Fisheries Survey Technician – Sea-Going Crew

Orchard LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 58,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Orchard LLC is seeking Biological Technicians (Levels I-III) to support NOAA Fisheries ESB aboard sea-going surveys, collecting samples and data for stock assessments and ecosystem-based management. Roles include 12-hour watches, data QA/QC, and equipment support across Northeast U.S. vessels.

Experience aboard research or commercial vessels, ability to endure up to 3 weeks at sea, and [NOAA OMAO sea duty health criteria] TB clearance are required. Salary range 58–62k with paid days at sea.

Qualifications

• Experience aboard research or commercial vessels.
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts at sea for trips up to 3 weeks.
• Strong teamwork and communication in challenging field environments.
• Must meet NOAA OMAO sea duty health criteria and TB test.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with data entry and QA/QC practices.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Participate in sea-going surveys aboard NOAA and partner vessels.
• 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 (Levels II & III) and provide leadership of field parties/watches at sea (Level III).
• Summarize survey data, assist with reports, and contribute to outreach materials (manuals, protocols, blogs, newsletters).

Education

Biological sciences coursework

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic data acquisition systems

Job description

Orchard LLC is seeking Biological Technicians (Levels I-III) to support NOAA Fisheries ESB aboard sea-going surveys, collecting samples and data for stock assessments and ecosystem-based management. Roles include 12-hour watches, data QA/QC, and equipment support across Northeast U.S. vessels.

Experience aboard research or commercial vessels, ability to endure up to 3 weeks at sea, and [NOAA OMAO sea duty health criteria] TB clearance are required. Salary range 58–62k with paid days at sea.