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<h3>Job Description</h3>
Job Description
*US Citizenship Required
*Onsite Position in NEFSC Facility and aboard research vessels in Northwest Atlantic Ocean
*Proposal Effort, Position is Subject to Contract Award
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Think Tank is seeking a Field Scientist to support NOAA with collaborative fisheries research with commercial fishermen. NOAA conducts diverse projects, including the Study Fleet, Gulf of Maine Bottom Longline Survey, Hook and Line Survey, Industry-Based Biological Sampling, and Environmental Monitoring programs.
This position supports both shore-side and at-sea research-from data collection and equipment maintenance to training, outreach, and scientific reporting. The role involves working closely with fishing industry partners, scientists, and vessel crews to improve fisheries data collection and advance ecosystem-based management.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
<ul>
<li>Support CRB research in field and lab, including equipment deployment, data collection, and protocol compliance.</li>
<li>Provide technical assistance at sea and ashore: troubleshoot data systems, train fishermen, and maintain sampling standards.</li>
<li>Participate in research trips (~40 sea days/year, 1–10 days each) aboard commercial vessels; coordinate with captains and crews.</li>
<li>Collect, sort, and process fish/invertebrates; conduct biological sampling (age, growth, maturity, genetics, diet).</li>
<li>Maintain and repair field equipment, fishing gear, and survey technology.</li>
<li>Serve as Chief Scientist on Gulf of Maine Bottom Longline Survey cruises, leading scientific teams and vessel operations.</li>
<li>Collect, analyze, and audit biological, fisheries, environmental, operational, and video data.</li>
<li>Manage and troubleshoot data collection hardware/software; ensure QA/QC and proper database entry.</li>
<li>Deliver biological samples and documentation to research partners.</li>
<li>Contribute to protocol development, proposals, reports, and manuscripts.</li>
<li>Represent CRB at industry meetings, workshops, and scientific conferences.</li>
<li>Develop outreach materials (manuals, guides, newsletters, blogs, social media).</li>
<li>Provide weekly updates and monthly progress reports to leadership.</li>
<li>Assist with staff training and mentoring; work independently with minimal supervision.</li>
</ul>
REQUIREMENTS:
<ul>
<li>Bachelor's degree in fisheries, biological sciences, or equivalent professional experience.</li>
<li>3+ years field/research experience in fisheries or marine science.</li>
<li>Strong background in biological sample collection, fish identification, and data processing.</li>
<li>Proven ability to work independently and lead or support teams in challenging field conditions.</li>
<li>Demonstrated experience working with commercial fishermen and at-sea environments.</li>
<li>Experience with electronic data collection tools and troubleshooting hardware/software.</li>
<li>Strong written and verbal communication skills.</li>
<li>Proficiency with MS Office and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, etc.).</li>
<li>Specific Certifications will be required</li>
</ul>

Field Scientist

<h3>Job Description</h3>
Job Description
*US Citizenship Required
*Onsite Position at NEFSC Facility and aboard research vessels in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean
*Proposal Effort, Position is Subject to Contract Award
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Think Tank is seeking a Deckhand Lead/Master Level I to support NOAA NEFSC with marine biological and oceanographic surveys. The vessel conducts bottom trawl, shrimp, plankton, right whale, and special project surveys along the U.S. Northeast coast. This role involve deck operations, equipment handling, vessel system maintenance, and crew support during scientific missions.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
<ul>
<li>Lead safe deployment and retrieval of scientific gear (nets, trawls, dredges, CTDs, grabs, probes, corers).</li>
<li>Perform net mending, trawl repair, and hydraulic equipment maintenance.</li>
<li>Operate and maintain vessel systems (engines, generators, hydraulics, electrical, deck machinery).</li>
<li>Operate deck equipment: derrick boom, trawl winch, net reel, and anchor windlass.</li>
<li>Stand wheelhouse and anchor watches, using navigation instruments (charts, GPS, RADAR, fathometers).</li>
<li>Assist with docking, line handling, and loading/unloading of supplies and scientific gear.</li>
<li>Support meal prep, housekeeping, and general shipboard duties.</li>
<li>Manage deck operations and safety while underway; follow OIC/JOIC orders during emergencies.</li>
<li>Work in all weather and sea conditions, performing strenuous physical tasks when required.</li>
<li>Submit end-of-cruise progress reports and communicate daily with vessel leadership.</li>
</ul>
REQUIREMENTS:
<ul>
<li>3+ years fishing or oceanographic experience with hydraulic gear, trawls, rigging, and net repair.</li>
<li>(AB Fishing Merchant Mariner Credential may reduce requirement to 1.5 years).</li>
<li>Positive, professional demeanor in close living quarters.</li>
<li>CPR/First Aid/AED certification (current).</li>
<li>Physical ability: lift/carry 55 lbs, work 12-hour days (occasional 20-hour days), maintain balance in heavy seas.</li>
<li>Training/experience per NOAA Small Boat Policy; mechanical/electrical/hydraulic skills highly desirable.</li>
<li>US Merchant Mariner Credential recommended but not required.</li>
</ul>

