Fisheries Biologist

Overview/ Job Responsibilities

Entarian is seeking a Fisheries Biologist to support the NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center in Pascagoula, MI. The SEFSC conducts field work to support research on protected species, such as dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. Protected species research involves data collection using various approaches including stranding response, sightings, captures, tagging, tracking, photo identification, and/or biological sample collection and analysis to characterize species and stock composition, distribution, abundance, life history, sex ratios, anthropogenic interactions, health, and foraging ecology. This research provides information essential to support protected resource assessment and management. The Fisheries Biologist position will provide support within the Pascagoula Laboratory Population and Ecosystems Monitoring Division.

Responsibilities include:

Resource Surveys:

• Survey participation in large vessel plankton surveys and other resource surveys as the Survey Coordinator, Survey Watch Coordinator or Survey Watch Stander

Laboratory Support:

• Identify invertebrate zooplankton from diverse habitats of the Gulf of America and adjacent seas in SEAMAP plankton samples
• Provide verification of invertebrate zooplankton identifications
• Analyze plankton samples by performing displacement volume measurements, manual sorting, identifying, counting and measuring for estimation of abundance by taxon (as required)
• Prepare biological samples and prepare the paperwork for shipping via ground and air carriers using hazardous materials
• Arrange for the pickup of the samples with the carrier
• Maintain a DOT/IATA compliance certification for shipping hazardous materials via ground and air carriers and HAZWOPER compliance certification.

Data Management Support:

• Perform SEAMAP invertebrate zooplankton data entry, edits, verification and updates

Analytical Support:

• 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, including marine science education at local schools, participating as judges for local science fairs, conducting and participating in outreach and education tours of the MS Labs facilities and NOAA ships, manning of outreach booths at local fairs and festivals

Scientific Meetings:

• Prepare for and present, facilitate, or participate in various position related workshops, scientific meetings, symposiums, and public forums

The salary for this position is approximately $50,000 - 55,000/year.

Work will be based on-site at NOAA's SEFSC in Pascagoula, MS.

Minimum 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 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.
• Ability and willingness to maintain all necessary certifications and training as required by the NOAA Small Boat Program. 
• Must be available to work overtime
• Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident who has lived in the United States at least 3 out of the last 5 years and be able to pass a background investigation to obtain a security badge to access applicable government facilities and systems.

Desired 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.

About Us

CompensationWe consider several factors when extending an offer of employment, including the location, scope, and associated responsibilities of the specific position, as well as a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

BenefitsAll full-time employees are eligible to participate in our flexible benefits package, which includes:

• 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
• Skills Development & Certifications
• Professional Membership Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Competitive compensation plan
• Discretionary variable incentive bonuses based on factors such as individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance

Formed through the strategic union of Sev1Tech and ERT, Entarian is a premier provider of mission-critical engineering and technology solutions. Founded on a legacy of excellence dating back to 1993, Entarian is a product of an evolved and fully diversified engineering and federal technology leader. From deep space to defense and civilian missions, Entarian delivers secure, mission-aligned digital solutions that drive national resilience and operational effectiveness. We don't just support modernization; we define it.

Join the Mission and Start your Career Journey: Apply Directly via our Careers Portal  Connect, Referrals & Inquiries? Email the team: [email protected]

Entarian is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.