Plankton Survey Technician (Level II–III)

About the role

The Plankton Survey Technician supports NOAA Fisheries SEAMAP plankton surveys, joining extended offshore research cruises and providing laboratory identification, sample processing, and data management for the Trawl and Plankton Branch.

Key responsibilities

• Participate in large‑vessel plankton surveys, serving as Field Party Chief, Watch Leader, or Watch Stander.
• Prepare pre‑cruise instructions, coordinate logistics, and act as liaison between ship and science teams.
• Collect, log, process, and QA/QC plankton samples on board and in the laboratory.
• Identify zooplankton and ichthyoplankton, perform morphometric measurements, displacement volume assessments, and specimen counting.
• Apply digital imaging, machine‑learning algorithms, molecular techniques, and DNA barcoding to analyze samples.
• Prepare biological specimens for hazardous‑material shipping and maintain DOT/IATA and HAZWOPER compliance.
• Enter, edit, and manage survey data for the branch database.

Required profile

• Experience with offshore marine surveys and plankton sampling.
• Knowledge of marine biology, especially zooplankton and ichthyoplankton.
• Ability to handle hazardous materials and maintain required certifications.
• Strong attention to detail for data quality and sample integrity.

Required skills

• Zooplankton identification
• Ichthyoplankton identification
• Morphometric analysis
• Displacement volume measurement
• Digital imaging systems
• Machine‑learning algorithms
• Molecular techniques
• DNA barcoding
• DOT/IATA hazardous‑material shipping compliance
• HAZWOPER certification
• Data entry and management