Fisheries Biologist – Field & Laboratory Support
Job Summary
Support NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC), Auke Bay Laboratories RECA Program. This position provides laboratory-based biological sample processing and limited field support for fisheries oceanographic research evaluating how environmental variability affects survival and recruitment of commercially important species, including salmon and groundfish.
Responsibilities
Laboratory Support
- Inventory fish and zooplankton samples arriving at the laboratory
- Measure length and weight of fish
- Verify species identification, including larval and juvenile fish
- Remove otoliths and tissue samples (genetics, RNA/DNA, isotopes)
- Remove stomachs and tissues for diet and energetic analyses
- Homogenize fish tissues for laboratory analysis
- Analyze samples using a PARR semi-microbomb calorimeter for energy density
- Decode coded-wire tags
- Prepare samples for isotope and thiamine analysis
- Analyze stomach contents and lipid content of juvenile fishes
Field Support
- Participate in single-day vessel surveys, as needed
- Assist with oceanographic and fish collection activities under direction of AFSC staff
General Support
- Record, organize, and enter laboratory data
- Perform quality control checks on raw and electronic datasets
- Produce monthly progress reports summarizing accomplishments and issues
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- At least 12 credits of college-level coursework in fisheries, biology, oceanography, or related natural science field
- At least one (1) year of experience in both biology and chemistry laboratory settings
Required Skills
- Experience processing larval or juvenile marine fish (identification, measurement, dissection)
- Experience removing otoliths, stomach contents, and tissue samples
- Experience preparing biological samples for chemical analyses (e.g., isotopes, lipids, thiamine)
- Ability to homogenize tissue samples for analysis
- Experience organizing and quality-checking scientific data
- Familiarity with relational databases and QA/QC procedures
Preferred Experience
- Experience operating or supporting calorimetry equipment (e.g., PARR semi-microbomb calorimeter)
- Experience decoding coded-wire tags
- Experience analyzing diet or energetic content of fish
Additional Requirements
- Ability to work on-site in a laboratory environment in Juneau, AK
- Ability to participate in local, single-day field surveys
- Ability to follow established laboratory protocols to maintain data consistency
- Ability to complete required NOAA training (e.g., IT security, safety, records management)
FISH is a provider of innovative solutions in fisheries, marine science, and environmental research. With a commitment to scientific excellence and resource stewardship, FISH leverages technical expertise and advanced field operations to support the management and conservation of aquatic resources and protected species. As a growing small business specializing in professional, scientific, and technical services, FISH combines deep scientific expertise with proven, results-driven processes to deliver technically sound, cost-effective solutions.
FISH is an E-Verify employer. This position may be supported through FLOAT, a joint venture supporting NOAA ProTech Fisheries. FISH is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.
Compensation
$45,000 - $65,000
Apply for – Fisheries Biologist – Field & Laboratory Support
"*" indicates required fields
