Survey Watch Stander / Video Annotator – Level I (Mesophotic Deep Benthic Communities Survey)

Think Tank, Inc.; Delwood Beach (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Think Tank, Inc. is seeking a Survey Watch Stander for full-time work. This role entails data collection and video annotation for marine surveys in response to the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

The ideal candidate will have a degree in Marine Science and experience in data collection, marine species identification, and video analysis. This position involves fieldwork and participation in outreach activities to educate local communities.

Qualifications

• MS or BS in Marine Science with relevant experience required.
• Experience in data collection for at-sea surveys essential.
• Proficiency in identification of marine taxa from Gulf of America.

Responsibilities

• Conduct data collection and sampling during surveys.
• Perform video annotation and manage review processes.
• Participate in public education and outreach activities.

Skills

Data collection MDBC SOPs

Biological and environmental sampling

Video annotation expertise

Marine species identification

Education

MS Degree in Marine Science

BS Degree in Marine Science with 1 year of experience

Tools

C-Vision tools

MDBC database

Job description

US Citizenship Required

Position is Subject to Contract Award

Position Overview

SEFSC-PEMD personnel are critical collaborators in restoration work in response to the 2010 DWH oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. This aspect of the project involves surveying mesophotic and deep benthic reef communities (50 - 1800 m in depth). The survey utilizes a variety of survey platforms (e.g. ROV, AUV) to detect, classify and enumerate assemblages of corals, sponges, octocorals, crustaceans, mollusks, fishes and other fauna. Tasks should include: Survey Watch Stander for Mesophotic Deep Benthic Communities (MDBC) surveys conducted on NOAA Ships and Small Research Vessels and participate on other PEMD resource surveys, as requested.

Position Details

• Position Title: Survey Watch Stander and Video Annotation (Level I)
• Labor Category: Technical Support Services – Level I
• Location: Panama City, FL
• Start Date: TBD – Upon Award
• Schedule: Full-Time, 40 hrs/week (extended hours during surveys)
• Security: Low Risk – Public Trust Background Investigation Required
• Travel: Domestic and international travel may be required for at-sea surveys, project-related workshops, and working group meetings; authorized by COR

Key Responsibilities

a) Survey Duties

Tasks shall include but is not limited to:

• Knowledgeable in data collection MDBC SOPs, and execution of at-sea mapping and ground truthing missions as Field Party Chief or Watch Leader.
• Pre- and post-survey inventory and maintenance of equipment and gear.
• Conducting data collection, biological and/or environmental sampling and logging and processing data and/or samples under field conditions, as required and according to prescribed MDBC SOP.
• Complete incident reporting procedures as necessary in accordance with applicable NOAA Small Boat Program requirements (small boat operations only)

b) Laboratory Duties

Video Annotation roles require subject matter expertise on biota associated with Mesophotic/Deep Reefs of the Gulf of America. Primary duties focus on video annotation to derive habitat and fish detection and enumeration. Collected video data is annotated using a semi-automated multi-stage process including 1) automated processing using C-Vision tools, 2) human-in-the-loop review and correction, 3) data review and QA/QC, 4) data output/ingest into GCRF Oracle databases, 4) updating GitHUB data for updates and project management.

• Subject matter expert for identifying marine fishes in all life stages from mesophotic and deep reef habitats of the Gulf of America.
• Video annotation, review, and data QA/QC of ROV-based footage.
• Management of review and tracking sheets.
• Updating project management tools for status updates.
• Updating annotation tracking sheets.

c) Data Management Support

Video Annotation duties involve basic duties including data entry, QA/QC, and validation. In the near future these will also include determining and setting standards for automated data outputs to ensure interoperability and democratization of datasets.

• Utilize inventory of existing bathymetric information in U.S. EEZ of Gulf of Mexico between 50 and 1800 m into MDBC database. Task to be coordinated with NCEI and NCCOS-Biogeography Branch.
• Inputs and corrects data in MDBC database, associated data entry applications and MDBC survey SOP (including metadata).
• Input updates into video annotation projects management tools.

d) Analytical Support

Video Annotation roles include basic duties of data preparation and validation prior to analysis, assisting in drafting reports and manuscripts, and review.

• Maintain knowledge of relevant scientific literature, provide support for data analyses and develop data summaries.
• Maintain updates in analysis projects using project management tool.
• Develop basic data reports, and presentations. Assist in preparing graphs and visuals from survey outcomes.

e) Outreach and Education

Participate in public outreach and education efforts. Examples of outreach and education activities include marine science education at local schools, participating as judges for local science fairs, conducting and participating in outreach and education tours of the SEFSC facilities and NOAA ships (in conjunction with federal employees), manning of outreach booths at local fairs and festivals.

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

• MS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study or BS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus 1 (1) years of relevant experience.
• Computer literate and experienced with common word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs. Capable of writing reports at the college level and making oral presentations.
• Experience as data collector on at sea surveys. Knowledge and skills in using software that handles data streams for hydrological, and biological data.
• Proficient in the use of fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification books and keys. Knowledge and identification of reef taxa from the Gulf of America.
• Expert knowledge of major structure forming invertebrates found in mesophotic and deep benthic communities of the Gulf of America.
• Knowledge of procedures when encountering endangered or threatened species.
• 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).

Required Training

• NOAA IT security (required for all contractors) – Certificates due within 3 business days of contract/task order start
• NOAA Safety training (required for all contractors working at a Government facility) – Certificates due within 3 business days of contract/task order start
• Records Management 101 (required for all contractors) – Certificates due within 3 business days of contract/task order start
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Active Threats to the Workplace Awareness Seminar – Certificates due within 3 business days of contract/task order start
• Sexual Assault/Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response Training IAW NAM 1330-52.222-70(b)(6) – Certificates due no later than 5 business days after contract/task order start