Coral Propagation & Culture Technician II — Mesophotic Deep Benthic Communities

Think Tank, Inc.; Galveston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Think Tank, Inc. in Galveston, TX, seeks a contract Marine Laboratory Technician to support NOAA Galveston Deep Sea Coral Laboratory operations, including culture systems maintenance, disease investigations, and fieldwork coordination.

You will manage data, assist in analyses, and contribute to outreach materials under supervision. Bachelor's in marine sciences and 2+ years coral culture experience preferred; valid US driver’s license and ability to lift 50 lbs required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in marine sciences or related biology field with at least 2 years of coral culture experience
• Knowledge of water quality, aquaculture/mariculture, and animal husbandry concepts and methodologies; capable of independently performing scientific tasks using established methods
• Knowledge of basic plumbing, carpentry, and facility maintenance; able to follow instructions and learn sea turtle husbandry and behaviors

Responsibilities

• Maintain recirculating culture systems, conduct safety inspections, monitor water quality, and report malfunctions.
• Care for live coral specimens and set up/clean tanks for ESA coral species; coordinate with staff and veterinarians on animal care.
• Participate in at-sea surveys for broodstock collection and out-planting of laboratory-reared specimens.
• Database management of corals and water quality; QA/QC data input.
• Assist in executing experiments with Program leads as directed.
• Respond to unusual coral disease and bleaching outbreaks; transport specimens for treatment/recovery.
• Complete required safety training and perform field operations aboard vessels.
• Prepare SOPs and manuals for cold-water coral husbandry; update tracking sheets and project tools.
• Collect and archive journal articles; assist in preparing graphs and PowerPoint presentations.

Skills

Marine sciences

Biology concepts

Water quality

Aquaculture & mariculture

Animal husbandry

Following instructions

Facility maintenance

Education

Bachelor's degree in marine sciences or related biology field

Tools

PowerPoint

MS Office

Job description

*Position is Subject to Contract Award

Position Overview

Work in the NOAA Galveston Deep Sea Coral Laboratory to conduct operations of the coral culture facility and care for marine organisms under the guidance of the Program Manager and aquaculture staff. Assists in laboratory studies of diseases and other deleterious agents affecting corals and provides laboratory support in husbandry and facility maintenance.

Key Responsibilities

Task #1 - Laboratory & Fieldwork Support Duties

• Maintain recirculating culture systems, conduct safety inspections, monitor water quality, and report malfunctions to the Program/Task Order Manager.
• Conduct routine care of live coral specimens, including tank setup/cleaning for ESA coral species; confer with staff and veterinarians on animal care.
• Participate in at-sea surveys for broodstock collection and out-planting of laboratory-reared specimens.
• Database management of corals and water quality.
• Help execute experiments with Program leads as directed.
• Respond to unusual coral disease and bleaching outbreaks, including field operations and transport of specimens to the Galveston facility for treatment/recovery.
• Participate in required training on workplace safety, defensive driving, and basic tool handling/maintenance.
• Conduct work aboard federal government and contract vessels for coral collection or re-stocking activities.
• Complete training: general lab safety, chemical safety/hygiene, defensive driving, MSDS, PPE, fire extinguisher, electric hand tools, acid handling/storage, slips/trips/falls prevention, battery handling/charging, NOAA IT security, and AED.

Task #2 - Data Management Support

• Assist in preparing written SOPs and manuals for cold-water coral husbandry.
• Computer data entry of water quality and coral health; QA/QC data input.
• Updating tracking sheets and project management tools as needed.

Task #3 - Analytical Support

• Collect and archive journal articles and research papers on coral biology, culture, and husbandry.
• Assist the Program/Task Order Manager in preparing graphs, graphics, and PowerPoint presentations of research results.

Task #4 - Outreach & Education

• Answer telephones, provide information to the public, help develop/maintain educational materials, and participate in outreach events such as open houses, career fairs, and teacher education workshops.

Qualifications (Required)

• Bachelor's degree in marine sciences or related biology field with at least 2 years of experience maintaining coral culture systems; prior saltwater aquaria/aquatic systems experience desired.
• Knowledge of basic water quality, aquaculture/mariculture, and animal husbandry concepts and methodologies; capable of independently performing scientific tasks using established methods.
• Knowledge of basic plumbing, carpentry, and facility maintenance.
• Capable of following oral and written instructions and learning sea turtle husbandry and recognizing animal behaviors on the job.
• Capable of writing college-level reports and making oral and written presentations.
• Must possess a valid U.S. driver's license.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs sacks of salt into a pick-up truck and work in environments maintained at or near 40°F.
• Desirable: knowledge of marine life (preferably corals) and water quality/animal husbandry.