Survey Watch Stander & Video Annotator II — Gulf Video Survey

Think Tank, Inc.; Delwood Beach (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Think Tank, Inc. seeks a Survey Watch Stander for reef fish surveys aboard NOAA ships and small research vessels, with assignments at sea and in the lab. The role includes data collection, environmental sampling, and equipment handling in demanding field conditions.

The candidate will annotate video data, perform species identifications, and support data management in GCRF Oracle databases, QA/QC, and project tracking. A graduate degree or equivalent experience is required.

Qualifications

• MS in Marine Science or BS with 2 years of relevant experience.
• Computer literate with word processing, databases, statistics, and graphics programs; capable of writing college-level reports.
• Knowledge of SEAMAP field sampling protocols for reef fish to lead or participate in GCRF surveys.
• Proficient in fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification; knowledge of Gulf of America reef taxa.
• Knowledge of procedures for encountering endangered or threatened species.
• NOAA health forms and Tuberculosis screening; tetanus vaccine within 10 years must be current.

Responsibilities

• Survey watch stander duties at sea; pre- and post-survey equipment inventory.
• Annotate GFISHER and PRDW video data; identify marine fishes.
• Data entry/upload into GCRF Oracle databases; QA/QC of data.
• Assist data analysts with data entry, QA/QC, and basic analysis; draft reports and graphs.
• Participate in outreach and education activities such as school programs and tours.

Skills

Report writing

Data QA/QC

At-sea field support

Species identification

Team collaboration

Education

MS in Marine Science or related field

BS + 2 years experience

Tools

GCRF Oracle databases

GitHub

Word processing software

Database/Statistics/Graphics software

Job description

*Position is Subject to Contract Award

*Onsite Position at SEFSC Laboratory and at Sea in Pascagoula, MS or Panama City, FL

Position Overview

Perform as a Survey Watch Stander for reef fish surveys conducted on NOAA Ships and Small Research Vessels, and participate in other PEMD resource surveys as requested. Requires work aboard NOAA Ships and/or small research vessels as part of a field crew conducting fisheries and water quality sampling, with the ability to troubleshoot issues with limited resources while at sea.

Key Responsibilities

Task #1 - Survey Duties

At-sea duties focus on video camera and CTD deployments, habitat mapping, and other environmental data collection, including but not limited to:

• Survey watch stander.
• Pre- and post-survey inventory of equipment and gear.
• Preparing and loading survey gear, supplies, and equipment.
• Cleaning and maintenance of equipment; preparing and tracking supply use.
• Conducting data collection and biological/environmental sampling per prescribed SOP.
• Unloading, cleaning, storing equipment, and logging/storing data upon survey completion.

Task #2 - Laboratory Duties

• Annotating GFISHER and PRDW video data based on prescribed survey SOPs.
• Identifying marine fishes in all life stages from diverse Gulf of America habitats.
• Updating annotation tracking sheets; communicating with reviewers and the survey coordinator.

Task #3 - Data Management Support

• Identifying marine fishes in all life stages from diverse habitats.
• Data entry/upload into GCRF Oracle databases; QA/QC of data entry and fixes as necessary.
• Updating annotation tracking sheets and GitHub project management tools.

Task #4 - Analytical Support

• Assisting data analysts with data entry, QA/QC, and fixes.
• Assisting in analysis, drafting reports, creating graphs, and basic review.
• Tracking assigned duties in the GitHub project management tool.

Task #5 - Outreach & Education

• Participate in public outreach and education efforts, e.g., school programs, science fair judging, facility/ship tours, and outreach booths.

Qualifications (Required)

• MS degree in Marine Science or a related field, or BS degree plus 2 years of relevant experience.
• Computer literate with common word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs; capable of writing college-level reports.
• Knowledge of Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) field sampling protocols for reef fish to lead or participate in GCRF surveys.
• Proficient in fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification; knowledge of Gulf of America reef taxa.
• Knowledge of procedures for encountering endangered or threatened species.
• Sea-going contractors on OMAO NOAA ships must submit a NOAA Health Services Questionnaire (Form 57-10-01) and Tuberculosis Screening Form (NF 57-10-02) annually/biennially, and must have a current tetanus vaccine (within 10 years).