SRHS Dockside Sampler

* US Citizenship Required

* Position will be primarily onsite at coastal locations in Southeastern US (NC to TX)

* Position is Subject to Contract Award

Position Overview

Think Tank Inc. is seeking Dockside Samplers to support the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Southeast Region Headboat Survey (SRHS). These positions are based at various coastal locations throughout the Southeastern United States from North Carolina to Texas and require regular fieldwork at fishing docks and marinas.

Key Responsibilities

Resource Surveys & Biological Sampling

• Serve as the NOAA Fisheries field representative with head boat owners/operators and anglers in the 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.

Data Management

• Enter and quality control data daily using custom data entry applications including Microsoft Excel, Oracle, and Access.
• Upload biological samples to the Oracle system by the 15th of each month for the previous month.
• Mail otoliths and spines to the Beaufort Laboratory by the 30th of the following month.
• 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.

Analytical & Administrative Support

• Update and submit Head Boat Activity Reports (HARs) on a weekly basis in accordance with protocols.
• Submit Weekly Activity Reports (WAR) with work completed.
• Participate in administrative communications including weekly and quarterly calls.
• Conduct regular checks, maintenance, and precautions to ensure government equipment remains in good working order.
• Assist with fishery-dependent and fishery-independent data collection as necessary.
• Participate in public outreach events and scientific meetings as required.
• Complete required training courses and maintain up-to-date training annually

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus three (3) years of relevant experience.

Experience & Skills

• Expert knowledge of Southeast U.S. Atlantic marine fish identification.
• Knowledge of applying basic concepts, principles, and methodologies of data management and analysis of fishery data.
• Ability to perform statistical analysis and provide results in presentation or report form.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired)

• Proficient in the use of fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification books and keys.
• Computer literate and experienced with word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs.
• Experience collecting catch and effort information from recreational fishermen.
• Knowledge of collection of routine biological samples (lengths, age structures, gonads, etc.) from marine fish.