Job Description
Job Description
At Saltwater Inc. we believe that high-quality data is vital to the health of our fisheries and oceans: our mission is to provide that data. We are a Women-Owned Small Business and are constantly seeking new team members who share our passion for innovation and environmental wellness. We are currently recruiting for a Biological Scientist to assist the Northeast Fisheries’ Science Center’s (NEFSC) Population Biology Branch (PBB). The PBB has requirements for biological support to collect and process biological samples and data, and to support the analysis and reporting of data and scientific information. These data form the biological basis for fish stock assessments and management.
This will be a full-time position. Work will be performed on-site at a Northeast Fisheries Science Center, as well as aboard research vessels in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, or remotely in coordination with the COR and Project Lead. The contract has a one-year base period and will have up to three (3) 12-month option periods.
Duties:
- Collect, sort, identify, and preserve biological samples and data as required.
- Maintain or continue to process biological samples and data in the laboratory using routine methods.
- Enter data and report to Federal Program Lead regarding progress.
- Participate in resource survey cruises once to up to four times per year (5-50 days per year) to assist in the collection of oceanographic and biological samples and data. In the laboratory, they shall assist in the processing of biological specimens.
- Assist in the use of equipment, instruments, or software to carry out standardized procedures and computations of varying complexity; and including basic, descriptive data analysis and regular communications of findings, including written summaries.
- Work at sea or in the laboratory may occasionally involve extended hours or weekends
- Provide technical support for oceanographic and fisheries sampling including assistance with finfish, elasmobranch, and invertebrate sampling; associated biological, habitat, and oceanographic sampling; supply and equipment preparation; data entry, quality assurance and control; laboratory experiments on finfish; age, reproduction, and food habits processing; fostering a safe work environment and effectively using information technology resources.
- Perform special tasks regarding ensuring data quality and providing periodic written progress reports.
- Participate in task/project specific workshops, scientific meetings, and outreach events.
- Conduct special projects regarding accessing data files, including from relational databases, analyzing histology preparations of fish gonads, and performing preliminary analyses.
- Conduct limited professional assignments under periodic technical supervision on all phases of assignments.
- Apply established methods, tests, procedures, and techniques, and record actions and results.
- Assist with database maintenance, queries, and summaries; preparation of graphics and support for scientific reports and documents.
- Participate in task/project specific workshops, scientific meetings, and outreach events.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree with 1-2 years’ experience or a Master’s degree
- Experience in the identification of finfish, elasmobranchs, shellfish, and other invertebrate species commonly encountered along the Atlantic coast from Nova Scotia to Cape Hatteras
- Demonstrated experience relevant to project-specific interests, including interpreting samples and data of:
- fish hardparts, such as otoliths or vertebrae, for ageing,
- gonads, including maturity classification, histological methods, and fecundity
- stomach contents, specifically to identify partially or well-digested prey
- Demonstrated experience with microscopes, image analysis systems (Image J), or electronic data entry systems.
- Demonstrated experience at sea for more than one week at a time.
- Demonstrated experience dissecting fish or working with live fish in aquaria.
- Demonstrated experience with personal computers using word processing software, spreadsheets, and email.
- Demonstrated experience with database management, including relational databases; producing data summaries and reporting (Oracle, R).
- Basic statistical knowledge such as a univariate, parametric statistics course.
- Demonstrated experience collaborating on peer-reviewed scientific presentations and publications.
Salary range is $30 - $40 per hour, dependent upon experience.
Saltwater Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, parental status, veteran status, or disability status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace culture to attract the best talent and allow each member of our team to achieve their full potential and maximum productivity. Furthermore, Saltwater Inc. highly encourages qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply for positions for which they are qualified and to notify us if there are any needs for accommodation throughout the application process and/or upon hire.
Only qualified applicants with the requisite experience need to apply.
We will honor all requests for application confidentiality.