Ocean Career: AIS Ichthyoplankton Ecologist

Ichthyoplankton Ecologist

The Ichthyoplankton Ecologist supports the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) Ichthyoplankton Ecology Program at the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center. The incumbent performs laboratory sorting and identification of fish and zooplankton samples, participates in at-sea sample collection during quarterly CalCOFI and fishery resource assessment surveys, and contributes to data analysis and scientific reporting in support of stock assessments and Integrated Ecosystem Assessments.

• Sort samples in the laboratory; identify target taxa; count all sorted specimens; measure lengths of key taxa; record data on standard forms and deliver completed forms to data entry personnel
• Via and label sorted samples and box per standard protocols
• Perform data analyses and literature reviews as needed in preparation of scientific manuscripts
• Complete and preserve sample collection data sheets and identification/count databases following standard protocols
• Collect trawl catch compositions and demographic data for target species per cruise-specific protocols
• Work aboard research vessels to deploy and recover oceanographic equipment (CTD rosettes, plankton nets) and process samples during CalCOFI and fishery resource assessment surveys
• Submit monthly progress reports covering accomplishments, issues encountered, significant outcomes, action items, and recommendations

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution with major in fisheries, oceanography, natural science, mathematics, or hydrology, plus one (1) year of related experience, or a combination totaling five (5) years of combined education and experience
• Experience using a microscope to sort fish eggs, larvae, and paralarval cephalopods from plankton samples
• Experience using a microscope and ocular micrometer to make standard measurements
• Experience identifying fish eggs and larvae, preferably of target coastal pelagic species (Northern Anchovy, Pacific Sardine, Pacific Hake, Jack Mackerel, Pacific Mackerel)
• Experience in plankton sample collection and processing, preferably using standard CalCOFI protocols (Kramer et al. 1972, NOAA Tech. Rep. NMFS Circ-370)
• Experience processing fish from trawl surveys (length/weight measurements, otolith and tissue collection)
• Ability to complete required medical clearances for field work

• Experience sorting spiny lobster phyllosoma larvae from plankton samples
• Experience following SWFSC Fisheries Resources Division protocols including identification of target coastal pelagic species (Northern Anchovy, Pacific Mackerel, Jack Mackerel, market squid)
• Experience in rearing planktonic fish eggs under controlled conditions

Compensation:
Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated, and total compensation will vary depending on candidates' depth of experience. This is a full-time position.

Location:
La Jolla, California