Biological Technician II

@Orchard is hiring Biological Technician Level II 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.

• Participate in sea‑going surveys aboard NOAA and partner vessels (sorting, identifying, weighing, measuring fish / invertebrates, collecting biological samples for age, growth, maturity, genetics, diet).
• 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 and provide leadership of field parties/watches at sea when required.
• Summarize survey data, assist with reports, and contribute to outreach materials (manuals, protocols, blogs, newsletters).
• Complete the biological audit of survey data after the completion of the survey.
• Manage and maintain inventory required for the survey.

• Minimum 2 years’ experience identifying fish and invertebrates in the Northwest Atlantic.
• At least 1 year of experience with survey bottom trawls or shellfish dredges.
• Experience with fishery sampling hardware (electronic boards, scales, barcode systems).
• Experience working aboard research or commercial vessels.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work independently.
• 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.

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