Fisheries Biologist

Entarian; Pascagoula (MS); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Entarian seeks a Fisheries Biologist to support NOAA SEFSC in Pascagoula, MS. The role covers field surveys, laboratory identifications of plankton, data management, and outreach activities as part of the Population and Ecosystems Monitoring Division.

The position emphasizes at-sea survey participation, taxonomic identification of zooplankton/ichthyoplankton, data reporting, and collaboration on publications and presentations. On-site work is required with potential overtime.

Qualifications

• MS/BS with marine science focus and relevant field experience.
• Experience applying marine plankton research methods.
• At-sea cruise experience and ability to work on extended field surveys.
• Proficient in identifying marine invertebrate zooplankton and ichthyoplankton.

Responsibilities

• Survey participation as part of Resource Surveys and Watch roles.
• Laboratory support: identify and verify zooplankton; prepare samples for shipping; maintain hazmat/compliance certifications.
• Data management: SEAMAP invertebrate zooplankton data entry and verification.
• Support for analyses, data summaries, and preparation of reports/publications.
• Assist with outreach, education, and public presentations; coordinate with Branch Chief.

Skills

Field survey experience

Zooplankton/ichthyoplankton ID

Data management & analysis

Scientific reporting

Public outreach/education

Technical writing

Education

MS in Marine Science or related

BS in Marine Science or related + 3 years experience

Job description

Overview/ Job Responsibilities

Entarian is seeking a Fisheries Biologist to support the NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center in Pascagoula, MI. The SEFSC conducts field work to support research on protected species, such as dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. Protected species research involves data collection using various approaches including stranding response, sightings, captures, tagging, tracking, photo identification, and/or biological sample collection and analysis to characterize species and stock composition, distribution, abundance, life history, sex ratios, anthropogenic interactions, health, and foraging ecology. This research provides information essential to support protected resource assessment and management. The Fisheries Biologist position will provide support within the Pascagoula Laboratory Population and Ecosystems Monitoring Division.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

• Resource Surveys:Survey participation in large vessel plankton surveys and other resource surveys as the Survey Coordinator, Survey Watch Coordinator or Survey Watch Stander
• Laboratory Support:Identify invertebrate zooplankton from diverse habitats of the Gulf of America and adjacent seas in SEAMAP plankton samples;Provide verification of invertebrate zooplankton identifications;Analyze plankton samples by performing displacement volume measurements, manual sorting, identifying, counting and measuring for estimation of abundance by taxon (as required);Prepare biological samples and prepare the paperwork for shipping via ground and air carriers using hazardous materials;Arrange for the pickup of the samples with the carrier;Maintain a DOT/IATA compliance certification for shipping hazardous materials via ground and air carriers and HAZWOPER compliance certification.
• Data Management Support:Perform SEAMAP invertebrate zooplankton data entry, edits, verification and updates
• Analytical Support:Maintain updated knowledge of plankton taxonomy and systematics;Participate in zooplankton and ichthyoplankton taxonomic and identification workshops, as needed;Provide support for data analyses and prepare data summaries;Assist with the development of data reports, publications and presentations, as needed;Adhere to SEFSC publication procedures prior to publication of any abstracts or manuscripts;Coordinate abstracts, presentations, and any resultant publications with the Trawl and Plankton Branch Chief.
• Support for Other Research Activities:Support other Trawl and Plankton Branch, PEMD, and SEFSC surveys, including but not limited to, serving as Field Party Chief, Watch Leader, or Watch Stander, as needed;Provide laboratory and data management support for other survey-related research and activities, as needed.
• Outreach and Education:Participate in public outreach and education efforts, including marine science education at local schools, participating as judges for local science fairs, conducting and participating in outreach and education tours of the MS Labs facilities and NOAA ships, manning of outreach booths at local fairs and festivals
• Scientific Meetings:Prepare for and present, facilitate, or participate in various position related workshops, scientific meetings, symposiums, and public forums

The salary for this position is approximately $50,000 - 55,000/year.

Work will be based on-site at NOAA's SEFSC in Pascagoula, MS.

Minimum Qualifications

• MS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study; or BS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study, plus three (3) years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of applying basic concepts, principles and methodologies of marine plankton research sufficient to independently perform scientific duties using standard methods and techniques.
• At-sea experience and ability to work productively on extended (~2-3 week) research survey cruises.
• Proficient in the identification of marine invertebrate zooplankton and/or ichthyoplankton from the western central Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of America.
• Capable of writing reports at college level and making oral presentations.
• Proficient in the use of fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification books and dichotomous keys; computer literate and experience with common word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs.
• Sea going contractors who participate on research cruises on Office of Marine and Aviation Operations' NOAA ships will be required to annually/biennially (age-dependent) submit a NOAA Health Services Questionnaire (NOAA Form 57- 10-01) and Tuberculosis Screening Form (NOAA Form NF 57-10-02) to OMAO health services to determine fitness for sea duty. Sea going contractors must have a current tetanus vaccine (once every 10 years).
• Driver's license to operate government vehicles.
• Ability and willingness to maintain all necessary certifications and training as required by the NOAA Small Boat Program.
• Must be available to work overtime
• Must be a US Citizen or Pe