Fisheries Biologist Field and Laboratory

Field And Laboratory Support Position

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking an applicant to provide field and laboratory support to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NOAA Fisheries, Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC), Auke Bay Lab in Juneau, AK.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) conducts fisheries oceanographic research in Alaska's marine waters. Collaborative research within AFSC and with external partners use data and samples collected during these surveys to determine how environmental variation affects survival and recruitment of commercially important fish, including salmon and groundfish.

This requirement provides for the expertise to aid NOAA biologists in processing samples in the laboratory and data from surveys to support ongoing fisheries oceanographic research. The tasks involve sample processing of fish and zooplankton including: sample inventories, laboratory analyses, and data entry. This requirement involves sample processing in the laboratory, with potential participation in local surveys or field work.

Perform various biological laboratory duties for processing fish and zooplankton samples. Protocols for each type of laboratory procedure are provided and must be followed to ensure data comparable between years for long term data sets. Number of samples typically processed varies each year which is determined by the amount of research projects.

Tasks include:

• Inventory fish arriving at laboratory
• Measure length and weight of fish
• Verify fish species including Alaskan marine larval fish
• Removal of otoliths
• Removal of tissue pieces for genetics
• Removal of tissue pieces for RNA/DNA
• Removal of tissue pieces for Isotopes
• Removal of fish stomachs and tissues for diet and energetic work
• Homogenize fish
• Analyze fish with PARR semi-microbomb calorimeter for energy density
• Removal and decoding of coded-wire-tags
• Prepare samples for isotope analysis
• Analyze stomach contents of juvenile fishes
• Analyze lipid content of juvenile fishes
• Prepare samples for thiamine content analysis
• Participate in single day vessel surveys based on need of AFSC project leads to assist with oceanographic and fish collections.

Start Date:

Contingent upon award of contract.

Location:

Auke Bay Laboratories, Juneau, Alaska.

Travel:
Any field work, including vessel-based surveys will begin and end from Juneau, AK, be completed during a single work day, and conducted from vessels or vehicles provided by the government.

Salary and Benefits:
This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary, commensurate with experience, between $20.00 - $45.00 per hour.

Requirements:

Applicants must have the following minimum requirements:

• At least 12 credits of college level course work in a field related to the requirements with emphasis in fisheries, oceanography, biology, social science, or natural science.
• At least one year of experience in both a biology and chemistry laboratory.
• Demonstrated proficiency for the following skill sets:

• Processing larval or juvenile marine fish, including:
• identifying species at the larval and juvenile stages
• measuring lengths and weights
• dissecting and removing stomach contents
• dissecting otoliths, fins, and scales.
• Dissecting and decoding coded-wire tags.
• Homogenizing fish tissues in preparation for chemical analysis.
• Operating a PARR brand semi-micro bomb calorimeter to obtain energy density values including calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Identifying, enumerating, and weighing juvenile salmon stomach contents.
• Measuring lipid content.
• Preparing samples for isotope analysis.
• Preparing samples for thiamine analysis.
• Proper handling and storage of formalin and isopropyl/ethyl alcohol.
• Organizing field and laboratory data including performing quality control procedures on both raw and electronic.
• Use of relational databases and structured query languages (QA/QC procedures)
• Basic computer skills (MS Office, etc.).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both individually and collaboratively in a team/group setting.
• Ability to receive constructive feedback and implement appropriate action.