Biological Sampling Support

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 one position for Biosampling Support . This position will work as a contractor for NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Fisheries Statistics Division (FSD). The FSD ensures the quality of collected data through compilation, quality control, and assurance. Organizing, maintaining, and developing databases (like bioprofile, logbook catch record, and head boat activity report databases). Performing data analyses and extractions to support stock assessment activities (like SEDAR), general scientific inquiries, and annual reports summarizing landings and effort estimates. Developing and implementing electronic reporting systems like the Fisheries Electronic Reporting System (FERS).

Please note that we are recruiting proactively and do not yet have this position available. If awarded the work, this will be a full-time position. Work will be performed onsite at the Miami Lab of the SEFSC. The contract has a one-year base period with a potential of three option periods.

TASKS:

Resource Surveys: The Contractor shall participate in bio sampling operations as required to understand Trip Interview Program (TIP) sampling operations, protocols, and logistical issues consisting of the following:

• Periodically accompany both Federal and Partner TIP samplers to field sites and observe operations and assist in the collection of lengths, weights, and biological samples (primarily, but not limited to, otoliths) from a subset of commercial fisheries catches. A brief report of each trip shall be produced.

Deliverable:

• Participation and observation of TIP Bio sampling activities.
  • Written report of each trip will be produced no later than one week after the trip was sampled/observed. All reports shall be provided to the Chief, Survey Design, Data Management, and Dissemination Branch

Data Management Support: The Contractor shall use standard database software such as Excel and Access, as well as more advanced software such as SQL Developer and SAS, etc. to query TIP and associated data for the purposes of discovering inconsistencies and monitoring incoming data for standardization as well as producing reports for review by the Branch Chief. Data extractions in support of various analytical work by SEFSC staff may be required. Specifically this shall consist of the following:

• Use the QA/QC reporting system in the TIPS web portal to produce a quarterly report details watch SEFSC TIP sampler’s adherence to established protocols. This report will include a summary page that highlights common issues or other problems that occurred during that reporting quarter.
• Meet via phone or in person on a biannual basis with Contractor Dockside Samplers to discuss the results of the last two quarters of QA/QC report results.
• Work to update and improve the SAS code that that underlies the QA/QC reporting tool as necessary. This will include working with the application developers to test the tool.
• Use SQL Developer to conduct reviews of historical TIP data in order to answer user questions on past data, as well as respond to custom data requests.

Deliverable:

• QA/QC Reports
  • QA/QC reports shall be completed by the 15 of the third month after the quarter (e.g. Q1 report due on June 15th, Q2 report due Sept.15th, etc.); reports shall be provided to the Chief of the Chief, Survey Design, Data Management, and Dissemination Branch
• QA/QC discussion with contract dockside samplers
  • QA/QC discussions shall be completed by the end of the third month after the quarter (e.g. Q1 discussion by June 30th, Q2 discussion by Sept.30th, etc.); verification that discussions occurred shall be provided to the Chief, Survey Design, Data Management, and Dissemination Branch
• Update and Improvement of QA/QC reporting tool.
  • This is an on-going task. When improvements are identified, development, testing, and implementation should occur within 3 months, dependent on developer’s availability; identified improvements shall be provided to the Chief, Survey Design, Data Management, and Dissemination Branch
• TIP Data exploration and extraction
  • Requests for data or inquiries about data shall be responded to within 5 business days; products will be supplied within 30 days of request; All requests and responses shall be supplied to the Chief, Survey Design, Data Management, and Dissemination Branch, prior to response to the actual requestor.

Analytical Support: The Contractor shall assist in leading research, development, implementation, and enhancement of electronic data collection systems used in the TIPprogram.

• Work with technology vendors to research and implement viable electronic data collection methods and/or improvements to currently developed systems.
• Develop training materials, technical manuals, and curricula to advance the use of electronic systems in dockside sampling.
• Provide training and support for TIP samplers in order to maintain operations of electronic technologies.

Deliverable:

• Electronic data collection improvement
  • This is an on-going task. When improvements are identified, development, testing, and implementation should occur within 6 months, dependent on developer’s availability and availability of the Government to acquire the
  • technology.
  • Identified improvements shall be provided to the Chief, Survey Design, Data Management, and Dissemination Branch prior to development.
• Manual and training materials
  • Manuals will be updated within 6 months of significant protocol changes. Training materials will be completed no later than 5 business days prior to training.
  • All materials shall be provided to the Chief, Survey Design, Data Management, and Dissemination Branch prior to dissemination.
• Provision of Training and support.
  • Requests for support shall be responded to within 5 business days.
  • Responses to support requests shall be provided to the requestor and the Chief, Survey Design, Data Management, and Dissemination Branch

Outreach and Education: The Contractor shall participate in public outreach efforts and shall have the following responsibilities:

• Participate in SEFSC-sponsored or participating outreach events such as Open Houses, Youth/Career Fairs, etc. in order to explain port sampling goals and methods to the public, especially electronic technologies.
• Attend any training sessions or conferences deemed necessary to acquire updates to sampling protocols and technology. Such trainings/conferences may be in person or via webinar/conference call.

Deliverable:

• Public Outreach
  • All training materials such as presentations, handouts, lesson plans, etc. must be submitted for approval 5 days
  • prior to class presentation.
  • All materials shall be provided to the Chief, Survey Design, Data Management, and Dissemination Branch
• Attend training
  • As where travel is required submit travel request as detailed by contract.
  • Travel requests shall be provided via the COR to the Chief, Survey Design, Data Management, and Dissemination Branch

Experience and Education:

Essential:

• MS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study or BS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus three (3) years of relevant experience.
• 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.
• Proficient in the use of fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification books and keys
• Computer literate and experienced with common word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs.
• Capable of writing reports at the college level and making oral presentations.

Desirable:

• Experience collecting catch and effort information from commercial fishermen.
• Knowledge of collection of routine biological samples (lengths, age structures, gonads, etc.) from marine fish.
• Skill in use of Android mobile device applications for field collections of environmental data.

Salary range is $30 - $45 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.