@Orchard is hiring Biological Technician Level III 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.

Responsibilities:

Participate in sea-going surveys as a lead/watch chief aboard NOAA and partner vessels (sorting, identifying, weighing, measuring fish/invertebrates, collecting biological samples for age, growth, maturity, genetics, diet). Supervise up to 6 sea-going biological technicians. 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 at all levels and provide leadership of field parties/watches at sea. Summarize survey data and assist with survey & lab related reports Contribute to outreach materials such as manuals, protocols, blogs, and newsletters. Audit survey data after the completion of each survey. Manage and maintain inventory required for the survey. Proactive identify areas of improvement for the program. Requirements Minimum 200 days at sea (Bottom Trawl Survey) or 100 days (Shellfish/Advanced Tech Surveys). At least 2 years' experience with electronic data acquisition systems. Experience leading watches/field teams of up to 7 at sea. Familiarity with acoustic net mensuration systems (Scanmar, Simrad, Marport). Experience querying/analyzing fishery-independent data from relational databases (e.g., Oracle). Ability to train staff, conduct QA/QC, and contribute to protocol development. 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.