Position Function:
This primary function of this position will be to participate in data collection efforts for research
projects focused on the conservation and management of the queen conch (Aliger gigas). These
activities include conducting fishery-independent surveys, population assessments, collecting
tissues for genomic connectivity, and entering and managing datasets compiled during these
activities. The secondary function is to support additional research activities of Habitat Ecology
Branch scientists at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center Galveston Laboratory as needed.
Salary Grade: 13
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The Northern Gulf Institute (NGI) is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Institute comprised of six academic institutions that are geographically distributed across the U.S. Gulf Coast states. The six NGI member institutions are Mississippi State University (lead), the University of Southern Mississippi, Florida State University, Louisiana State University, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and the Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory. Together with NOAA and in support of their strategic plan, NGI conducts research on interconnections among Gulf of Mexico environments, habitats, resources, and people and engages in outreach to help others learn about and make decisions based on these interconnections.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Participate in fishery-independent surveys of queen conch populations by traveling to
selected jurisdictions and safely conducting SCUBA diving and snorkel operations as
needed
Comply with all diving safety regulations as specified in the NOAA Diving Standards
and Safety Manual and follow any additional instructions from the Unit Dive Supervisor
at the Galveston Lab
Maintain diving proficiency and current status as a NOAA diver
Assist project Principal Investigators (PIs) with resource surveys and sample collection
including field trip and logistical planning, coordinating with trip participants,
maintaining gear, and packing field equipment
Enter data collected in the field and in the lab into approved formats and database
applications, conduct quality control reviews of entered data sets, store hard copies in
secure locations, and ensure that completed databases are stored and backed up
appropriately
Assist PIs in the laboratory as needed by sorting and identifying nekton and benthic
macroinfauna collected from field samples
Minimum Qualifications:
B.S. or B.A. in biological sciences or related fields
Current qualifications and status as a NOAA Diver
Knowledge of the ecology and life history parameters of queen conch
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience conducting fishery-independent population surveys of queen conch using
SCUBA or snorkel protocols
Experience collecting tissue samples from queen conch individuals underwater while on
SCUBA or snorkel
Experience operating and working on small boats carrying divers and sampling
equipment in inshore and nearshore coastal waters
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
In-depth knowledge of queen conch biology and ecology in U.S. and Caribbean waters
Ability to lead and work well in a collaborative team environment while conducting field
work
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision to complete project goals and
objectives
Exceptional organizational skills
Demonstrated knowledge and skill with computer programs including Microsoft Office
and the Google application suite
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Able and willing to spend long days on small boats, potentially in adverse weather
conditions
Able and willing to work on a flexible schedule, including overnight trips, weekends,
evenings, and holidays
Field work involves considerable physical activity, particularly during SCUBA diving
operations conducted on small boats; heavy lifting of objects up to 50 pounds is required.
The work location will be NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center Galveston Laboratory
located in Galveston, TX. Extended travel to locations along the Gulf Coast (i.e., Florida,
Louisiana) and throughout the Caribbean is required several times per year.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Apply online by submitting a cover letter, resume, and a copy of your transcript(s). Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