Deckhand Lead Level I

<h3>Job Description</h3>
Job Description
*US Citizenship Required
*Onsite at a NEFSC and aboard research vessels in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean
*Proposal Effort, Position is Subject to Contract Award
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Think Tank is seeking a motivated Biological Technician Level III to support NEFSC fishery-independent research surveys in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. These positions play a vital role in assessing the abundance, distribution, and diversity of fish and invertebrate species.
Technicians will participate in extended sea-going research cruises, assist with at-sea and shore-based biological sampling, maintain advanced survey equipment, and ensure high-quality data collection to support NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) research programs.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
<ul>
<li>Support annual research cruises (60–120 days at sea) by collecting biological and physical survey data.</li>
<li>Sort, identify, measure, and dissect fish and invertebrates; collect biological samples (age, growth, maturity, genetics, diet).</li>
<li>Operate and maintain data acquisition systems, acoustic/optical survey equipment, and sampling hardware.</li>
<li>Assist with vessel staging, gear inspection, supply preparation, and equipment calibration.</li>
<li>Perform QA/QC of survey data, manage fisheries databases, and maintain sampling inventories.</li>
<li>Annotate benthic imagery, process lab samples, and contribute to protocol development.</li>
<li>Develop outreach materials (manuals, newsletters, social media content) and support staff training.</li>
<li>Lead field teams, summarize/analyze survey data, and work independently with minimal supervision.</li>
</ul>
REQUIREMENTS:
<ul>
<li>2+ years experience identifying Northwest Atlantic fish and invertebrate species.</li>
<li>Experience aboard research vessels conducting fishery-independent surveys.</li>
<li>1+ year experience with bottom trawls and/or scallop/clam dredges.</li>
<li>1+ year experience with fishery sampling hardware (measuring boards, motion-compensated scales, barcode systems).</li>
<li>2+ years experience with electronic data acquisition systems.</li>
<li>2+ years or 100+ sea days (Shellfish &amp; Advanced Tech Programs) OR 200+ sea days (Bottom Trawl Survey Program).</li>
<li>Experience with acoustic net mensuration equipment (Scanmar, Simrad, Marport).</li>
<li>1+ year experience querying and summarizing data from relational databases (e.g., Oracle).</li>
<li>Strong leadership, QA/QC, and independent research skills.</li>
</ul>

