Equipment and Gear Support Specialist

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

This role will assist the ESB Net Loft staff with the construction, maintenance, and repair of scientific survey fishing gear used on ESB research surveys and research projects 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 within the Population and Ecosystems Monitoring and Analysis Division (PEMAD), specifically the Ecosystem Surveys Branch (ESB), where the integrity of gear and equipment is foundational to scientific accuracy.

Our team conducts standardized marine surveys across the Northwest Atlantic, and the quality of the scientific gear used is essential to collecting consistent, fishery-independent data. From trawl nets to specialized hardware, every component must be expertly maintained and carefully prepared for sea duty.

@Orchard is actively seeking a skilled Equipment and Gear Support Specialist to assist with the assembly, repair, and transport of survey gear used during NOAA ecosystem research cruises. This role combines hands-on craftsmanship with field-based support, offering the chance to contribute to long-term fisheries monitoring and scientific excellence.

As part of this team, you’ll work alongside experienced gear technicians and marine scientists, both onshore at the Pocasset Net Loft and at sea on NOAA research vessels. If you're mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, and ready to play a vital role in the success of NOAA's survey missions, this is your opportunity to get in the field and make a difference.

Key Responsibilities

As an Equipment and Gear Support Specialist, your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with the staging, transportation, unloading, and installation of scientific survey gear and other equipment and supplies for ESB surveys and research projects.  
• Participating in ESB research cruises for up to 60 days at sea per year.
• Aiding in the construction, maintenance, and repair of scientific fishing gear used on Ecosystems Surveys Branch research surveys and projects.
• Assembling or making appropriate repairs to survey and research fishing gear based on assessment of damage and wear, ensuring adherence to all established standards and protocols.
• Assisting with inspections and measurements on fishing and sampling gear to ensure adherence to established standards and protocols.
• Assisting with the staging, transportation, unloading, and installation of scientific survey gear and other equipment and supplies for ESB surveys and research projects.
• Assisting with resupplying scientific fishing gear, materials, and hardware as required during field activities.
• Assisting efforts to maintain an inventory of all scientific sampling gear and up-to-date records of all scientific gear repairs and gear inspections.
• Assisting with routine efforts to ensure a clean, safe, and efficient workspace at the Pocasset Net Loft.
• Participating in resource surveys or gear standardization surveys for a period of up to 60 days at sea per year.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

To be successful in this role, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience with the assembly and repair of bottom trawl and/or scallop fishing gear. 
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience with the scheduling and transportation of fishing or research sampling equipment.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience maintaining an inventory of fishing or research equipment and repairs. 
• Current MS Office skills.

Essential Conditions of Employment

• Sea-Readiness: Capable of working at sea for extended periods (100 to 140 days annually).
• Medical Clearance: Must meet OMAO health criteria [AM1] for sea duty on NOAA vessels.  
• Driver's License: Hold a valid state driver's license with the ability to operate a Federal motor 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.