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Fisheries Biologist Field and Laboratory Support
Ocean Associates
Customer Service
Juneau, AK, USA
USD 20-45 / hour
Posted on Apr 1, 2026
If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact Ocean Associates at 703-388-9548 to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.
Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking an applicant to provide field and laboratory support to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NOAA Fisheries, Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC), Auke bay Lab in Juneau, AK. OAI is a Virginia corporation established in 2003 that provides consulting and technical services to the U.S. government, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and the private sector. We specialize in scientific program and project management, strategic planning, professional and technical services, and stakeholder engagement, supporting government contracts. We are seeking applicants for this position prospectively, which is dependent on award of contract.
Background
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) conducts fisheries oceanographic research in Alaska’s marine waters. Collaborative research within AFSC and with external partners use data and samples collected during these surveys to determine how environmental variation affects survival and recruitment of commercially important fish, including salmon and groundfish.
This requirement provides for the expertise to aid NOAA biologists in processing samples in the laboratory and data from surveys to support ongoing fisheries oceanographic research. The tasks involve sample processing of fish and zooplankton including: sample inventories, laboratory analyses, and data entry. This requirement involves sample processing in the laboratory, with potential participation in local surveys or field work.
Description
Perform various biological laboratory duties for processing fish and zooplankton samples. Protocols for each type of laboratory procedure are provided and must be followed to ensure data comparable between years for long term data sets. Number of samples typically processed varies each year which is determined by the amount of research projects.
Tasks
- Inventory fish arriving at laboratory
- Measure length and weight of fish
- Verify fish species including Alaskan marine larval fish
- Removal of otoliths
- Removal of tissue pieces for genetics
- Removal of tissue pieces for RNA/DNA
- Removal of tissue pieces for Isotopes
- Removal of fish stomachs and tissues for diet and energetic work
- Homogenize fish
- Analyze fish with PARR semi-microbomb calorimeter for energy density
- Removal and decoding of coded-wire-tags
- Prepare samples for isotope analysis
- Analyze stomach contents of juvenile fishes
- Analyze lipid content of juvenile fishes
- Prepare samples for thiamine content analysis
- Participate in single day vessel surveys based on need of AFSC project leads to assist with oceanographic and fish collections.
Start Date: Contingent upon award of contract.
Location: Auke Bay Laboratories, Juneau, Alaska.
Travel: Any field work, including vessel-based surveys will begin and end from Juneau, AK, be completed during a single work day, and conducted from vessels or vehicles provided by the government.
Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary, commensurate with experience, between $20.00 - $45.00 per hour.
Requirements
Applicants must have the following minimum requirements:
- At least 12 credits of college level course work in a field related to the requirements with emphasis in fisheries, oceanography, biology, social science, or natural science.
- At least one year of experience in both a biology and chemistry laboratory.
- Demonstrated proficiency for the following skill sets:
- Processing larval or juvenile marine fish, including:
- identifying species at the larval and juvenile stages
- measuring lengths and weights
- dissecting and removing stomach contents
- dissecting otoliths, fins, and scales.
- Dissecting and decoding coded-wire tags.
- Homogenizing fish tissues in preparation for chemical analysis.
- Operating a PARR brand semi-micro bomb calorimeter to obtain energy density values including calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Identifying, enumerating, and weighing juvenile salmon stomach contents.
- Measuring lipid content.
- Preparing samples for isotope analysis.
- Preparing samples for thiamine analysis.
- Proper handling and storage of formalin and isopropyl/ethyl alcohol.
- Organizing field and laboratory data including performing quality control procedures on both raw and electronic.
- Use of relational databases and structured query languages (QA/QC procedures)
- Basic computer skills (MS Office, etc.).
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively both individually and collaboratively in a team/group setting.
- Ability to receive constructive feedback and implement appropriate action.
If you are interested in being considered for this position, please APPLY THROUGH OUR ADP WEB PORTAL, AT THE LINK AT THE TOP RIGHT OF THIS PAGE.
Only qualified applicants that meet minimum experience or background requirements stated above need apply. When applying for this position you will be asked to upload your resume at the end of this online application.
Applicants should submit a resume that includes the following:
- Cover letter that briefly describes how you meet the required and preferred qualifications listed.
- Work history for past 10 years or since last full-time education.
- Education.
- Previous experience or training with similar requirements.
- Three professional references.
- Include your name in the document file name.
- Upload your resume in readable, not scanned, PDF or Word format (PDF is preferred).
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire, and successfully complete a federal government background check. OAI does not discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law.
OAI is a government contractor and is required by law to invite applicants to voluntarily self-identify their disability status and veteran status. OAI's online application includes check boxes to either voluntarily self identify or decline to self identify. While the information is collected through your application, it is collected anonymously and is not connected to your application. OAI uses the information it collects to track its disability and veteran hiring progress, and to meet its obligations under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and under VEVRAA.
Note: If you are not selected, your materials may be retained for present or future opportunities. We may use your resume in bidding on a project and if we are awarded the work, we will contact you before seeking further applicants. If you do not wish us to retain or use your resume to seek work for you, please let us know in the "Notes" section on the second page of the online application.