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Full Time Data Taxonomist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Saltwater Inc

Plankton Taxonomist

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$35 - $55/hr

At Saltwater Inc. we believe that high-quality data is vital to the health of our fisheries and ... If awarded the work, this will be a full-time position. The Contractor shall work at the SEFSC ...

SAIC

Taxonomy Specialist

Washington, DC

$80K - $120K/yr

Data Governance Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: No Minimum Clearance Required: None ... ORA_REMOTE Description SAIC is looking for a Taxonomy Specialist to help confer with GAO staff to ...

Berkeley County, SC

Taxonomist

Moncks Corner, SC · On-site

$52K - $60K/yr

Live Oak Complex, Building E, 223 North Live Oak Drive, Moncks Corner Job Type: Full Time Job ... Under limited supervision, perform operational field studies, surveillance, data collection and ...

FGS LLC

Enterprise Data Management Architect

Suitland, MD · Hybrid

$170K - $180K/yr

Regular, Full Time Required Security Clearance: (Minimum for hire) Secret with ability to obtain TS ... Design metadata, taxonomy, labeling, and tagging strategies to enable automated data discovery ...

FGS LLC

Enterprise Data Management Architect

Suitland, MD · On-site

$170K - $180K/yr

Regular, Full Time Required Security Clearance: (Minimum for hire) Secret with ability to obtain TS ... Design metadata, taxonomy, labeling, and tagging strategies to enable automated data discovery ...

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Full Time Data Taxonomist information

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How much do full time data taxonomist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time data taxonomist in the United States is $56.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54.81 and $64.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Full Time Data Taxonomists?

Full Time Data Taxonomists are professionals who organize, classify, and manage data within an organization using taxonomies and metadata standards. They help ensure that data is consistently labeled, easily searchable, and accessible for analysis or operational use. Their work supports data governance, enhances data quality, and streamlines information retrieval across various platforms. Typically, they collaborate with data engineers, analysts, and business stakeholders to design data structures that align with organizational needs.

What are some common challenges Full Time Data Taxonomists face when standardizing large datasets across departments?

One of the main challenges Full Time Data Taxonomists encounter is ensuring consistency and clarity in data classification across diverse departments, each with their own terminologies and data standards. Aligning stakeholders and managing changes in taxonomy can be complex, especially in organizations with legacy systems or varied data sources. Effective communication skills and a strong understanding of both technical and business contexts are crucial for navigating these challenges and implementing a taxonomy that supports data usability and governance.

What is the difference between Full Time Data Taxonomist vs Data Analyst?

AspectFull Time Data TaxonomistData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Information Science, Library Science, or related field; knowledge of taxonomy toolsBachelor's in Statistics, Mathematics, or related field; proficiency in data analysis software
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with data teams, content managers, and IT departmentsWorks with business units, management, and data teams to interpret data
Industry UsageCommon in tech, e-commerce, and content-heavy industriesWidely used across finance, marketing, and healthcare sectors

While both roles involve working with data, a Full Time Data Taxonomist specializes in organizing and classifying data through taxonomies, whereas a Data Analyst focuses on interpreting data to generate insights. The taxonomist's role is more about data structure and metadata, while the analyst emphasizes data interpretation and reporting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Data Taxonomist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Data Taxonomist, you need a solid background in information science, data management, and taxonomy design, often supported by a degree in library science, information science, or a related field. Familiarity with metadata standards, data modeling tools, and content management systems like DAM or PIM platforms is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and structure complex data environments. These skills ensure data is organized, accessible, and actionable, driving efficient data discovery and decision-making within organizations.
What cities are hiring for Full Time Data Taxonomist jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Data Taxonomist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Data Taxonomist jobs? The most popular types of Data Taxonomist jobs are:
What states have the most Full Time Data Taxonomist jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Data Taxonomist jobs include:
Full Time Data Taxonomist jobs near you

Plankton Taxonomist

Saltwater Inc

Pascagoula, MS • On-site

$35 - $55/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

At Saltwater Inc. we believe that high-quality data is vital to the health of our fisheries and oceans: our mission is to provide that data. We are a Women-Owned Small Business and are constantly seeking new team members who share our passion for innovation and environmental wellness.


