Biological Technician – Industry Engagement

POSITION DESCRIPTION :

The Biological Technician - Industry Engagement will support the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) Population Biology Branch by working directly with commercial and recreational fishing industries and collaborating biologists to collect, sort, identify, and preserve biological samples and data. The technician will coordinate tagging material distribution, sample shipments, and data summaries, while maintaining strong relationships with industry partners and cooperating institutions. Laboratory responsibilities include processing biological samples using standardized methods, entering data, and reporting progress to the Federal Program Lead. The technician will also participate in research survey cruises up to four times annually (5-50 days per year), supporting oceanographic and biological data collection. Duties involve assisting with field and lab procedures, performing repetitive technical support tasks, conducting quality assurance, and supporting outreach events, scientific meetings, and collaborative research initiatives. Flexibility in work hours, including weekends and extended hours, may be required to meet project and sampling needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Work with the recreational and commercial fishing industries and other biologists to collect data and samples; including providing tagging materials, data summaries, and coordinating sample shipments and pick ups
• Maintain good working relationships with recreational and commercial industries and biologists at cooperating institutions
• Sort, identify, and preserve biological samples and data as required.
• Maintain or continue to process biological samples and data in the laboratory using routine methods
• Enter data and report to Federal Program Lead regarding progress.
• Participate in resource survey cruises as needed once to up to four times per year (5-50 days per year) to assist in the collection of oceanographic and biological samples and data. In the laboratory, they shall assist in the processing of biological specimens.
• Work is repetitive and follows routine technical support tasks to include assisting in the use of equipment, instruments, or software to carry out simple procedures, computations, and methods of reporting.
• Work in the field or in the laboratory may occasionally involve extended hours or weekends, OT not to exceed 100 h per month.
• Provide technical support for oceanographic and fisheries sampling including assistance with finfish, elasmobranch, and invertebrate sampling; associated biological, habitat, and oceanographic sampling; supply and equipment preparation; data entry, quality assurance and control; laboratory experiments on finfish; age, reproduction, and food habits processing; fostering a safe work environment and effectively using information technology resources.
• Perform special tasks regarding ensuring data quality and providing periodic written progress reports.
• Work is repetitive and routine to include assisting in the use of equipment, instruments, or software; carrying out standardized procedures and computations of varying complexity; and including basic, descriptive data analysis and regular communications of findings, including written summaries.
• Participate in task / project specific workshops, scientific meetings, and outreach events.

REQUIREMENTS :

• High school degree with 1-2 years' experience, or an Associate's or Bachelor's degree
• Experience in the identification of finfish, elasmobranchs, shellfish, and other invertebrate species commonly encountered along the Atlantic coast from Nova Scotia to Cape Hatteras
• Aptitude but not necessarily experience with microscopes, image analysis systems, lapidary saws, or electronic data entry systems.
• Interest to go to sea aboard research vessels.
• Aptitude but not necessarily experience to dissect fish or work with live fish in aquaria.
• Experience with personal computers using word processing software, spreadsheets, and email.