Field Party Chief & Component Lead II – Gulf Video Survey

About the role

The Field Party Chief and Component Lead II will lead at‑sea teams and manage the Gulf Video Survey component for NOAA SEFSC’s reef fish monitoring program. This full‑time position involves coordinating vessel operations, overseeing data collection, and providing analytical support for scientific publications.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as Field Party Chief on NOAA ships and small research vessels, coordinating crew, vessel movements, and ports of call.
• Submit cruise instructions and reports, ensuring all participant clearances are completed.
• Plan and manage logistical support for shipboard data collection and post‑survey activities.
• Lead specific survey components such as habitat mapping, video QA/QC, and database management.
• Perform video annotation and data entry using VIAME, identifying marine fishes from Gulf of America and Caribbean habitats.
• Maintain review and tracking sheets, update GitHub project tools, and coordinate Oracle database QA/QC with OMI.
• Assist analysts with data preparation, figure creation, and manuscript review.
• Present results at scientific meetings and participate in outreach activities.

Required profile

• BS degree with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• Experience leading at‑sea surveys and familiarity with shipboard data systems (SCS, SEAL).
• Knowledge of SEAMAP reef‑fish sampling protocols.
• Proficiency in identifying fish, invertebrates, and protected species.

Required skills

• VIAME for video annotation and processing.
• GitHub for project management.
• Oracle database administration and QA/QC.
• Basic AI/ML concepts for automated data integration.
• Video annotation and database QA/QC techniques.

What we offer

• Competitive hourly rate negotiated based on experience.
• Full‑time benefits package including health, dental, vacation, sick and holiday leave.