Dockside Sampler

Dockside Sampler

At Saltwater Inc. we believe that high-quality data is vital to the health of our fisheries and oceans: our mission is to provide that data. We are a Women-Owned Small Business and are constantly seeking new team members who share our passion for innovation and environmental wellness.

We are currently recruiting for a Dockside Sampler. This position will work as a contractor for NOAA's Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Fisheries Statistics Division (FSD). The FSD ensures the quality of collected data through compilation, quality control, and assurance. Organizing, maintaining, and developing databases (like bio profile, logbook catch record, and head boat activity report databases). Performing data analyses and extractions to support stock assessment activities (like SEDAR), general scientific inquiries, and annual reports summarizing landings and effort estimates.

Developing and implementing electronic reporting systems like the Fisheries Electronic Reporting System (FERS).

Please note that we are recruiting proactively and do not yet have this position available. If awarded the work, this will be a full-time position. Work will be performed offsite at several locations in the Southeastern US from NC to TX. The contract has a one-year base period with a potential of three option periods.

Tasks:

Resource Surveys:
The Contractor shall provide biological sampling from the recreational head boat fishery in the Southeastern United States from North Carolina to Texas.

• Serve as the NOAA Fisheries field representative with head boat owners/operators and anglers in the Contractor's assigned sampling area.
• Identify and enumerate individual fish to the species level from landed catches; collect length measurements, record weights and sex from individual fish in accordance with sampling protocols and goals.
• Collect fish otoliths and spines in accordance with sampling protocols and goals.

Deliverables:

Perform data management and analysis

• Data needs to be entered and quality controlled daily

Laboratory Support:
The Contractor shall process, perform Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) and analysis of biological samples collected during sampling operations

• Process Otolith and spine collections based on sampling protocols and goals.
• Biological samples must be uploaded to the Oracle system by the 15th of each month for the previous month. Otoliths and spines must be mailed to the Beaufort Laboratory by the 30th of the following month.

Data Management Support:
The Contractor shall use custom data entry applications and database software such as, Microsoft Excel, Oracle and Access to summarize data and provide results.

• Review daily Trip Reports-identify errors and inconsistencies for all vessels in the area of responsibility.
• Review dockside sample data for accuracy and submit to Oracle system within 7 days of the date sampled.
• Conduct QA/QC procedures following prescribed protocols.

Other General Duties:
The Contractor shall assist the staff in the Fisheries Ecosystems Branch with collection of fishery-dependent and fishery-independent data as necessary.

• Participate in administrative communications - weekly calls and quarterly calls at the prescribed time. Responds to unscheduled communications (calls and/or emails)
• Submit Weekly Activity Reports (WAR) with work completed.
• Conduct regular checks, maintenance, and precautions to ensure government equipment (vehicle, measuring boards, and computer) remains in good working order, and when needed, action taken to repair equipment.

Analytical Support:
Experienced and proficient with Microsoft software, Oracle and relational databases to summarize landings and effort estimates, data QA/QC, compliance monitoring and analysis of sensitive data.

• Assist in tracking vessel reporting compliance and reconciling vessel reporting issues, including contacting captains or vessel staff for missing Trip Reports.
• Update and submit Head boat Activity Reports (HARs) on a weekly basis in accordance with protocols.
• Review weekly late trip report list and hold list with attention to vessels of responsibility.

Research Activities Support:
Participate in various surveys and…