Research Technician- ChesMMAP

William & Mary and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science; Gloucester (MA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

William & Mary and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science is seeking a Research Technician for the ChesMMAP program. The role focuses on preparing and executing NEAMAP surveys and laboratory processing of biological samples, with additional field support as needed.

The position is hourly, temporary, not to exceed six months, and requires fieldwork in marine environments, data collection, and strict documentation practices. Compensation is $20.00 per hour.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience performing aquatic field sampling and data collection using standard fishery techniques.
• Some knowledge of basic laboratory safety.
• Ability to follow procedures under supervision and follow written/oral directions.
• Maintain records with high accuracy and perform data entry.
• Able to work outdoors and travel as needed.
• Associate degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Experience with electronics and catch-data equipment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Inventory supplies and equipment for research cruises.
• Transport and configure survey materials on the chartered vessel.
• Assist with catch-processing procedures at sea and troubleshoot equipment.
• Assist with field data collection including net monitoring and site identification.
• Conduct lab processing of fisheries samples (hard parts, stomachs).
• Participate in other field surveys as needed; support data resources.

Skills

Aquatic field sampling

Data collection

Laboratory safety

Written & oral directions

Data entry accuracy

Outdoor work adaptability

Travel flexibility

MS Office familiarity

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree and/or equivalent experience

Tools

Scantrol measuring boards

Marel motion-compensated balances

FEED software

Rugged computer equipment

Job description

Job Requisition:

JR101963 Research Technician- ChesMMAP (Open)

Job Posting Title:

Research Technician- ChesMMAP

Department:

CC00497 VIMS1 | RADV | Natural Resources

Job Family:

Staff - Lab & Research Support

Worker Sub Type:

Wage-Temporary (requires end date - non-benefited) (Fixed Term) (Fixed Term)

Job Requisition Primary Location:

Hall House

Primary Job Posting Location:

Posting Location - VIMS Gloucester

Job Description Summary:

School Mission Statement
The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) has a three-part mission of research, education, and advisory service. Our over-arching goals are to:

1. Make seminal advances in understanding marine systems through research and discovery.


2. Translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance.


3. Provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with a coastal and marine sciences education of unsurpassed quality.

Unit Mission Statement
The primary focus of the Multispecies Research Group (MRG) at VIMS is the collection, analysis, and generation of fisheries data in support of resource management and ecological conservation activities in the Chesapeake Bay and along the United States Atlantic Coast. As such, this group maintains a robust field, laboratory, and analytical infrastructure designed to support this mission.

Job Description:

Position Summary

The Research Technician’s core responsibilities will be related to the preparation and execution of the NEAMAP survey that is to be conducted by this program, as well as to the laboratory processing of the field-generated biological samples.

Participation in the MRG’s other long-term monitoring surveys will be as needed.

Research Technicians perform a variety of routine, technical, and administrative responsibilities in support of research at the Institute. They perform duties such as collecting specimens, preparing materials, and operating specialized laboratory equipment.

They assist in preparation for field work and participate in field activities. Under supervision, Research Technicians provide administrative research support such as data integrity and collection of data resources.

They may work independently or as a member of a team. They work under general supervision, resolving most standard issues independently and referring complex issues to an upper-level manager. Technicians typically report to a program manager or director or may report to a senior-level researcher.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Inventory necessary supplies and equipment for research cruises.


• Transport, stow, and configure all survey materials on the chartered fishing vessel.


• Assist with implementation of all necessary catch-processing procedures at sea, including proper use of catch-processing equipment and troubleshooting of that equipment.


• Assist with execution of all ancillary data-collection protocols, including net monitoring, tow tracks, site identification, and atmospheric and hydrographic monitoring.


• Conduct laboratory processing of fisheries-related samples, such as hard parts for aging and fish stomachs for diet determination.


• Participate in other MRG field surveys as needed.

Required Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience

• Experience performing aquatic field sampling and data collection using standard fishery techniques in the field and laboratory.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Some knowledge of basic laboratory safety.


• Ability to follow defined procedures and guidelines under direct supervision.


• Ability to follow written and oral directions.


• Ability to maintain records, record data legibly, and conduct data entry with a high degree of accuracy.


• Ability to successfully complete tasks in an outdoor environment.


• Ability to travel as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Associate degree and/or equivalent experience.

Experience

• Experience with electronics and, in particular, automated catch-data equipment, including Scantrol measuring boards, Marel motion-compensated balances, FEED software, and rugged computer equipment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of sanitation techniques and laboratory and field-work safety.


• Demonstrated knowledge of research and testing procedures and techniques.


• Ability to prepare samples and perform standard or routine laboratory testing.


• Demonstrated skills in operating and maintaining tools and equipment.


• Ability to follow defined procedures and guidelines under minimal supervision.


• Attention to detail in the collection and entry of data.


• Ability to maintain records and record test results with a high degree of accuracy.


• Proficiency in a variety of software applications, including Microsoft Office, with the ability to record data.


• Ability to successfully complete tasks in an outdoor environment, as applicable.


• Knowledge of the fauna of the Mid-Atlantic Bight, Southern New England, and the Chesapeake Bay, particularly with respect to their identification and biology.

Conditions of Employment

• This is a temporary, hourly-paid, 40-hour-per-week position not to exceed six (6) months.


• This is a non-exempt position eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and University policy.


• This position is subject to overtime during fieldwork operations, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required.


• A typical workday at sea lasts 12 to 16 hours, beginning just before sunrise and extending after dusk.


• All hourly employees are subject to the limitations of the Virginia Manpower Control Program, and total hours worked may not exceed an average of 29 hours per week over a 12-month period beginning May 1 each year.


• Ability to successfully perform duties, often under adverse conditions such as heavy seas, high winds, and precipitation, for multiple weeks at a time.


• Ability to resist motion sickness or, at minimum, work through bouts of motion sickness.


• Ability to repeatedly lift 40- to 60-pound baskets of fish over a 12- to 16-hour workday on a moving vessel.


• Ability to work aboard a commercial trawling vessel chartered for scientific research and remain aboard overnight for multiple weeks at a time.


• Ability to pass the VIMS at-sea survival training exercise upon employment.


• This is a restricted position subject to the availability of funding.

Compensation: $20.00 per hour

Duties and Responsibilities

Laboratory — 30%

• Perform standard and routine laboratory testing.


• Collect and prepare data and samples.


• Assist in recording data.


• Prepare media.


• Conduct specialized preparation of equipment.


• Decontaminate infectious materials.


• Conduct standard chemical, microscopic, and/or bacteriological laboratory sampling tests for analysis.

Field — 60%

• Participate in and assist with field activities and sample collection.


• Assist in organizing and loading field supplies.


• Clean and store field gear.

Research Administration — 5%

• Under the direction of the supervisor or laboratory manager, assist in ensuring data accuracy.


• Adhere to required methodologies.


• Gather and compare data resources, including literature and reference review.

Other — 5%

• Assist with inventory and resupply.

Additional Job Description:

Job Profile:

JP0084 - Laboratory & Research Specialist I - Nonexempt - Hourly - H05

Qualifications:

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Compensation Grade:

H05

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-07-24

Position Restrictions:

EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

Background Check:

William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Remote Work Disclaimer:

Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.