Coral Propagation and Culture Laboratory Coordinator - Level III (MDBC / Deep Sea Coral Laboratory)

Job Description

Job Description

*US Citizenship Required

*Position is Subject to Contract Award

Location: NOAA Galveston Laboratory, Galveston, TX

Client Organization: NOAA Fisheries – SEFSC, Population & Ecosystems Monitoring Division

Overview

Lead operational continuity of the NOAA Galveston Deep Sea Coral Laboratory, overseeing staffing coordination, supply management, coral husbandry, systems maintenance, and development of novel equipment to advance restoration and husbandry best practices. Animal care responsibilities require availability 365 days per year.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate staffing and maintain inventories of supplies and equipment.
• Maintain recirculating coral culture systems; conduct safety inspections and monitor water quality.
• Oversee routine and specialized care of live coral specimens (ESA species, mesophotic and deep corals) in coordination with veterinarians.
• Participate in at-sea surveys for broodstock collection and out-planting; conduct work aboard federal and contract vessels.
• Lead or participate in experiments with Program leads; respond to coral disease and bleaching outbreaks.
• Prototype novel equipment and tools to optimize coral husbandry (3D printing, acrylic fabrication, etc.).
• Perform required safety training (lab safety, chemical hygiene, PPE, NOAA IT security, AED, and others).
• Write standard operating procedures and manuals for cold-water coral husbandry.
• Manage coral and water quality databases; perform QA/QC and respond to data requests.
• Conduct parentage, regional, and health analyses to ensure biosecurity protocol compliance.
• Perform imagery analysis (photo, video, acoustic) to assess coral growth and physiological structures.
• Collect and archive scientific literature; prepare and lead manuscripts, graphs, graphics, and presentations.
• Lead facility tours and participate in outreach events (open houses, career fairs, teacher workshops).

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in marine sciences or related biology field with at least 3 years of coral culture experience, OR 5 years of experience maintaining coral culture systems; saltwater aquaria experience desired.
• Knowledge of water quality, aquaculture/mariculture, and animal husbandry concepts; ability to independently perform scientific tasks.
• Knowledge of basic plumbing, carpentry, and facility maintenance.
• Ability to follow instructions for care of mesophotic and deep corals; capacity to recognize animal behaviors.
• College-level writing and oral/written presentation skills.
• Valid U.S. driver's license.
• Ability to lift 50 lb sacks of salt and work in environments maintained at or near 40&degree;F.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of marine life, preferably corals.
• Knowledge of cold water and/or mesophotic corals.
• Fabrication/prototyping skills using a 3D printer, laser cutter, or similar device.
• CAD software proficiency.
• Knowledge of water quality and animal husbandry.