Biological Technician Level III

<h3>Job Description</h3>
Job Description
*US Citizenship Required
*Onsite Position in Woods Hole, MA or Narragansett, RI
*Proposal Effort, Position is Subject to Contract Award
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Think Tank is seeking a Stock Assessment Developer Level III to support NOAA in conducting stock assessments for 50+ marine finfish and invertebrate stocks. These assessments are essential to providing reliable, science-based advice to fishery management partners and ensuring sustainable fisheries.
The position involves working on both Research Track Assessments-which explore new models, data, and methodologies-and Management Track Assessments, which provide routine, timely updates using vetted methods. The successful candidate will analyze a wide range of fishery-dependent and fishery-independent data, participate in assessment working groups, contribute to peer review processes, and help deliver critical science advice.
Field opportunities are also available, including at-sea survey support, habitat mapping, and biological sample collection.
RESPONSBILITIES:
<ul>
<li>Develop stock assessment plans that meet Terms of Reference.</li>
<li>Present assessment plans to oversight panels and incorporate feedback.</li>
<li>Analyze fisheries data, including:
<ul>
<li>Commercial and recreational landings/discards.</li>
<li>Fishery-independent surveys.</li>
<li>Biological data (age, growth, reproduction, stock ID, etc.).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Prepare draft working papers summarizing data, analyses, and model outputs with uncertainty estimates.</li>
<li>Participate in stock assessment working groups; present results and provide feedback on peer products.</li>
<li>Present stock assessment results to peer review panels and respond to technical questions.</li>
<li>Draft final stock assessment reports incorporating peer review recommendations.</li>
<li>Support delivery of science advice for fisheries management decisions.</li>
<li>Conduct at-sea survey activities as needed (survey design, HabCam calibration, image processing, biological sample prep and evaluation).</li>
</ul>
REQUIREMENTS:
<ul>
<li>Graduate degree in fisheries science, quantitative ecology, or related field plus 5 years of relevant experience. Advanced expertise with contemporary stock assessment models.</li>
<li>Experience analyzing and interpreting fisheries datasets.</li>
<li>Proficiency with stock assessment models (e.g., VPA, ASAP, Stock Synthesis).</li>
<li>Experience presenting technical results to diverse audiences.</li>
<li>Strong project management skills for complex scientific programs.</li>
<li>Ability to coordinate and lead multidisciplinary teams.</li>
<li>Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and visual).</li>
<li>Ability to work independently with strong time management.</li>
<li>Adaptability to shifting priorities and new challenges.</li>
<li>High attention to detail and commitment to scientific rigor.</li>
</ul>

Stock Assessment Developer Level III

<h3>Job Description</h3>
Job Description
*US Citizenship Required
*Onsite at a NEFSC and aboard research vessels in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean
*Proposal Effort, Position is Subject to Contract Award
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Think Tank is seeking a motivated Biological Technician Level II to support the NEFSC fishery-independent research surveys in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. These positions play a vital role in assessing the abundance, distribution, and diversity of fish and invertebrate species.
Technicians will participate in extended sea-going research cruises, assist with at-sea and shore-based biological sampling, maintain advanced survey equipment, and ensure high-quality data collection to support NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) research programs.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
<ul>
<li>Support annual research cruises (60–120 days at sea) by collecting biological and physical survey data.</li>
<li>Sort, identify, measure, and dissect fish and invertebrates; collect biological samples (age, growth, maturity, genetics, diet).</li>
<li>Operate and maintain data acquisition systems, acoustic/optical survey equipment, and sampling hardware.</li>
<li>Assist with vessel staging, gear inspection, supply preparation, and equipment calibration.</li>
<li>Perform QA/QC of survey data, manage fisheries databases, and maintain sampling inventories.</li>
<li>Annotate benthic imagery, process lab samples, and contribute to protocol development.</li>
<li>Develop outreach materials (manuals, newsletters, social media content) and support staff training.</li>
</ul>
REQUIREMENTS:
<ul>
<li>2+ years experience identifying Northwest Atlantic fish and invertebrate species.</li>
<li>Experience aboard research vessels conducting fishery-independent surveys.</li>
<li>1+ year experience with bottom trawls and/or scallop/clam dredges.</li>
<li>1+ year experience with fishery sampling hardware (measuring boards, motion-compensated scales, barcode systems).</li>
</ul>

