Biological Technician II

@Orchard LLC; Falmouth (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Orchard LLC is seeking a Biological Technician Level II to support NOAA Fisheries’ Ecosystem Surveys Branch. The role involves collecting and processing biological samples and environmental data during fishery‑independent surveys, including at‑sea participation on NOAA vessels for 12‑hour watches and QA/QC of data.

You will operate sampling equipment, assist with field logistics, train staff, summarize survey results for reports, and support ecosystem‑based fisheries management.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years identifying fish and invertebrates in the Northwest Atlantic.
• 1 year experience with bottom trawls or dredges.
• Experience working aboard research or commercial vessels.
• Proficient in data entry and QA/QC practices.

Responsibilities

• Participate in sea surveys aboard NOAA vessels (sorting, identifying, weighing, measuring specimens).
• Stand scientific watches of up to 12 hours/day at sea.
• Operate electronic data acquisition systems for sampling.
• Assist with deployment, calibration, and maintenance of survey gear and equipment.
• Conduct QA/QC of survey data and document procedures.

Skills

Fish identification

Teamwork

Communication

Independent work

Tools

Microsoft Office

QA/QC systems

Job description

@Orchard is hiring Biological Technician Level II to support NOAA Fisheries’ Ecosystem Surveys Branch (ESB). The Biological Technician will collect and process biological samples and environmental data during fishery-independent resource surveys. Work includes at-sea survey participation (100+ days annually), data QA/QC, sample processing, and equipment support. This is a hands‑on science role that directly supports stock assessments and ecosystem‑based fisheries management.

Responsibilities

• Participate in sea‑going surveys aboard NOAA and partner vessels (sorting, identifying, weighing, measuring fish / invertebrates, collecting biological samples for age, growth, maturity, genetics, diet).
• Stand scientific watches of up to 12 hours/day at sea.
• Operate electronic data acquisition systems for fisheries and oceanographic sampling.
• Assist with deployment, calibration, and maintenance of survey gear, acoustics, and optical/video equipment.
• Conduct QA/QC of survey data using NOAA protocols; prepare documentation of sampling procedures and metadata.
• Annotate benthic imagery and optical survey data as directed.
• Maintain, repair, and inventory sampling hardware (measuring boards, motion‑compensated scales, barcode systems, touch screens).
• Support cruise staging/de‑staging, equipment prep, and vessel logistics.
• Contribute to laboratory analysis of biological samples and assist with database management.
• Train new staff and provide leadership of field parties/watches at sea when required.
• Summarize survey data, assist with reports, and contribute to outreach materials (manuals, protocols, blogs, newsletters).
• Complete the biological audit of survey data after the completion of the survey.
• Manage and maintain inventory required for the survey.

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years’ experience identifying fish and invertebrates in the Northwest Atlantic.
• At least 1 year of experience with survey bottom trawls or shellfish dredges.
• Experience with fishery sampling hardware (electronic boards, scales, barcode systems).
• Experience working aboard research or commercial vessels.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work independently.
• Ability to work 12‑hour shifts at sea for trips lasting up to 3 weeks.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills in challenging field environments.
• Must meet NOAA OMAO sea duty health criteria and provide proof of recent TB test.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with data entry and QA/QC practices.
• Valid driver’s license.

Compensation: Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience.

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