Coral Propagation and Culture Lab Coordinator III (MDBC)

Coral Propagation and Culture Lab Coordinator IIIA.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a national scientific services firm supporting maritime activities requiring certification of compliance with environmental regulations as well as collecting data for use by Federal, State, Municipal, and other government agencies along the US coastline. AIS is looking for a Coral Propagation and Culture Lab Coordinator III to support NOAA SEFSC Population and Ecosystems Monitoring Division (PEMD).Primary Function:The Coral Propagation and Culture Lab Coordinator III leads operations at the NOAA Galveston Deep Sea Coral Laboratory. The incumbent coordinates staffing, manages supply inventories, leads coral husbandry and culture system maintenance, prototypes novel equipment for advancing coral restoration, conducts field work for broodstock collection and outplanting, responds to disease outbreaks, and leads data analysis and manuscript preparation in support of MDBC restoration program goals.Duties / Responsibilities:Coordinate staffing and maintain inventories of supplies and equipment for the coral culture facilityMaintain recirculating culture systems; conduct safety inspections, monitor water quality, and report malfunctionsConduct routine care of live coral specimens under optimum conditions for health and growth; confer with staff and veterinarians regarding ESA coral careParticipate in at-sea surveys for broodstock collection and outplanting of laboratory-reared specimensPrototype novel equipment and tools to facilitate and optimize coral husbandry (e.g., 3D printer, acrylic glass fabrication)Respond to unusual coral disease and bleaching outbreaks; transport specimens to Galveston facility for treatment and recoveryConduct work aboard Federal government and contract vessels; transfer live coral fragments or colonies to participating laboratoriesWrite SOPs and manuals for cold-water coral husbandry; perform data entry, QA/QC, and manage tracking sheetsConduct parentage, regional, and health analyses to ensure biosecurity protocols are followedPerform imagery (photo, video, acoustic) analysis to determine coral growth, size, and physiological structureLead preparation of manuscripts, data analyses, graphs, and presentations; lead tours as workload allowsComplete required safety training; lead outreach and education activitiesCompensation: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. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.Minimum Qualifications:Master's degree in marine sciences or related biology field with at least 3 years of experience maintaining coral culture systems, OR 5 years of relevant experienceKnowledge of water quality, aquaculture/mariculture, and animal husbandry concepts; capable of independently performing scientific tasksKnowledge of basic plumbing, carpentry, and facility maintenanceCapable of following oral and written instructions for mesophotic and deep coral care; able to recognize animal behaviorsCapable of writing college-level reports and making oral and written presentationsMust possess a valid U.S. driver's licenseMust be able to lift 50 lb sacks of salt and work in environments maintained at or near 40°FPreferred Qualifications:Knowledge of marine life, preferably cold water and/or mesophotic coralsFabrication/prototyping skills using a 3D printer, laser cutter, or similar deviceCAD software proficiencyKnowledge of water quality and animal husbandryTravel:Domestic travel required for at-sea surveys and field operations.Location:4700 Avenue U, Galveston, Texas 77551 (Galveston Laboratory SEFSC)An Equal Opportunity EmployerIt is the policy of A.I.S. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our employees and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.