Longfin Squid Biological Sampling Technician

We are currently recruiting for a Longfin Squid Biological Sampling Technician to process biological samples from longfin squid collected on commercial fishing vessels for the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council.

Work will be performed on-site at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center in Narragansett, RI. The contract has a one-year base period beginning June 1st and may have one 12-month option period after.

Scope of Work:

Training on sampling protocols and data collection procedures will be provided to the contractor at the beginning of the project. Depending on location, samples will be shipped, or the contractor may pick up samples from regional fishing ports (time and mileage would be compensated for travel). Samples will have a Biological Sampling Request form attached with sample data to include the identity of the vessel, date/time when samples were collected, latitude/longitude, and depth. The final sampling design will consider both the temporal/spatial pattern of the fishery and magnitude of overall landings.

If possible, whole squid will be processed fresh. If sampling cannot occur immediately, squid will be frozen in the Narragansett Lab freezer. If samples are frozen when obtained, they will be kept frozen until processing. It is anticipated that at least 300 squid will be processed per week.

Tablets, electronic measuring boards, and other electronic data collection tools will be provided/used to minimize data entry errors. The numbers of squid processed per sample will likely vary in response to the range of sizes present and the needs of the overall survey design. The contractor will be an active participant in monitoring the progress of the survey design and optimizing the number of measurements per sample.

The biological parameters that will be collected (via dissection and/or microscopy) will include: Organism weight, Mantle width/length, Sex/maturity, and reproductive organ/egg measurement. A portion of processed squids will have their statoliths extracted. Statoliths will be stored in 95% ethanol for 24 hours, removed from ethanol, and then stored in barcoded envelopes.

About Saltwater Inc.:

At Saltwater Inc., we believe that high-quality data is vital to the health of our fisheries and oceans. Our mission is to provide that data.
We are a Women-Owned Small Business and are constantly seeking new team members who share our passion for innovation and environmental wellness.


Saltwater Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

  • Demonstrated experience with biological sampling and precision data recording, preferably in a fisheries setting.
  • Saltwater’s mandatory employee COVID-19 policy requires proof of Covid-19 vaccination to safeguard the health of our employees and their families.

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience.

Inclusive Culture

Saltwater Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, parental status, veteran status, or disability status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace culture to attract the best talent and allow each member of our team to achieve their full potential and maximum productivity. Furthermore, Saltwater Inc. highly encourages qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply for positions for which they are qualified and to notify us if there are any needs for accommodation throughout the application process and/or upon hire.

How to Apply

Only qualified applicants with the requisite experience need to apply. If interested, applicants should submit a resume and cover letter that briefly describes how you meet the qualifications listed above and why you would be the best candidate for the job, through the Apply Today button below.

We will honor all requests for application confidentiality.

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