Biological Technician Level II

<h3>Job Description</h3>
Job Description
*US Citizenship Required
*Remote Position with occasional domestic and international travel
*Proposal Effort, Position is Subject to Contract Award
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
NEFSC conducts vital research on Atlantic salmon and other fish species to inform conservation, management, and habitat restoration. Think Tank is seeking a Fisheries Research Analyst Level II to join our collaborative team and support a wide range of technical, analytical, and field projects.
This role combines field research, laboratory work, data analysis, and technical writing to advance the conservation of Atlantic salmon and other diadromous fish, such as American eel, river herring, shad, striped bass, and rainbow smelt. Analysts will work closely with federal, state, tribal, academic, and international partners to assess habitat quality, evaluate management strategies, and support domestic and international sampling programs.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
<ul>
<li>Conduct data synthesis, statistical analysis, and reporting on salmon and other fish population dynamics, habitat quality, and ecology.</li>
<li>Support development of management strategies, models, and user interfaces; contribute to technical reports and peer-reviewed publications.</li>
<li>Process and archive fish scale samples; support automation/machine learning for data efficiency.</li>
<li>Maintain databases, geo-spatial layers, analysis code, and technical documentation.</li>
<li>Participate in domestic and international fieldwork, including trawl surveys, trap/electrofishing monitoring, and salmon sampling.</li>
<li>Prepare, ship, and manage sampling kits and biological materials.</li>
<li>Travel up to 8 weeks/year for field assignments.</li>
<li>Work with state, tribal, federal, academic, and international partners.</li>
<li>Present findings at scientific meetings and workshops.</li>
<li>Provide monthly reports, synthesis notes, and updates to project leads.</li>
</ul>
REQUIREMENTS:
<ul>
<li>M.S. or Ph.D. in biological sciences, fisheries, natural resource management, or quantitative ecology.</li>
<li>At least 4 years of field/practical experience.</li>
<li>Proficiency in advanced statistical methods and modeling.</li>
<li>Experience with computerized data entry and data auditing.</li>
<li>Medical clearance and safety certifications (as required for fieldwork).</li>
<li>Experience collaborating with state, tribal, and academic partners.</li>
<li>Demonstrated technical and scientific writing experience (preferably with publications).</li>
<li>Proficiency with statistical software (R, Matlab, Statgraphics, or similar).</li>
<li>First Aid/CPR certification (Red Cross or American Heart Association).</li>
<li>Valid driver's license and passport (6+ months from task completion).</li>
<li>Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace tools.</li>
<li>Strong time management, attention to detail, and communication skills.</li>
<li>Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work independently or in teams.</li>
<li>Willingness to travel domestically (1–4 weeks at a time) and internationally (up to 3 weeks annually).</li>
</ul>

Fisheries Research Analyst Level II

<h3>Job Description</h3>
Job Description
*US Citizenship Required
*Remote Position with occasional domestic and international travel
*Proposal Effort, Position is Subject to Contract Award
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
NEFSC conducts vital research on Atlantic salmon and other fish species to inform conservation, management, and habitat restoration. Think Tank is seeking a Fisheries Research Analyst Level I to join our collaborative team and support a wide range of technical, analytical, and field projects.
This role combines field research, laboratory work, data analysis, and technical writing to advance the conservation of Atlantic salmon and other diadromous fish, such as American eel, river herring, shad, striped bass, and rainbow smelt. Analysts will work closely with federal, state, tribal, academic, and international partners to assess habitat quality, evaluate management strategies, and support domestic and international sampling programs.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
<ul>
<li>Conduct data synthesis, statistical analysis, and reporting on salmon and other fish population dynamics, habitat quality, and ecology.</li>
<li>Support development of management strategies, models, and user interfaces; contribute to technical reports and peer-reviewed publications.</li>
<li>Process and archive fish scale samples; support automation/machine learning for data efficiency.</li>
<li>Maintain databases, geo-spatial layers, analysis code, and technical documentation.</li>
<li>Participate in domestic and international fieldwork, including trawl surveys, trap/electrofishing monitoring, and salmon sampling.</li>
<li>Prepare, ship, and manage sampling kits and biological materials.</li>
<li>Travel up to 8 weeks/year for field assignments.</li>
<li>Work with state, tribal, federal, academic, and international partners.</li>
<li>Present findings at scientific meetings and workshops.</li>
<li>Provide monthly reports, synthesis notes, and updates to project leads.</li>
</ul>
REQUIREMENTS:
<ul>
<li>B.A./B.S. or M.S. in biological sciences, natural resource management, fisheries, or quantitative ecology.</li>
<li>At least 2 years of relevant field or practical experience.</li>
<li>Familiarity with basic ecological and biometric statistical methods.</li>
<li>Experience with computerized data entry and data auditing.</li>
<li>Medical clearance and safety certifications (as required for fieldwork).</li>
<li>Experience collaborating with state, tribal, and academic partners.</li>
<li>Demonstrated technical and scientific writing experience (preferably with publications).</li>
<li>Proficiency with statistical software (R, Matlab, Statgraphics, or similar).</li>
<li>First Aid/CPR certification (Red Cross or American Heart Association).</li>
<li>Valid driver's license and passport (6+ months from task completion).</li>
<li>Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace tools.</li>
<li>Strong time management, attention to detail, and communication skills.</li>
<li>Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work independently or in teams.</li>
<li>Willingness to travel domestically (1–4 weeks at a time) and internationally (up to 3 weeks annually).</li>
</ul>

