Benthic Biologist

This position directly supports NOAA's mission to explore and characterize deep-ocean environments by advancing scientific understanding of benthic ecosystems and the biological communities that inhabit the seafloor.

• Support scientific investigations focused on benthic habitats, deep-sea ecosystems, and marine biodiversity.
• Analyze and interpret biological observations collected during ocean exploration missions.
• Identify and characterize benthic organisms and habitat features using imagery, biological samples, and scientific datasets.
• Contribute to habitat characterization and ecological assessments supporting NOAA exploration objectives.

• Support planning and execution of ocean exploration missions involving benthic observations and biological sampling.
• Assist with biological specimen documentation, cataloging, and scientific data management.
• Collaborate with expedition teams to ensure accurate documentation of biological observations.

• Collaborate with marine biologists, geoscientists, GIS specialists, engineers, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Support preparation of technical reports, scientific publications, presentations, and briefing materials.
• Participate in scientific meetings, workshops, and collaborative research activities.

• Maintain biological datasets, metadata, and documentation in accordance with NOAA quality standards.
• Support quality assurance and quality control of scientific data.
• Contribute to standardized scientific workflows and documentation.
• Advanced degree in Marine Biology, Ecology, Oceanography, Zoology, Environmental Science, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting marine ecological research or environmental science programs.
• Knowledge of benthic ecology, marine taxonomy, habitat characterization, or deep-sea biology.
• Experience supporting NOAA, academic institutions, or marine research organizations.
• Experience interpreting biological datasets and preparing scientific documentation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Occasional domestic travel may be required to support scientific meetings, workshops, planning sessions, training activities, or other program requirements consistent with contract needs.
• Experience interpreting ROV imagery or underwater video is preferred.
• Experience contributing to peer-reviewed publications or scientific reports is preferred.
• Experience identifying deep-sea invertebrates, corals, sponges, or other benthic fauna is preferred.
• Experience supporting ocean exploration or habitat characterization initiatives is preferred.

• Benthic Ecology
• Deep-Sea Biology
• Marine Taxonomy
• Habitat Characterization

• Ecological Assessment
• Metadata Management
• Scientific Writing
• Technical Presentations

Compensation: The anticipated salary range for this position depends on the candidate's qualifications, relevant scientific experience, education, and overall experience supporting similar federal programs.

Competitive base salary with opportunities for advancement, career growth and professional development, work-life balance, comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), generous PTO, and paid federal holidays.

If you are passionate about deep-sea ecology, marine biodiversity, and advancing scientific discovery through ocean exploration, we encourage you to apply and help expand our understanding of Earth's least explored environments!

@Orchard is an equal opportunity employer.

We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.

To learn more about our other exciting opportunities, visit our Jobs Page at www.atorchard.com .