Biological Technician III

@Orchard is hiring Biological Technician Level III to support NOAA Fisheries’ Ecosystem Surveys Branch (ESB). The Biological Technician will collect and process biological samples and environmental data during fishery-independent resource surveys. Work includes at-sea survey participation (100+ days annually), data QA/QC, sample processing, and equipment support. This is a hands-on science role that directly supports stock assessments and ecosystem-based fisheries management.

Responsibilities

• Participate in sea-going surveys as a lead/watch chief aboard NOAA and partner vessels (sorting, identifying, weighing, measuring fish/invertebrates, collecting biological samples for age, growth, maturity, genetics, diet).
• Supervise up to 6 sea-going biological technicians.
• Stand scientific watches of up to 12 hours/day at sea.
• Operate electronic data acquisition systems for fisheries and oceanographic sampling.
• Assist with deployment, calibration, and maintenance of survey gear, acoustics, and optical/video equipment.
• Conduct QA/QC of survey data using NOAA protocols; prepare documentation of sampling procedures and metadata.
• Annotate benthic imagery and optical survey data as directed.
• Maintain, repair, and inventory sampling hardware (measuring boards, motion-compensated scales, barcode systems, touch screens).
• Support cruise staging/de-staging, equipment prep, and vessel logistics.
• Contribute to laboratory analysis of biological samples and assist with database management.
• Train new staff at all levels and provide leadership of field parties/watches at sea.
• Summarize survey data and assist with survey & lab related reports
• Contribute to outreach materials such as manuals, protocols, blogs, and newsletters.
• Audit survey data after the completion of each survey.
• Manage and maintain inventory required for the survey.
• Proactive identify areas of improvement for the program.

Requirements:

• Minimum 200 days at sea (Bottom Trawl Survey) or 100 days (Shellfish/Advanced Tech Surveys).
• At least 2 years’ experience with electronic data acquisition systems.
• Experience leading watches/field teams of up to 7 at sea.
• Familiarity with acoustic net mensuration systems (Scanmar, Simrad, Marport).
• Experience querying/analyzing fishery-independent data from relational databases (e.g., Oracle).
• Ability to train staff, conduct QA/QC, and contribute to protocol development.
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts at sea for trips lasting up to 3 weeks.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills in challenging field environments.
• Must meet NOAA OMAO sea duty health criteria and provide proof of recent TB test.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with data entry and QA/QC practices.
• Valid driver’s license.

Compensation:
Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience.

If you are a motivated individual with a passion for continuing your work with NOAA, we want to hear from you!

@Orchard is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.