Job Description

*Position is Subject to Contract Award

Facilitate operations of the NOAA Galveston Deep Sea Coral Laboratory's coral culture facility and marine organisms under the guidance of the Program Manager and aquaculture staff. Leads or is heavily involved in laboratory studies of coral diseases and deleterious agents, and advances in restoration/husbandry best practices. Responsible for staffing coordination, supply inventory and management, coral husbandry, systems maintenance, and development/prototyping of new tools and equipment.

Key Responsibilities

Task #1 - Laboratory & Fieldwork Support Duties

• Ensure coordination of staffing and maintenance of supply/equipment inventories.
• Maintain recirculating culture systems, conduct safety inspections, monitor water quality, and report malfunctions to the Program/Task Order Manager.
• Conduct routine care of live coral specimens, including tank setup/cleaning for ESA coral species; confer with staff and veterinarians on animal care.
• Participate in at-sea surveys for broodstock collection and out-planting of laboratory-reared specimens.
• Database management of corals and water quality.
• Lead or participate in experiments with Program leads as directed.
• Prototype novel equipment and tools to facilitate/optimize coral husbandry (e.g., 3D printer, acrylic glass work).
• Respond to unusual coral disease and bleaching outbreaks, including field operations and transport of specimens to Galveston for treatment/recovery.
• Participate in required training on workplace safety, defensive driving, and basic tool handling/maintenance.
• Conduct work aboard federal government and contract vessels for coral collection or re-stocking activities.
• Complete training: general lab safety, chemical safety/hygiene, defensive driving, MSDS, PPE, fire extinguisher, electric hand tools, acid handling/storage, slips/trips/falls prevention, battery handling/charging, NOAA IT security, and AED.

Task #2 - Data Management Support

• Write SOPs and manuals for the husbandry of cold-water corals.
• Computer data entry of water quality and coral health; QA/QC data input and respond to data requests.
• Manage tracking sheets and project management tools as needed.

Task #3 - Analytical Support

• Conduct parentage, regional, and health analyses to ensure biosecurity protocols are adhered to.
• Collect and archive journal articles and research papers on coral biology, culture, and husbandry.
• Perform imagery (photo, video, or acoustic) analysis to determine coral growth, size, and physiological structures.
• Prepare and/or lead manuscripts, including data analysis, graphs/graphics, and presentations for communicating research results.

Task #4 - Outreach & Education

• Answer telephones, provide information to the public, help develop/maintain educational materials, and participate in outreach events such as open houses, career fairs, and teacher education workshops; lead facility tours as schedule/workload allows.

Qualifications (Required)

• Master's degree in marine sciences or related biology field with at least 3 years of experience maintaining coral culture systems, or 5 years of experience maintaining coral culture systems; prior saltwater aquaria/aquatic systems experience desired.
• Knowledge of basic water quality, aquaculture/mariculture, and animal husbandry concepts and methodologies; capable of independently performing scientific tasks using established methods.
• Knowledge of basic plumbing, carpentry, and facility maintenance.
• Capable of following oral and written instructions for care of mesophotic and deep corals, and recognizing animal behaviors on the job.
• Capable of writing college-level reports and making oral and written presentations.
• Must possess a valid U.S. driver's license.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs sacks of salt into a pick-up truck and work in environments maintained at or near 40°F.
• Desirable: knowledge of marine life (preferably corals); knowledge of cold-water and/or mesophotic corals; fabrication/prototyping skills (3D printer, laser cutter, etc.); CAD software proficiency; water quality/animal husbandry knowledge.