Data Analyst – Active Acoustic Marine Study

Falmouth, MA (WHOI), Narragansett, RI (some vessel-based work required)

This role will involve extended periods at sea working on NOAA research vessels and those of commercial partners.

 Join @Orchard and play a pivotal role in advancing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) mission to sustainably manage our nation's marine resources. As a key member of a project supporting the Northeast Fisheries Science Center's (NEFSC) Ecosystems Surveys Branch, you will be at the forefront of modern marine science.

Your expertise in active acoustics will allow us to "see" beneath the ocean's surface, transforming sound into data to quantify fish populations, understand their behavior, and map their habitats. This non-invasive scientific approach is invaluable for producing robust stock assessments and supporting ecosystem-based management. You will directly contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the Northwest Atlantic ecosystem, providing insights that are critical for its long-term health and stewardship.

 @Orchard is seeking a skilled and adaptable Data Analyst to support pioneering active-acoustic research. This is a unique hybrid position that blends sophisticated shoreside data processing with vital, hands-on participation in at-sea research surveys.

You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of acoustic data—from its collection aboard NOAA vessels to its complex post-processing, analysis, and communication to the wider scientific community. If you are a data-savvy scientist with a passion for the marine environment and proficiency in programming and specialized software like Echoview, this role offers a compelling opportunity to contribute directly to cutting-edge fisheries science.

 Key Responsibilities

Your duties will be a mix of detailed analysis, collaborative fieldwork, and scientific communication.

Data Analysis & Interpretation

• Perform post-processing and in-depth analysis of active-acoustic datasets collected by the NEFSC and its academic, governmental, and industry partners.
• Utilize custom-written and commercially available software, with a primary focus on Echoview.
• Assist with the administration and troubleshooting of electronic data acquisition systems both at sea and ashore.

Field Operations & At-Sea Support

• Participate in research cruises to support the collection of physical, biological, and acoustic data.
• Serve as an active member of the scientific party, standing watch for up to 12 hours per day.
• Assist with the sorting, identification, measurement, and dissection of fish and invertebrates, which is essential for validating acoustic data ("ground-truthing").
• Assist with general shipboard sampling activities, organization, and clean-up.

Scientific Communication & Collaboration

• Assist with the preparation of technical reports, scientific manuscripts, and presentations that summarize analytical results.
• Communicate analyses and key findings at scientific conferences and meetings through presentations, posters, or other digital media.

Required Experience & Qualifications

Technical & Analytical Qualifications

• Significant, demonstrated experience with post-processing active-acoustic data.
• High proficiency with Echoview post-processing software is required.
• Proven experience with programming in open-source computer software, such as Python 3, Perl, and/or R.
• General proficiency with both custom-written and commercially available data analysis software.
• Current proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Essential Conditions of Employment

• Must meet the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) health criteria for sea duty on NOAA vessels.
• Must be capable of working at sea for extended periods (research trips typically range from 5 to 17 consecutive days).
• Must hold a valid Real ID state driver’s license and be able to operate a federal motor vehicle.
• Must provide medical documentation of a passed Tuberculosis (TB) test (PPD) within the last 12 months.
• Must be able to work from primary locations in Falmouth, MA and Narragansett, RI.

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.