Biological Technician II Security Clearance

Position: Biological Technician II with Security Clearance
Location: Woods Hole

@Orchard is hiring a 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.

This is a full time position supporting both at-sea surveys and lab activities. Responsibilities:
* 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. Requirements
* 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. 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.