Fisheries Research Analyst Level I

<h3>Job Description</h3>
Job Description
*US Citizenship Required
*Onsite Position in Woods Hole, MA or Narragansett, RI
*Proposal Effort, Position is Subject to Contract Award
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Think Tank is seeking a Stock Assessment Developer Level I to support NOAA in conducting stock assessments for 50+ marine finfish and invertebrate stocks. These assessments are essential to providing reliable, science-based advice to fishery management partners and ensuring sustainable fisheries.
The position involves working on both Research Track Assessments-which explore new models, data, and methodologies-and Management Track Assessments, which provide routine, timely updates using vetted methods. The successful candidate will analyze a wide range of fishery-dependent and fishery-independent data, participate in assessment working groups, contribute to peer review processes, and help deliver critical science advice.
Field opportunities are also available, including at-sea survey support, habitat mapping, and biological sample collection.
RESPONSBILITIES:
<ul>
<li>Develop stock assessment plans that meet Terms of Reference.</li>
<li>Present assessment plans to oversight panels and incorporate feedback.</li>
<li>Analyze fisheries data, including:
<ul>
<li>Commercial and recreational landings/discards.</li>
<li>Fishery-independent surveys.</li>
<li>Biological data (age, growth, reproduction, stock ID, etc.).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Prepare draft working papers summarizing data, analyses, and model outputs with uncertainty estimates.</li>
<li>Participate in stock assessment working groups; present results and provide feedback on peer products.</li>
<li>Present stock assessment results to peer review panels and respond to technical questions.</li>
<li>Draft final stock assessment reports incorporating peer review recommendations.</li>
<li>Support delivery of science advice for fisheries management decisions.</li>
<li>Conduct at-sea survey activities as needed (survey design, HabCam calibration, image processing, biological sample prep and evaluation).</li>
</ul>
REQUIREMENTS:
<ul>
<li>Bachelor's degree in fisheries science, quantitative ecology, database management, or related field. Experience analyzing and summarizing fisheries data.</li>
<li>Experience analyzing and interpreting fisheries datasets.</li>
<li>Proficiency with stock assessment models (e.g., VPA, ASAP, Stock Synthesis).</li>
<li>Experience presenting technical results to diverse audiences.</li>
<li>Strong project management skills for complex scientific programs.</li>
<li>Ability to coordinate and lead multidisciplinary teams.</li>
<li>Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and visual).</li>
<li>Ability to work independently with strong time management.</li>
<li>Adaptability to shifting priorities and new challenges.</li>
<li>High attention to detail and commitment to scientific rigor.</li>
</ul>

