Biological Field Station Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the RoleThe Fisheries Engineering & Acoustic Technologies Team (FEAT) at NOAA's Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) is seeking a Fisheries Acoustics Survey Technician to support its Newport, Oregon field station. FEAT is one of only three groups within NOAA specializing in fisheries acoustics and advanced technologies - including broadband echo sounders, uncrewed surface vehicles, and underwater optics - applied to fishery-independent stock surveys and ecosystem research across the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME). This position directly supports the annual Integrated West Coast Pelagics (acoustic-trawl) Survey for Pacific Hake (Merluccius productus) - the primary fishery-independent survey conducted under the U.S.-Canada Pacific Whiting/Hake International Agreement. The technician will work alongside FEAT and FRAM scientists throughout the full survey cycle: pre-survey staging, at-sea operations, and post-survey closeout. Position DetailsOrganization: NOAA Fisheries - NWFSC, Fishery Resource Analysis & Monitoring Division (FRAM), FEATLocation: Newport Laboratory, Newport, OR; at-sea aboard NOAA research vessel (up to 100 days/year, up to one month at a time)Anticipated Start: 3rd Quarter FY2026U.S. Citizenship: Required*Position is Subject to Contract Award Duties & ResponsibilitiesCore responsibilities include, but are not limited to:Support FEAT Newport Research Station staff through all phases of the annual acoustic-trawl survey - preparation, at-sea execution, and post-survey closeout.Maintain, inspect, stage, and de-stage biological sampling gear and survey equipment per FEAT protocols.Perform routine wet-lab processing of trawl catches at sea, including species identification and biological sampling.Track, store, and transfer fixed biological samples for analysis; maintain gear inventory.Analyze collected Pacific Hake stomach contents and enter diet data into FEAT databases.Lead standardized field sampling protocols and provide at-sea training to survey participants to ensure data integrity.Operate data collection software and devices at sea as needed (e.g., EK80 echo sounders, Echoview).Contribute to final survey reports and support additional FRAM surveys as directed by FEAT/FRAM staff.Submit progress communications to FEAT/FRAM staff regarding deliverable status.Complete all required NOAA, NMFS, NWFSC, and FEAT trainings. Education & ExperienceRequired• Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology, Fisheries, Oceanography, or a closely related field (or equivalent experience with minimum 2 years in fisheries).• Demonstrated at-sea research vessel experience.• Ability to obtain NOAA medical clearance for sea duty (medical information must be submitted 30 days prior to cruise departure).• Ability and willingness to spend up to 4 weeks aboard a vessel, working up to 16 hours per day.Preferred• Minimum 90 days of demonstrated at-sea field experience, including extended trips of at least 7 consecutive days.• Familiarity with Pacific Hake biology, West Coast pelagic species, or acoustic-trawl survey methods.• Experience identifying Northeast Pacific fishes using taxonomic keys.• Experience analyzing fish stomach contents.• Background in data management, analytical reporting, or environmental/biological data.• At least 20 undergraduate credits in science coursework. SkillsRequired• At-sea biological sampling and data collection.• Physical fitness and resilience for challenging at-sea conditions.• Detail-oriented sample tracking and database entry.• Adherence to established field protocols with thorough note-keeping.• Team-oriented; effective collaboration with FEAT/FRAM staff and NOAA vessel crews.Preferred• Fisheries acoustics equipment operation (EK60/EK80 or equivalent echo sounders).• Echoview or similar acoustic data processing software.• Trawl net operations and wet-lab sample processing.• Pacific Hake stomach content analysis and diet database entry.• Contribution to ICES WGFAST products. Certifications & ClearancesThe following are required prior to or at the start of performance:Medical clearance for sea duty aboard NOAA vessels (must be submitted 30 days prior to cruise departure).Successful completion of NOAA background check (allow 60–90 days for processing).Valid U.S. Passport.Valid driver's license.Marine safety training (Basic Safety Training or equivalent; must be completed or recently completed prior to sailing).NOAA IT Security, Safety, SASH Prevention, and Records Management 101 training (can be completed after hire). Desired certifications:NOAA small vessel operator certification.Defensive driving certification.First Aid / CPR certifications. Work ConditionsThis role involves physically demanding at-sea work in challenging open-ocean conditions. The technician must be capable of working extended shifts (up to 16 hours/day) for multi-week periods aboard a NOAA research vessel. Land-based work is conducted at the Newport Research Station. Overtime is anticipated and authorized during active survey periods. Travel is required. All travel is pre-authorized per Federal Travel Regulations. Government-provided equipment, IT gear, field supplies, and vessel accommodations are furnished for the performance of work under this contract. Additional RequirementsUS. citizenship required.Must pass a NOAA background check and be cleared for public trust classification prior to beginning performance.All data, images, notes, reports, and field records collected under this task order are the property of the U.S. Government.Contractor personnel may be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) for access to privacy information.Must comply with Department of Commerce Enterprise Cybersecurity Policy and NOAA IT security policies.