Active-Acoustic Data Scientist

Ecosystem Survey Branch (ESB) Support Services

Falmouth, MA (WHOI); Pocasset, MA; and Narragansett, RI

This role assists with active-acoustic data analysis and/or communication of analyses and results for the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). 

Join @Orchard in supporting a critical national mission with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). This opportunity places you at the forefront of marine science and innovation, working within the Population and Ecosystems Monitoring and Analysis Division (PEMAD), specifically the Ecosystem Surveys Branch (ESB).

Our team contributes to NOAA’s long-term acoustic monitoring and ecosystem assessment work by advancing the use of cloud-based tools and data science techniques. From using sonar to analyze species distribution to applying artificial intelligence and machine learning, you’ll help modernize how NOAA interprets ocean data and informs sustainable fisheries management.

@Orchard is actively seeking an Active-Acoustic Data Scientist to provide sea-going, analytical, and computational support for NOAA’s acoustic survey missions. In this role, you’ll apply advanced data analytics, machine learning, and cloud-based workflows to acoustic datasets collected aboard NOAA vessels and from research partners.

You’ll collaborate with a dynamic team of scientists, analysts, and survey staff to process large-scale marine datasets and communicate results to stakeholders through reports, visualizations, and presentations. If you're excited by applied science, acoustic data innovation, and the opportunity to conduct research at sea, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of ecosystem-based fisheries science.

Key Responsibilities

As an Active-Acoustic Data Scientist, you will contribute to advanced acoustic research supporting NOAA’s long-term marine ecosystem monitoring. Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with active-acoustic data analysis on data collected by the NEFSC and/or academic, governmental, and industry partners.
• Supporting the collection of physical and biological fishery-independent data at sea during marine resource surveys.
• Providing aid with the sorting, identification, measurement, and dissection of fish and invertebrates collected during marine research cruises.
• Utilizing research vessel-based electronic data acquisition systems for the collection of both physical and biological fishery-independent survey data.
• Assisting with the administration and troubleshooting of electronic data acquisition systems used during fishery-independent research cruises.
• Assisting with report, manuscript, and presentation preparation.
• Communicating analyses and results at scientific conferences and meetings with academic, governmental, and industry partners through presentations, posters, or other digital media.
• Serving as a member of the scientific party, standing watch for up to 12 hours per day.
• Aiding with general shipboard sampling activities, organization, and clean-up.
• Assisting with developing and applying advanced analytical methods, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to acoustic and supplemental data (e.g., biological, oceanographic).
• Developing and applying analyses in the Fisheries Google Cloud Workspace (i.e., in the cloud).

Required Experience and Qualifications:

Ideal candidates will bring a combination of data science, acoustic analysis, and marine survey expertise, including:

• Proficiency with custom-written and commercially available data analysis software.
• Proficiency with programming in open-source computer software, such as Python 3, Perl, and R.
• Significant experience with post-processing active-acoustic data.
• Proficiency with machine learning, artificial intelligence, and/or advanced analytical methods.
• Proficiency with working in the cloud (e.g., Google Cloud Workspace).
• Proficiency with Echoview post-processing software.
• Current MS Office and Google Workspace skills.

Essential Conditions of Employment

• Sea-Readiness: Capacity to work at sea for extended periods (trips generally range from 5 to 17 consecutive days).
• Medical Clearance: Ability to meet NOAA’s OMAO health criteria for sea duty.
• Driver's License: A valid Real ID state driver’s license and eligibility to operate a federal vehicle.

This position includes authorized overtime, travel, and training as required by the project scope. If you are ready to contribute to a vital environmental mission, we encourage you to apply.

Established in 2010, @Orchard LLC has an exceptional reputation, providing staffing solutions to time-sensitive, talent scarcity issues to deliver better talent management ROI.  Our specialty lies in the critical area of program talent acquisition and resource management, not in one narrow skillset, but across many areas of technical and functional delivery. To learn more about our other exciting opportunities, visit our Jobs Page at www.atOrchard.com.