Stock Assessment Developer Level I

<h3>Job Description</h3>
Job Description
*US Citizenship Required
*Onsite Position at NEFSC Facility and aboard research vessels in Northwest Atlantic Ocean
*Proposal Effort, Position is Subject to Contract Award
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Think Tank is seeking a Deckhand Assistant Level II to support marine biological and oceanographic surveys. The vessel conducts bottom trawl, shrimp, plankton, right whale, and special project surveys along the U.S. Northeast coast. The Deckhand Assistant provide hands-on support for deck operations, equipment handling, vessel maintenance, and crew support during scientific missions.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
<ul>
<li>Assist in deploying and retrieving sampling gear (nets, trawls, dredges, CTDs, probes, grabs).</li>
<li>Support meal prep, housekeeping, and general shipboard duties.</li>
<li>Load/unload ship's stores, supplies, and scientific equipment.</li>
<li>Assist with docking, line handling, and anchor/watch duties.</li>
<li>Support vessel maintenance, repair, and trawl/hydraulic gear upkeep.</li>
<li>Ensure safe and efficient deck operations; follow OIC/JOIC orders in emergencies.</li>
<li>Communicate effectively and work as a team member in all sea/weather conditions.</li>
<li>Submit end-of-cruise progress reports and maintain daily communication with leadership.</li>
</ul>
REQUIREMENTS:
<ul>
<li>3+ years trawling experience with hydraulic winches, cranes, and windlasses.</li>
<li>Experience deploying/retrieving bottom or midwater trawls, rigging, and net repair.</li>
<li>(AB Fishing Merchant Mariner Credential may reduce requirement to 1.5 years).</li>
<li>Positive, professional demeanor in close living quarters.</li>
<li>CPR/First Aid/AED certification (current)</li>
<li>Training/experience per NOAA Small Boat Policy.</li>
<li>US Merchant Mariner Credential recommended but not required.</li>
<li>Physical ability: lift/carry 55 lbs, work 12-hour days (occasional 20-hour days), maintain balance in heavy seas, work in varied weather, and handle sea sickness if it occurs. </li>
</ul>

Deckhand Assistant Level II

<h3>Job Description</h3>
Job Description
*US Citizenship Required
*Remote Position
*Proposal Effort, Position is Subject to Contract Award
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Think Tank is seeking a Data Entry &amp; Analysis Specialist to support NOAA with providing high-quality data entry, management, and analysis services focused on fisheries and human interactions with protected species (including cetaceans, seabirds, sea turtles, seals, and fish).
The role requires accuracy in handling field and fisheries data, strong analytical skills, and the ability to support conservation research by assessing bycatch impacts, characterizing fishery practices, and evaluating mitigation measures.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
<ul>
<li>Enter, organize, and validate fisheries and protected species interaction data with high accuracy.</li>
<li>
Work with team leads to identify and resolve data inconsistencies and recording issues.
</li>
<li>
Assist with routine data audits and quality checks.
</li>
<li>
Describe and assess the impact of bycatch and other human-related threats to protected species.
</li>
<li>
Characterize relationships between bycatch and fishing gear/procedures.
</li>
<li>
Develop and evaluate potential mitigation measures to reduce risks.
</li>
<li>
Measure the effectiveness of existing and proposed mitigation strategies.
</li>
<li>
Report progress, issues, and recommendations to the Government Project Lead.
</li>
<li>
Participate in program planning and management in a collaborative team environment.
</li>
<li>
Support development of performance metrics, milestones, and resource strategies.
</li>
<li>
Contribute to communication, documentation, and reporting needs for scientific programs.
</li>
</ul>
REQUIREMENTS:
<ul>
<li>At least 1 year of relevant experience (data management, analysis, or fisheries/marine research).</li>
<li>
Demonstrated accuracy in numerical data entry
</li>
<li>
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
</li>
<li>
Proficient in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Drive, Calendar, etc.).
</li>
<li>
Proficient in R and/or other statistical software.
</li>
<li>
Strong organizational skills with ability to track progress, meet deadlines, and seek help when needed.
</li>
<li>
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
</li>
<li>
Experience in program planning and team collaboration.
</li>
<li>
Experience with marine fisheries information programs or other science-based programs.
</li>
</ul>

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