Dockside Sampler

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 Dockside Sampler . 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 offsite at several locations in the Southeastern US from NC to TX. The contract has a one-year base period with a potential of three option periods.

Tasks:

Resource Surveys: The Contractor shall provide biological sampling from the recreational head boat fishery in the Southeastern United States from North Carolina to Texas.

• Serve as the NOAA Fisheries field representative with head boat owners/operators and anglers in the Contractor’s assigned sampling area.
• Identify and enumerate individual fish to the species level from landed catches; collect length measurements, record weights and sex from individual fish in accordance with sampling protocols and goals.
• Collect fish otoliths and spines in accordance with sampling protocols and goals.

Deliverables:

Perform data management and analysis

• Data needs to be entered and quality controlled daily
  • Data will be provided to appropriate researchers at the direction of the Chief, Catch Validation and Biosampling Branch

Laboratory Support: The Contractor shall process, perform Quality Assurance Quality Control (QA QC) and analysis of biological samples collected during sampling operations

• Process Otolith and spine collections based on sampling protocols and goals.
• Biological samples must be uploaded to the Oracle system by the 15th of each month for the previous month. Otoliths and spines must be mailed to the Beaufort Laboratory by the 30th of the following month.

Deliverable:

The Contractor is responsible for collecting, processing, and QA/QC of biological samples in accordance with sampling protocols.

• Collect and process bio samples from each trip sampled. Samples must be submitted on a monthly basis
• Bio samples and data will be provided to appropriate researchers at the direction of the Chief, Catch Validation and Biosampling Branch

Data Management Support: The Contractor shall use custom data entry applications and database software such as, Microsoft Excel, Oracle and Access to summarize data and provide results.

• Review daily Trip Reports-identify errors and inconsistencies for all vessels in the area of responsibility.
• Review dockside sample data for accuracy and submit to Oracle system within 7 days of the date sampled.
• Conduct QA QC procedures following prescribed protocols.

Deliverable:

Use SRH Oracle to enter, store, validate, and edit data.

• Data will need to be entered, checked and validated on a daily basis.
• Bio samples will need to be entered, checked and validated on a daily basis.

Other General Duties: The Contractor shall assist the staff in the Fisheries Ecosystems Branch with collection of fishery-dependent and fishery-independent data as necessary.

• Participate in administrative communications - weekly calls and quarterly calls at the prescribed time. Responds to unscheduled communications (calls and/or emails) .
• Submit Weekly Activity Reports (WAR) with work completed.
• Conduct regular checks, maintenance, and precautions to ensure government equipment (vehicle, measuring boards, and computer) remains in good working order, and when needed, action taken to repair equipment.

Deliverable:

• Assist the staff in the Fisheries Ecosystems Division with data entry and processing as necessary.
• Completion report due Weekly
• All products shall be provided to the Chief, Catch Validation and Biosampling Branch

Analytical Support: Experienced and proficient with Microsoft software, Oracle and relational databases to summarize landings and effort estimates, data QA/QA, compliance monitoring and analysis of sensitive data.

• Assist in tracking vessel reporting compliance and reconciling vessel reporting issues, including contacting captains or vessel staff for missing Trip Reports.
• Update and submit Head boat Activity Reports (HARs) on a weekly basis in accordance with protocols.
• Review weekly late trip report list and hold list with attention to vessels of responsibility.

Deliverable:

• Develops and reviews reports.
• Completion of vessel activity report due weekly. Review compliance report weekly
• All required documentation shall be provided to the Chief, Catch Validation and Biosampling Branch

Research Activities Support: Participate in various surveys and related research projects in the field and laboratory.

Deliverable:

• Participate in various surveys and related research projects in the field and laboratory.
  • Work products based on the manning schedule for survey scientific support.
  • All required documentation shall be provided to the Chief, Catch Validation and Biosampling Branch

Outreach and Education: The Contractor shall participate in public outreach efforts by assisting, meeting with fishermen, and participating in public events to educate the public about SRHA and fisheries management in the region.

Deliverable:

• Participate in public outreach efforts.
  • Report due within 7 days after the event or within confines of report request
  • Information related to outreach and education shall be provided to the SEFSC Outreach Coordinator.

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 forms. Events consist of, but are not limited to the following:

• Stock assessment data workshops
• Fishery Management Council Meetings
• Port Agent Annual Meetings.

Deliverable:

• Prepare for and present, facilitate, or participate as required.
• Report due Within 7 days after the event
• Information related to scientific meetings shall be provided to the Chief, Catch Validation and Biosampling Branch

Experience and Education:

Essential:

• Expert knowledge of Southeast U.S. Atlantic marine fish identification.
• 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 data management and analysis of fishery data. Perform statistical analysis and provide results in presentation or report form.

Desirable:

• 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.
• Experience collecting catch and effort information from recreational fishermen
• Knowledge of collection of routine biological samples (lengths, age structures, gonads, etc.) from marine fish.

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.