Commercial Fisheries Dockside Sampler in Charleston, South Carolina

Commercial Fisheries Dockside Sampler

Lynker Corporation is seeking Commercial Fisheries Dockside Samplers to support NOAA Fisheries' Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC), Fisheries Statistics Division (FSD), Catch Validation and Biosampling Branch. This proposed role will support commercial dockside biosampling, biological sample processing and shipment, data entry, data QA/QC, outreach, training, and related field sampling activities across the Southeastern United States. Hiring for this position will be contingent on contract award.

The SEFSC supports fisheries science across the Southeast Region, including the South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. FSD supports collection of fisheries-dependent information, dockside biological data, quality control and assurance, and analysis used to support stock assessments and resource management processes.

Duties of the Commercial Fisheries Dockside Sampler will include the following:

• Work within FSD's Catch Validation and Biosampling Branch to support commercial dockside sampling.
• Collect lengths, weights, and biological samples, primarily but not limited to otoliths, from a subset of commercial fisheries catches.
• Collect biological samples from recreational head boat catches when requested.
• Follow sampling protocols defined in the current Trip Interview Program and Southeast Region Head Boat Survey User's Guides.
• Collect data on paper forms or tablet computers provided by the Government, at the discretion of the Government.
• Enter paper-form data into the Trip Interview Program System or SRHS web applications, as applicable.
• Provide collected data to the Chief, Catch Validation and Biosampling Branch TIP data coordinator.
• Provide biological samples to the appropriate processing facility.
• Conduct laboratory inspection, processing, and shipment of biological samples collected during sampling operations.
• Prepare biological samples using proper cleaning, packaging, and labeling procedures as detailed in the TIPS and SRHS User's Guides.
• Prepare paperwork for shipping via ground and air carriers using accounts established by the Government.
• Arrange for sample pickup with the carrier when necessary.
• Clean, package, and label biological samples no later than one week from the date of collection.
• Ship biological samples to the receiving entity no later than the 30th of the month when data proofing and crosschecking are complete.
• Send Gulf of Mexico biological samples and all King and Spanish mackerel samples to the Panama City Laboratory.
• Send South Atlantic biological samples, excluding mackerels, to the Beaufort Laboratory.
• Use custom data entry applications and standard database software to enter, view, and edit field data.
• Enter data into TIPS or SRHS web portals.
• Run monthly audits of data using the QA/QC tool in TIPS.
• Address flagged protocol issues through contact with the Standardization Lead or TIP Coordinator.
• Proof data entry by one to two other data collectors in TIPS by reconciling system data against paper data entry forms.
• If requested to participate in SRHS, monitor industry activity, submit weekly Headboat Activity Reports, monitor vessel eLogs, and communicate with vessels regarding reporting compliance.
• Participate in SEFSC-sponsored or participating outreach events, including Open Houses and Youth/Career Fairs, to explain port sampling goals and methods to the public.
• Assist FTE staff with sampling training sessions for new hires or TIP Partner agencies.
• Attend training sessions or conferences necessary to acquire updates to sampling protocols and technology, either in person or by webinar/conference call.
• Submit outreach and training materials for approval five days prior to public presentation or class presentation.
• Submit travel requests through the COR when travel is required.

The Commercial Fisheries Dockside Sampler should have the following:

• MS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study; or BS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus three (3) years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of applying basic concepts, principles, and methodologies of fish or related biological field sufficient to independently perform scientific tasks using standard methods and techniques.
• Proficiency in the use of fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification books and keys.
• Computer literacy and experience with common word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience collecting catch and effort information from commercial or recreational fishermen.
• Knowledge of collection of routine biological samples, including lengths, age structures, gonads, and related samples from marine fish.

Dockside Sampling contractors shall be located at any coastal location in the Southeastern U.S. from North Carolina to Texas. Facility access is from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Personnel shall perform during normal operating hours, five days per week for the performance period, not to exceed 40 hours…