Coral Propagation & Culture Technician II

About the role

The Coral Propagation and Culture Technician II will work in the NOAA Galveston Deep Sea Coral Laboratory, independently managing coral culture operations and supporting at‑sea surveys. The role involves maintaining recirculating systems, monitoring water quality, and contributing to research documentation.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain recirculating coral culture systems, perform safety inspections, and monitor water quality.
• Care for live coral specimens, set up and clean tanks, and coordinate with veterinarians.
• Participate in at‑sea surveys for broodstock collection and outplanting of laboratory‑reared specimens.
• Manage coral and water‑quality databases, execute experiments, and assist with data entry and QA/QC.
• Respond to disease and bleaching outbreaks, transport specimens for treatment, and work aboard federal and contract vessels.
• Assist in preparing SOPs, manuals, graphs, and presentations for cold‑water coral husbandry.
• Collect and archive scientific literature on coral biology and support outreach activities.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in marine sciences or related biology field.
• At least 2 years of experience maintaining coral culture systems.
• Knowledge of water quality, aquaculture/mariculture, and animal husbandry concepts.
• Basic plumbing, carpentry, and facility‑maintenance skills.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and recognize animal behaviors.
• Strong written communication skills for college‑level reports and presentations.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to lift 50 lb sacks.

Required skills

• Coral culture system maintenance
• Water‑quality monitoring
• Aquaculture husbandry
• Plumbing
• Carpentry
• Facility maintenance
• Database management

What we offer

• Full‑time hourly compensation, negotiated based on experience.
• Health and dental insurance.
• Vacation, sick, and holiday benefits.
• Opportunities to contribute to NOAA research and publications.