological research or environmental science programs.
• Knowledge of benthic ecology, marine taxonomy, habitat characterization, or deep-sea biology.
• Experience supporting NOAA, academic institutions, or marine research organizations.
• Experience interpreting biological datasets and preparing scientific documentation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Occasional domestic travel may be required to support scientific meetings, workshops, planning sessions, training activities, or other program requirements consistent with contract needs.
• Experience interpreting ROV imagery or underwater video is preferred.
• Experience contributing to peer-reviewed publications or scientific reports is preferred.
• Experience identifying deep-sea invertebrates, corals, sponges, or other benthic fauna is preferred.
• Experience supporting ocean exploration or habitat characterization initiatives is preferred.

Technical Skills:

• Benthic Ecology
• Deep-Sea Biology
• Marine Taxonomy
• Habitat Characterization
• Biological Data Analysis
• Ecological Assessment
• Metadata Management
• Scientific Writing
• Technical Presentations

Compensation:

The anticipated salary range for this position depends on the candidate's qualifications, relevant scientific experience, education, and overall experience supporting similar federal programs.

What We Offer:

Competitive base salary with opportunities for advancement, career growth and professional development, work-life balance, comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), generous PTO, and paid federal holidays.

If you are passionate about deep-sea ecology, marine biodiversity, and advancing scientific discovery through ocean exploration, we encourage you to apply and help expand our understanding of Earth's least explored environments!

@Orchard is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.

To learn more about our other exciting opportunities, visit our Jobs Page at www.atorchard.com.