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Plankton Survey Support Marine Biologists
Customer Service
Pascagoula, MS, USA
USD 30-45 / hour
Posted on Jul 21, 2026
Plankton Survey Support Marine Biologists
We are currently recruiting for two Plankton Survey Support Marine Biologists – one position each for Level II and Level III. See below Requirements for each Level. These Survey Support positions will work as a contractor for NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Population & Ecosystems Monitoring Division (PEMD) providing support for the below Tasks.
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. The Contractor shall work at the SEFSC Laboratory in Pascagoula, MS. The Contractor shall also be required to work on NOAA Ships, charter vessels, and/or small boats to carry out required duties and responsibilities. The contract has a one-year base period with a potential of three option periods.
TASKS
- Resource Surveys: Survey participation in large vessel plankton surveys and other resource surveys as needed. Survey participation and duties shall include, but are not limited to, duties associated with the following activities of Survey Field Party Chief, Survey Watch Leader or Survey Watch Stander roles on SEFSC resource surveys.
- Survey Field Party Chief Duties:
- Write and submit pre-cruise instructions and post-cruise reports
- Ensure all science participant clearance forms are completed and submitted
- Plan, coordinate, and provide logistical support for the surveys
- Coordinate with IT staff to ensure proper data collection and post-survey data retrieval
- Serve as liaison between ship and science teams
- Oversee preparation and loading of survey gear, supplies, and equipment
- Coordinate daily vessel activities, personnel, vessel position and movements, and ports of call
- Oversee and conduct data and sample collection, logging, and processing under field conditions, as required
- Report to the Branch Chief and Survey Coordinator with weekly progress updates or any time there are issues that require alteration to the survey plan
- Clean and store equipment; log and appropriately store data upon completion of each survey
- QA/QC data for entry into the survey database
- Survey Watch Lead
- Pre-survey and post-survey inventory of equipment and gear
- Preparation and loading of survey gear, supplies, and equipment
- Coordinate the activities of the Survey Watch Standers and other survey staff (e.g., volunteers), including the deployment and retrieval of sampling gears
- Conduct data and sample collection, logging, and processing under field conditions, as required
- Unload gear/equipment; clean and store equipment; log and appropriately store data upon completion of each survey.
- Survey Watch Stander:
- Pre-survey and post-survey inventory of equipment and gear
- Preparation and loading survey gear, supplies, and equipment
- Conduct data and sample collection, logging, and processing under field conditions, as required
- Unload gear/equipment; clean and store equipment; log and appropriately store data upon completion of each survey.
- Laboratory Support: Duties shall include but are not limited to:
- Identify zooplankton and ichthyoplankton from plankton samples collected in the western central Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of America; provide verification of invertebrate zooplankton and ichthyoplankton identifications using morphometric characteristics; analyze plankton samples by performing displacement volume measurements; manual sorting; and identifying, counting and measuring of specimens, among other techniques
- Conduct analyses of plankton samples (as needed) using digital imaging systems, machine learning algorithms, molecular techniques/DNA barcoding, and other innovative methodologies
- Assist with the preparation of biological samples for shipping via ground and air carriers using hazardous materials (e.g., dry ice, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol and formalin)
- Maintain a DOT/IATA (U.S. Department of Transportation/International Air Transport Association) compliance certification for shipping hazardous materials via ground and air carriers and HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard) compliance certification.
- Data Management Support: Perform data entry, edits, verification, and updates.
- Analytical Support: Duties shall include but are not limited to:
- Maintain updated knowledge of plankton taxonomy and systematics; participate in zooplankton and ichthyoplankton taxonomic and identification workshops, as needed
- Provide support for data analyses and prepare data summaries.
- Assist with the development of data reports, publications and presentations, as needed. Adhere to SEFSC publication procedures prior to publication of any abstracts or manuscripts.
- Coordinate abstracts, presentations, and any resultant publications with the Trawl and Plankton Branch Chief.
- Support for Other Research Activities: Support other Trawl and Plankton Branch, PEMD, and SEFSC surveys, including but not limited to, serving as Field Party Chief, Watch Leader, or Watch Stander, as needed; provide laboratory and data management support for other survey-related research and activities, as needed.
- Outreach and Education: Participate in public outreach and education efforts, as needed.
- Scientific Meetings: Contractor may be required to prepare for and present, facilitate, or participate in various workshops, scientific meetings, symposiums, and public forums.
LEVEL II – Desirable:
LEVEL III Desirable:
Salary range is $30 – $45 per hour, dependent upon experience.
Saltwater Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
LEVEL II Essential 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 marine plankton research sufficient to independently perform scientific duties using standard methods and techniques.
- At-sea experience and ability to work productively on extended (~2-3 week) research survey cruises.
- Proficient in the identification of marine invertebrate zooplankton and/or ichthyoplankton from the western central Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of America.
- Capable of writing reports at the college level and making oral presentations.
- Proficient in the use of fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification books and dichotomous keys; computer literate and experience with common word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs.
- Sea going contractors who participate on research cruises on Office of Marine and Aviation Operations’ NOAA ships will be required to annually/biennially (age-dependent) submit a NOAA Health Services Questionnaire (NOAA Form 57- 10-01) and Tuberculosis Screening Form (NOAA Form NF 57-10-02) to OMAO health services to determine fitness for sea duty.
- Sea going contractors must have a current tetanus vaccine (once every 10 years).
- Driver’s license to operate government vehicles.
Level II Desirable Qualifications:
- Experience as lead data collector for field projects.
- Knowledge of procedures required upon encountering endangered or threatened species.
- Knowledge of Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) field sampling protocols for plankton surveys.
- Experience with running the Scientific Computing System (SCS).
- Knowledge of techniques and instrumentation (e.g., Zooscan, Flowcam) used to gather digitized data on marine plankton specimens.
- Knowledge of statistical treatment of marine plankton and oceanographic data.
Level III Desirable Qualifications:
- Experience as lead data collector for field projects.
- Knowledge of procedures required upon encountering endangered or threatened species.
- Knowledge of Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) field sampling protocols for plankton surveys.
- Experience with running the Scientific Computing System (SCS).
- Knowledge of techniques and instrumentation (e.g., Zooscan, Flowcam) used to gather digitized data on marine plankton specimens.
- Knowledge of statistical treatment of marine plankton and oceanographic data.
Compensation
Salary range is $30 – $45 per hour, dependent upon experience.
EOE Culture
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.
How to Apply
Only qualified applicants with the requisite experience need to apply.
We will honor all requests for application confidentiality.
To apply, click the link below.