We are currently recruiting for a Plankton Taxonomist –Level III. See below Requirements for each Level. This position 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 may also be required, on a limited basis, 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:

  1. Ichthyoplankton Taxonomy: Duties shall include but are not limited to:
    1. Perform microscopic examination and morphometric/meristic identification of marine fish larvae (collected in the Gulf of America) to the lowest possible taxonomic level (e.g., Family, Genus, or Species levels); provide taxonomic verifications of previously identified larval fish specimens.
    2. Use microscope-digital imaging systems to image, identify, enumerate, and measure larval fish specimens; conduct analyses (e.g., morphometric measurements, shape analyses) on imaged specimens
    3. Conduct life history analyses on larval fish specimens, as needed; duties may include otolith removal, larval ageing, and gut content analysis
    4. Maintain updated knowledge of plankton taxonomy and systematics; participate in ichthyoplankton taxonomic and identification workshops, as needed; assist in the training of other staff in larval fish taxonomy, as needed.
    5. Assist in prepping specimens for molecular identification/DNA barcoding to verify ambiguous morphological identifications.


  1. Plankton Sample Processing: Duties shall include but are not limited to:
    1. Use standard laboratory methodologies to process plankton samples, including: sample splitting and aliquoting; measures of displacement volume; manual sorting of bulk plankton samples for fish larvae and invertebrate zooplankton taxa
    2. Perform microscopic examination and morphometric/meristic identification of marine invertebrate zooplankton (collected in the Gulf of America) to higher level classifications (e.g., Order level)
    3. Scan and analyze invertebrate zooplankton using benchtop imaging systems (e.g., Zooscan); develop invertebrate zooplankton reference libraries needed to train AI-assisted taxonomic validation platforms
    4. Assist with the tracking, maintenance, and curation of archived plankton samples; 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.


  1. Data Management and Analytical Support: Duties shall include but are not limited to:
    1. Perform plankton survey, ichthyoplankton, and zooplankton data entry, edits, and updates.
    2. Provide verified identifications and associated plankton data to support SEDARs and other stock assessment forums in support of the Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act; update relevant larval fish databases accordingly.
    3. Assist with the management of plankton survey data, and the coordination of plankton data exchanges between the Trawl and Plankton Branch and its SEAMAP and ZSiOP partners.
    4. Provide ichthyoplankton and zooplankton expertise for other plankton-related research projects; contribute to research proposals, data summaries, manuscripts, technical reports, presentations and other science deliverables; 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.


  1. Support for Other Research Activities: Support other Trawl and Plankton Branch, PEMD, and SEFSC activities (as needed), including but not limited to, serving as a Watch Stander on surveys, and providing laboratory and data management support for other survey-related research and activities.


  1. Outreach and Education: Participate in public outreach and education efforts, as needed.

  1. Scientific Meetings: Contractor may be required to prepare for and present, facilitate, or participate in various workshops, scientific meetings, symposiums, and public forums.


Minimum Qualifications:


LEVEL III Essential:

  • MS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study, plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; or BS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study, plus a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
  • Expertise in marine fish systematics, ontogeny, and larval morphology; prior experience in larval fish identification
  • Proficiency in using primary literature sources and regional taxonomic atlases
  • Experience in working with large data sets
  • Capable of writing reports at the college level and making oral presentations.
  • 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 III Desirable:

  • Experience in marine zooplankton identification
  • Knowledge of statistical treatment of marine plankton and oceanographic data.
  • Proficiency with EcoTaxa or similar AI-assisted taxonomic validation platforms
  • Experience with ImageJ or other microscope imaging software
  • Experience with software used for database management (e.g., Excel, Access, SQL); familiarity with R (for biological data graphing, synthesis and analysis) is highly desirable
  • Knowledge of techniques and instrumentation (e.g., Zooscan, Flowcam) used to gather digitized data on marine plankton specimens.
  • Experience with molecular methods needed to prepare samples for species identification (e.g., tissue sampling, DNA extraction, amplification, sequencing, etc.)


Salary range is $35 - $55 per hour, dependent upon experience.


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.

Only qualified applicants with the requisite experience need to apply.

We will honor all requests for application confidentiality.