NOAA Deep-Sea Benthic Scientist & Explorer

@Orchard LLC; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Federal holidays

Job summary

@Orchard LLC seeks a Benthic Biologist to support NOAA Ocean Exploration initiatives. You will apply benthic ecology, taxonomy, habitat characterization, and data analysis to advance understanding of deep-sea ecosystems.

Work with multidisciplinary teams on planning, execution, and interpretation of scientific activities that enhance NOAA mission outcomes. The role involves collaboration with scientists, engineers, and program managers, with documentation and reporting responsibilities, and

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Marine Biology, Ecology, Oceanography, Zoology, Environmental Science, or 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 meetings and planning activities.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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, samples, and datasets.
• Contribute to habitat characterization and ecological assessments for NOAA exploration objectives.
• Plan and execute ocean exploration missions involving benthic observations and sampling.
• Document biological specimens, catalog data, and manage scientific information.
• Collaborate with expedition teams to ensure accurate observation documentation.
• Work with marine biologists, geoscientists, GIS specialists, and engineers on research projects.
• Prepare technical reports, scientific publications, presentations, and briefing materials.
• Participate in meetings, workshops, and collaborative research activities.
• Maintain datasets, metadata, and documentation per NOAA quality standards.
• Support QA/QC of scientific data and contribute to standardized workflows.

Skills

Benthic Ecology

Deep-Sea Biology

Marine Taxonomy

Habitat Characterization

Biological Data Analysis

Ecological Assessment

Metadata Management

Scientific Writing

Technical Presentations

Education

Advanced degree in Marine Biology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Google Workspace

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

@Orchard LLC seeks a Benthic Biologist to support NOAA Ocean Exploration initiatives. You will apply benthic ecology, taxonomy, habitat characterization, and data analysis to advance understanding of deep-sea ecosystems.

Work with multidisciplinary teams on planning, execution, and interpretation of scientific activities that enhance NOAA mission outcomes. The role involves collaboration with scientists, engineers, and program managers, with documentation and reporting responsibilities, and