• Job Description

  Req#: JR101500
  Job Requisition:
  JR101500 Research Assistant (Open)
  
  Job Posting Title:
  Research Assistant
  
  Department:
  CC00497 VIMS1 | RADV | Natural Resources
  
  Job Family:
  Staff - Lab & Research Support
  
  Worker Sub Type:
  Wage-Temporary (requires end date - non-benefited) (Fixed Term) (Fixed Term)
  
  Job Requisition Primary Location:
  Nunnally Hall/Fisheries Science
  
  Primary Job Posting Location:
  Nunnally Hall/Fisheries Science
  
  Job Description Summary:
  The mission of William & Mary's Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service. The Batten School & VIMS make seminal advances in understanding coastal and marine systems through research and discovery, translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance, and provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with an education of unsurpassed quality.
  The Recruitment Surveys Program, within the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) Section for Natural Resources, contributes to the understanding of the recruitment processes of coastal and marine fishes of the mid-Atlantic region by conducting high-quality research investigations.
  
  Job Description:
  
  Research Assistants perform a variety of routine, non-technical duties in assisting technical and professional personnel in field and/or research laboratories. They follow a structured schedule in performing simple, repetitive tasks under the immediate supervision of higher-level research personnel. Typical duties may include washing and sterilizing glassware and equipment; collecting, preparing and processing samples and support of field work. They primarily work as a member of a team. They work under general supervision, resolving basic issues independently and referring more complex issues to a manager.
  
  The VIMS Juvenile Striped Bass Seine Survey (based in Gloucester Point, VA) is tasked with monitoring the annual recruitment success of juvenile Striped Bass in the spawning and nursery areas of lower Chesapeake Bay. The Research Assistant supports the VIMS Juvenile Striped Bass Seine Survey by assisting in field operations conducted in the James, York, and Rappahannock river estuaries and may assist with other fisheries monitoring programs around Chesapeake Bay.
  
  Responsibilities include:
  
  • Assist with deploying a 100-ft beach seine net, which involves pulling the net in waist-deep or chest-deep water, occasionally in unfavorable conditions.
  • Assist with identifying, measuring, and counting fishes and recording environmental data in a tablet computer.
  • Assist with processing of laboratory samples using established protocols.
  • Remove and prepare fish otoliths for recent growth estimates.
  • Maintain gear and assist with other projects or work as assigned.
  
  
  Required Qualifications
  
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license, with a good driving record.
  • Ability to follow defined procedures and guidelines under direct supervision
  • Some knowledge of basic lab safety
  • Knowledge of the scientific method and laboratory procedures.
  • Physically able to pull a 100 ft beach seine net in up to 4 ft of water.
  • Physically able to move equipment and supplies of up to 50 lbs.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work successfully as a team player.
  • Able to work outdoors for long periods of time occasionally in adverse conditions with little to no protection from the elements.
  • Able to resist motion sickness during extensive hours in the field and on the water.
  • Familiar with fish identification or other general taxonomic experience.
  • Proficiency with computer applications, including data entry skills.
  
  
  Preferred Qualifications
  
  • College-level courses in biology, Ecology, or equivalent
  • Knowledge of Fisheries Science
  • Knowledge of Chesapeake Bay fishes
  • Knowledge of basic sanitation techniques, laboratory and field safety procedures, research procedures, and use of laboratory equipment
  • Handling and collecting organisms in the field.
  • Experience with identifying juvenile Chesapeake Bay fishes.
  • Demonstrated experience with small vessel operations (launching, landing, and trailering) is desirable.
  
  
  Salary-$16.00 per hour
  
  Conditions of Employment
  
  • This position is a temporary (hourly) position not to exceed 6 months. All hourly employees are subject to the limitations of the Virginia Manpower Control Program and total hours worked may not exceed on average 29 hours per week, over the course of a twelve month period beginning May 1 each year.
  • This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. This position is subject to overtime as directed and approved by the supervisor.
  • Must be able to swim and tolerate inclement weather conditions and to resist motion sickness during 8 - 12 hours in a boat/truck, and comfortably able to successfully perform assigned responsibilities.
  • Must be physically able to pull seine and help move equipment and supplies (weighing up to 50 lbs.)
  • Must possess a valid driver's license, with a good driving record.
  • This is a restricted position, subject to the continued availability of funding.
  
  
  Core Duties and Responsibilities:
  
  Lab (30%)
  
  • Perform general lab maintenance by cleaning, and sterilizing instruments, surfaces, glassware, and equipment;
  • Wrap, label, and prepare specimens; and
  • Set up and monitor equipment
  • Follow standard operating procedures.
  • Measure and weigh collected specimens
  • Remove and prepare fish otoliths for recent growth estimates.
  • Accurately record data
  
  
  Field (60%)
  
  • Participate and provide support for field work, as assigned.
  
  
  Other (10%)
  
  • Mend seine net as needed.
  • Inventory survey supplies.
  • Aid other projects in the lab, as needed.
  
  
  Additional Job Description:
  
  Job Profile:
  JP0064 - Laboratory & Research Aide - Nonexempt - Hourly - H02
  
  Qualifications:
  
  Pay Rate Type:
  Hourly
  
  Compensation Grade:
  H02
  
  Recruiting Start Date:
  2026-03-25
  
  Review Date:
  2026-04-15
  
  Position Restrictions:
  
  EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https:// www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal
  
  Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
  
  Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor's ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.

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