Commercial Dockside Sampler

Job Summary

Entarian is seeking a Commercial Dockside Sampler to work within the Fisheries Statistics Division’s Catch Validation and Biosampling Branch of the NOAA NMFS Fisheries Statistics Division (FSD). The position involves gathering data directly from fishery participants through fisheries dependent activities and collaborating with state, commission, and federal partners across the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, southeastern Atlantic, and Caribbean regions.

Responsibilities

• Collect lengths, weights, and biological samples (primarily, but not limited to, otoliths) from a subset of commercial fisheries catches, and recreational headboat catches when requested following collection and sampling protocols defined in the current Trip Interview Program (TIP) and Southeast Region Headboat Survey (SRHS) User’s Guides.
• Enter collected data into the Trip Interview Program System (TIPS) or SRHS web applications as applicable.
• Use custom data entry applications and standard database software to enter, view, and edit field data.
• Run monthly audits of data using the QA/QC tool in TIPS.
• Prepare biological samples using proper cleaning, packaging, and labeling procedures as detailed in the TIPS and SRHS User’s Guides and submit required paperwork documenting samples.
• 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.
• Afford assistance with any sampling training sessions for new hires or TIP Partner agencies.
• Attend any training sessions or conferences deemed necessary to acquire updates to sampling protocols and technology.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident and be able to pass a background investigation to obtain a security badge to enter the applicable government facility.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position is approximately $50,000 - 55,000/year. Work will be based on-site at NOAA's Pascagoula, MS facility. Benefits include: Medical, Rx, Dental, and Vision Insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching, 11 Paid Federal Government Holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO), Basic Life & Supplemental Life, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability, Employee assistance program (EAP), Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities, Competitive compensation plan, Discretionary variable incentive bonuses based on factors such as individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.