The Population and Ecosystems Monitoring Division (PEMD) in the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) performs large-scale fishery-independent surveys and applied research. Our science supports fisheries stock assessments and ecosystem-based fisheries and protected species management in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, southeastern Atlantic (South Atlantic), and Caribbean regions. This position is based in Pascagoula, MS and will provide support within the Trawl Unit of the PEMD's Trawl and Plankton Branch. Responsibilities include:

• Resource Surveys: Survey participation in large vessel trawl surveys; and other resource surveys. Participation and duties shall include but is not limited to tasks associated with the following activities of Survey Coordinator, Survey Watch Coordinator or Survey Watch Stander on SEFSC resource surveys.
• Laboratory Support: Identify invertebrates and marine fishes in all life stages from diverse habitats of the Gulf of Mexico and adjacent seas; process otoliths for age analyses; examine the stomach contents of captured specimens to determine diet preferences; process trawl samples by sorting to the species level (or lowest taxon possible in the field); and counting, weighing, sexing, and measuring for estimations of relative abundances by species.
• Data Management Support: Assist the Survey Coordinator and the Trawl Unit Leader by performing data entry and quality control of collected data.
• Analytical Support: Task include but is not limited to maintaining knowledge of relevant scientific literature, provide support for data analyses and develop data summaries; develop data reports, publications, and presentations; conduct preparation of manuscripts for publication in accordance with SEFSC publication review and publishing procedures; and coordinate abstracts, presentations, and any resultant publications with the Trawl Unit Leader.
• Support for Other Research Activities: Support other Mississippi Laboratories surveys by participating on other surveys, loading, and unloading vessels, storing required equipment, providing laboratory support for life history and other research activities, and supporting data editing and/or quality control procedures for other Mississippi Laboratories Resource Surveys units.
• Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Strandings: Support marine mammal and sea turtle stranding activities, as needed. Strandings occur along the GOM coast and contractors shall respond to strandings in any of the GOM states. Task include walking beaches or riding in small boats to reach the stranded animal; animal identification, measuring; bagging and transportation; and data submission may be required.
• Outreach and Education: Participate in public outreach and education efforts. Examples of outreach and education activities include marine science education at local schools, participating as judges for local science fairs, conducting and participating in outreach and education tours of the MS Labs facilities and NOAA ships (in conjunction with federal employees), manning of outreach booths at local fairs and festivals.
• Scientific Meetings: The Contractor may be required to prepare for and present, facilitate, or participate in various position related workshops, scientific meetings, symposiums, and public forums.
  

Required Experience

A minimum of 3 years' related experience leading to:

• Knowledge of applying basic concepts, principles and methodologies of fish or related biological field sufficient to independently perform scientific tasks using standard methods and techniques.
• Able to identify benthic fauna in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico in depths between 5 and 500 meters (approximately 800 species).
• Experience with running the Scientific Computing System (SCS) Version 4.7.0.2430 software. Must be able to start SCS Acquisition module; navigate to CTD, bongo, neuston and trawl event loggers; and populate empty data fields.
• Experience with running Fishery Scientific Computing System (FSCS) Version 1.6 software. Must be able to initialize and populate Station Initialize,
• Total Catch Weight, Species and Weights, and Fish Sampling modules of FSCS. Must also be able to troubleshoot, identify and solve problems resulting from improper implementation.
• Knowledge of Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program field sampling protocols for trawling and plankton, in order to lead scientific watches.
• Proficient in the use of fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification books and dichotomous keys; computer literate and experience with common word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs.
• Capable of writing reports at the college level and making oral presentations.
• Sea going Contractors who participate on research cruises on NOAA ships will be required to annually submit a NOAA Health Services Questionnaire (NOAA Form 57-10-01) to the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations to determine fitness for sea duty. Sea going Contractors will be required to have a current tetanus vaccine (once every 10 years) and an annual tuberculin skin test.

Desired

• Knowledge of otolith processing, stomach content analysis and tagging techniques.
• Knowledge of procedures required upon encountering endangered or threatened species.

Must be a US Citizen or a Permanent Resident and be able to pass a background investigation to obtain a security badge to enter the applicable government facility.

Education
MS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study or BS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus 3 years of relevant experience.

ERT is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer - All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.