Survey Watch Stander / Video Annotator Level I (Mesophotic Deep Benthic Communities Survey)

*US Citizenship Required

*Position is Subject to Contract Award

SEFSC-PEMD personnel are critical collaborators in restoration work in response to the 2010 DWH oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. This aspect of the project involves surveying mesophotic and deep benthic reef communities (50 - 1800 m in depth). The survey utilizes a variety of survey platforms (e.g. ROV, AUV) to detect, classify and enumerate assemblages of corals, sponges, octocorals, crustaceans, mollusks, fishes and other fauna. Tasks should include: Survey Watch Stander for Mesophotic Deep Benthic Communities (MDBC) surveys conducted on NOAA Ships and Small Research Vessels and participate on other PEMD resource surveys, as requested.

a) Survey Duties

Tasks shall include but is not limited to:

• Knowledgeable in data collection MDBC SOPs, and execution of at-sea mapping and ground truthing missions as Field Party Chief or Watch Leader.


• Pre- and post-survey inventory and maintenance of equipment and gear.


• Conducting data collection, biological and/or environmental sampling and logging and processing data and/or samples under field conditions, as required and according to prescribed MDBC SOP.


• Complete incident reporting procedures as necessary in accordance with applicable NOAA Small Boat Program requirements (small boat operations only)

b) Laboratory Duties

Video Annotation roles require subject matter expertise on biota associated with Mesophotic/Deep Reefs of the Gulf of America. Primary duties focus on video annotation to derive habitat and fish detection and enumeration. Collected video data is annotated using a semi-automated multi-stage process including 1) automated processing using C-Vision tools, 2) human-in-the-loop review and correction, 3) data review and QA/QC, 4) data output/ingest into GCRF Oracle databases, 4) updating GitHUB data for updates and project management.

• Subject matter expert for identifying marine fishes in all life stages from mesophotic and deep reef habitats of the Gulf of America.


• Video annotation, review, and data QA/QC of ROV-based footage.


• Management of review and tracking sheets.


• Updating project management tools for status updates.


• Updating annotation tracking sheets.

c) Data Management Support

Video Annotation duties involve basic duties including data entry, QA/QC, and validation. In the near future these will also include determining and setting standards for automated data outputs to ensure interoperability and democratization of datasets.

• Utilize inventory of existing bathymetric information in U.S. EEZ of Gulf of Mexico between 50 and 1800 m into MDBC database. Task to be coordinated with NCEI and NCCOS-Biogeography Branch.


• Inputs and corrects data in MDBC database, associated data entry applications and MDBC survey SOP (including metadata).


• Input updates into video annotation projects management tools.

d) Analytical Support

Video Annotation roles include basic duties of data preparation and validation prior to analysis, assisting in drafting reports and manuscripts, and review.

• Maintain knowledge of relevant scientific literature, provide support for data analyses and develop data summaries.


• Maintain updates in analysis projects using project management tool.


• Develop basic data reports, and presentations. Assist in preparing graphs and visuals from survey outcomes.

e) Outreach and Education

Participate in public outreach and education efforts. Examples of outreach and education activities include marine science education at local schools, participating as judges for local science fairs, conducting and participating in outreach and education tours of the SEFSC facilities and NOAA ships (in conjunction with federal employees), manning of outreach booths at local fairs and festivals.

• MS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study or BS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus 1 (1) years of relevant experience.


• Computer literate and experienced with common word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs. Capable of writing reports at the college level and making oral presentations.


• Experience as data collector on at sea surveys. Knowledge and skills in using software that handles data streams for hydrological, and biological data.


• Proficient in the use of fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification books and keys. Knowledge and identification of reef taxa from the Gulf of America.


• Expert knowledge of major structure forming invertebrates found in mesophotic and deep benthic communities of the Gulf of America.


• Knowledge of procedures when encountering endangered or threatened species.


• Sea going contractors who participate on research cruises on Office of Marine and Aviation Operations' NOAA ships will be required to annually/biennially (age dependent) submit a NOAA Health Services Questionnaire (NOAA Form 57- 10-01) and Tuberculosis Screening Form (NOAA Form NF 57-10-02) to OMAO health services to determine fitness for sea duty. Sea going contractors must have a current tetanus vaccine (once every 10 years).