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Biological Oceanography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Orchard LLC

Biological Technician

$38K - $47K/yr

Technicians collect and process biological samples and environmental data during fishery ... Operate electronic data acquisition systems for fisheries and oceanographic sampling. * Assist with ...

AtOrchard LLC

Biological Technician

Austin, TX · On-site

$37K - $46K/yr

Biological Technicians - NOAA Fisheries Sea-Going Surveys (Levels I-III) Location: Woods Hole, MA ... Operate electronic data acquisition systems for fisheries and oceanographic sampling. * Assist with ...

Orchard LLC

Benthic Biologist

Analyze and interpret biological observations collected during ocean exploration missions. * Identify and characterize benthic organisms and habitat features using imagery, biological samples, and ...

AtOrchard LLC

Benthic Biologist

Austin, TX · On-site

Analyze and interpret biological observations collected during ocean exploration missions. * Identify and characterize benthic organisms and habitat features using imagery, biological samples, and ...

OceanX

Postdoctoral Associate

New York, NY · On-site +1

OceanX is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate in a field related to marine biology, oceanography, molecular ecology, bioinformatics, or a closely related discipline. This position combines laboratory ...

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Biological Oceanography information

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$31K

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$56K

How much do biological oceanography jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for biological oceanography in the United States is $42,105.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $46,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a biological oceanography?

A Biological Oceanography job involves studying marine organisms, their interactions with the environment, and how they respond to changes in ocean conditions. Professionals in this field conduct research on topics like ocean ecosystems, plankton dynamics, and the impact of climate change on marine life. They often work in academia, government agencies, or environmental organizations, collecting and analyzing data from ocean expeditions, laboratory experiments, and computer models.

What does a biological oceanographer do?

A typical workday for a Biological Oceanographer can vary depending on the project phase but often involves a mix of laboratory analysis, data processing, and report writing when on land. During fieldwork, days may start early and include collecting water or biological samples from research vessels, deploying sensors, and monitoring marine life in various oceanic conditions. Collaboration is common, as you'll work closely with other scientists, technicians, and sometimes policy makers to interpret data and share findings. Flexibility and adaptability are important since research priorities can shift due to weather, funding, or emerging discoveries. This dynamic environment provides the opportunity to contribute meaningful insights into ocean ecosystems and to advance within academic, governmental, or private research organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a biological oceanographer?

To thrive in Biological Oceanography, you need a strong background in marine biology, ecology, and chemistry, typically supported by an advanced degree such as a master's or Ph.D. in oceanography or a related field. Proficiency with specialized software for data analysis (like R or MATLAB), laboratory techniques, and oceanographic field equipment (such as CTDs or plankton nets) is often required. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills are essential to interpreting findings and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are critical for successfully conducting research, publishing results, and informing environmental policy or conservation efforts.

How much do biological oceanographers get paid?

Biological oceanographers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can increase with advanced degrees, research experience, and positions in government or private sectors, often involving fieldwork and laboratory analysis.

Is biological oceanography a high paying job?

Biological oceanographers typically earn moderate to high salaries depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may pay less, while experienced professionals with advanced degrees and research skills can earn higher salaries, especially in government or private sector roles. Overall, it is considered a well-paying scientific career compared to many other research fields.
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Biological Oceanography jobs near you
Infographic showing various Biological Oceanography job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,105 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Biological Technician

Orchard LLC

Remote

$38K - $47K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Biological Technicians - NOAA Fisheries Sea-Going Surveys (Levels I-III)
Location: Woods Hole, MA (with assignments on NOAA and partner vessels throughout the Northeast U.S.)
Position Summary
Orchard is hiring Biological Technicians (Levels I-III) to support NOAA Fisheries' Ecosystem Surveys Branch (ESB). Technicians collect and process biological samples and environmental data during fishery-independent resource surveys. Work includes at-sea survey participation (5-140+ days annually), data QA/QC, sample processing, and equipment support. This is a hands-on science role that directly supports stock assessments and ecosystem-based fisheries management.
Responsibilities
  • Participate in sea-going surveys aboard NOAA and partner vessels (sorting, identifying, weighing, measuring fish/invertebrates, collecting biological samples for age, growth, maturity, genetics, diet).
  • Stand scientific watches of up to 12 hours/day at sea.
  • Operate electronic data acquisition systems for fisheries and oceanographic sampling.
  • Assist with deployment, calibration, and maintenance of survey gear, acoustics, and optical/video equipment.
  • Conduct QA/QC of survey data using NOAA protocols; prepare documentation of sampling procedures and metadata.
  • Annotate benthic imagery and optical survey data as directed.
  • Maintain, repair, and inventory sampling hardware (measuring boards, motion-compensated scales, barcode systems, touch screens).
  • Support cruise staging/de-staging, equipment prep, and vessel logistics.
  • Contribute to laboratory analysis of biological samples and assist with database management.
  • Train new staff (Levels II & III) and provide leadership of field parties/watches at sea (Level III).
  • Summarize survey data, assist with reports, and contribute to outreach materials (manuals, protocols, blogs, newsletters).
Qualifications
General Requirements (all levels):
  • Experience working aboard research or commercial vessels.
  • Ability to work 12-hour shifts at sea for trips lasting up to 3 weeks.
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills in challenging field environments.
  • Must meet NOAA OMAO sea duty health criteria and provide proof of recent TB test.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with data entry and QA/QC practices.
  • Valid driver's license.

Level I (Entry/Seasonal Technician):
  • Basic familiarity with marine species ID in the Northwest Atlantic (fish/invertebrates).
  • Coursework or experience in biological sciences preferred.
  • Able to assist with sampling, data recording, and shipboard organization under supervision.

Level II (Experienced Technician):
  • Minimum 2 years' experience identifying fish and invertebrates in the Northwest Atlantic.
  • At least 1 year of experience with survey bottom trawls or shellfish dredges.
  • Experience with fishery sampling hardware (electronic boards, scales, barcode systems).
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work independently.

Level III (Senior Technician):
  • Minimum 200 days at sea (Bottom Trawl Survey) or 100 days (Shellfish/Advanced Tech Surveys).
  • At least 2 years' experience with electronic data acquisition systems.
  • Experience leading watches/field teams of up to 7 at sea.
  • Familiarity with acoustic net mensuration systems (Scanmar, Simrad, Marport).
  • Experience querying/analyzing fishery-independent data from relational databases (e.g., Oracle).
  • Ability to train staff, conduct QA/QC, and contribute to protocol development.

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