SEAMAP Trawl Survey Scientist, Levels II–III

Lynker

SEAMAP trawl scientist supporting NOAA Fisheries groundfish surveys and biological sample processing. Managing fisheries data, analyses, reporting, and outreach from Lynker’s Pascagoula laboratory.

Posted 8/11/2026contractPascagoula • Mississippi • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $44,000 - $80,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in marine fisheries research, including proficiency in identifying marine fish and invertebrates, conducting data collection and analysis, and preparing comprehensive reports. Capable of leading field surveys and ensuring compliance with NOAA health requirements.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Marine Fisheries ResearchData Collection and AnalysisFish and Invertebrate IdentificationOtolith Removal and ProcessingStatistical Treatment of Fisheries Data

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Marine Fish IdentificationInvertebrate IdentificationData Logging and ProcessingOtolith RemovalStomach Content AnalysisTissue Sample CollectionStatistical AnalysisSurvey Data QA/QCField Survey CoordinationSEAMAP Field Sampling Protocols

Soft Skills

Oral Presentation SkillsReport WritingPublic Outreach

Tools & Technologies

Scientific Computing SystemWord-Processing SoftwareDatabase ProgramsStatistical SoftwareGraphics Programs

Certifications & Qualifications

NOAA Health Services DocumentationTetanus Vaccination

Industry Keywords

Marine ScienceGroundfish Trawl SurveysWestern Central Atlantic OceanGulf of AmericaTaxonomy and SystematicsEndangered Species ProceduresField Party ChiefSurvey Watch Leader

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Participate in large-vessel groundfish trawl surveys and other resource surveys as needed
Serve as Survey Field Party Chief, Survey Watch Leader, or Survey Watch Stander, as assigned
Plan, coordinate, and provide logistical support for surveys
Prepare pre-cruise instructions and post-cruise reports when serving as Field Party Chief
Coordinate participant clearances, IT support, survey gear and equipment, vessel activities, personnel, vessel movements, and ports of call
Serve as liaison between ship and science teams when assigned
Conduct data and sample collection, logging, and processing under field conditions
Sort trawl specimens to species and count, weigh, sex, and measure them
Prepare, deploy, retrieve, clean, inventory, and store survey equipment and gear
Perform QA/QC of survey data
Identify marine fishes and invertebrates from trawl samples in the western central Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of America
Verify identifications using morphometric characteristics
Process finfish for life-history studies, including otolith removal, stomach examination, and tissue sampling
Enter, edit, verify, and update survey data
Maintain current knowledge of marine fish and invertebrate taxonomy and systematics
Participate in taxonomic and identification workshops
Support data analyses and prepare data summaries
Assist with reports, publications, and presentations
Support related surveys and research activities
Participate in public outreach and education
Prepare for and potentially present, facilitate, or participate in workshops, scientific meetings, symposiums, and public forums

Requirements

What you’ll need

Level II: Master of Science in Marine Science or related field; or Bachelor of Science in Marine Science or related field plus three years of relevant experience
Level III: Master of Science in Marine Science or related field plus a minimum of five years of relevant experience; or Bachelor of Science in Marine Science or related field plus a minimum of ten years of relevant experience
Knowledge of basic concepts, principles, and methodologies of marine fisheries research sufficient to independently perform scientific tasks using standard methods and techniques
Proficiency identifying marine fish and invertebrates from the western central Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of America
Proficiency using fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification books and dichotomous keys
Computer literacy and experience with common word-processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs
Ability to prepare college-level reports and make oral presentations
Ability to meet NOAA sea-duty health requirements, including required NOAA Health Services and tuberculosis screening documentation and a current tetanus vaccination
Experience as a lead data collector for field projects
Knowledge of fisheries techniques including otolith removal and processing, stomach content analysis, and tissue sample collection
Knowledge of procedures required when encountering endangered or threatened species
Experience operating the Scientific Computing System
Knowledge of SEAMAP field sampling protocols for trawl surveys
Knowledge of statistical treatment of fisheries and oceanographic data
Employment subject to successful completion of any required background checks and security processing required by the customer

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Flexible spending accounts
Employee assistance program (EAP)
Short- and long-term disability insurance
Life and accident insurance
Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
Employee Referral Program
Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System
Personalized career growth plans for every employee
Team-oriented work environment
Opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled professionals