Additional Fisheries Observer Trainer Needed
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Integrated Statistics is looking for another Fisheries Observer
Trainer to work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Fisheries Sampling Branch (FSB)
Northeast Fisheries Observer Program (NEFOP).
The Fisheries Observer Trainer works with the fisheries
observers who are sampling onboard commercial fishing vessels from Maine to
North Carolina, USA. The data that is collected by observers is tracked,
edited, audited and uploaded to a master database, so it can be provided to a
variety of end-users and stakeholders for use in fisheries management decision
making. The terms “NEFOP” and “observers” are used to refer to all sea samplers
and programs at the Fisheries Sampling Branch.
To maintain adequate observer coverage, observer training
sessions are conducted on a semi-regular basis. The training sessions certify
observers/monitors for NEFOP, At-Sea Monitoring Program (ASM), and Industry
Funded Scallop Program (IFS), though new programs and certifications may evolve
in response to scientific, management, and industry needs.
Trainers are based at the Observer Training Center in
Falmouth, MA, though some training sessions may be conducted off-site and so
some travel is required.
The trainer’s responsibilities include:
- Acting as a Lead Instructor for NEFOP fishery-specific
protocol instructions, and as a secondary instructor for other fishery
protocols as needed.
- Training observers on a number of program
protocols, by preparing and delivering presentations and observer materials that
effectively teach observers how to use program logs and protocols. Fisheries
Observer Trainers may be required to teach various NEFOP components (NEFOP
Observer, Industry Funded Scallop Observer, At-Sea-Monitors, etc.).
- Assisting in developing electronic data
collection protocols, and training and instructing observers in the use of
electronic data collection hardware/software.
- Performing training trips, acting as lead
instructor during trainings.
- Assisting with the development and updating of
training curriculum and presentations.
- Assisting with the organization and coordination
of training materials, supplies, grades, agendas, schedules, logistics, travel,
training workshops (local and exportable), and invited participants.
- Performing data debriefer duties to become
familiar with protocols for all observed fisheries.
- Developing methods to improve training, i.e.
developing new training aids, analyzing observer performance, and developing new
training methods including assisting in development of an e-learning program.
- Assisting with monitoring observer performance
once new trained observers begin training trips, and working with NEFOP data
debriefers to track performance.
- Providing student evaluations and continuous
feedback to the Training Lead on each training session.
- Working with NEFOP staff in the development of
new protocols.
- Communicating with newly trained observers to
obtain feedback to be used to improve future training sessions.
- Completing observer certifications and perform
observer duties at sea (up to five trips per year) to gain familiarity with
protocols, data collection, observer responsibilities, and the issues observers
encounter while working as a government representative in a field setting.
- Assisting other instructors with fish
collection, fish identification lab sessions during observer trainings.
Assisting the Species Verification Program (SVP) by acting as a fish identification
specialist, including tracking and entering data related to the SVP.
- Assisting in the organization of marine mammal
necropsy labs and sea bird and turtle identification lab sessions during
observer trainings.
- Working with other NEFOP staff and outside
experts to develop new training tools and lesson plans.
- Reviewing and editing raw data logs for
completeness and accuracy; contacting observers to verify inconsistencies and
solve data recording problems as needed.
- Assisting with periodic regional outreach events
as assigned.
- Working periodic overtime and weekend
assignments, sea time and travel.
Qualifications
- B.S. degree in Marine Biology, Fisheries, or a
related field. Higher educational degrees are desirable.
- Previous or current NEFOP observer experience is
highly desired. Experience in Northeast fisheries (trawl/gillnet/scallop) and
familiarity with the Northeast Observer Program is very desirable, and specific
experience with the scallop fishery is helpful. Candidates without such experience
must attend and pass the first available observer training session.
- Familiarity with Northeast fish and marine
mammal species. Strong fish identification skills and experience is
preferred.
- Experience as instructors, trainers, or
curriculum designers.
- Adult teaching experience or exposure to active
training techniques is desirable. Experience in curriculum development is
preferred.
- Must be motivated, self-sufficient, independent,
and a strong team player.
- Ability to perform at-sea observer-related
duties.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
(PowerPoint, Excel, Word).
- Strong math skills.
- Experience with web development, e-learning,
ORACLE database use and design, electronic data collection systems, First Aid/CPR,
and/or at-sea safety training/familiarity are desirable.
- Travel is required. Sea time is required. Some
weekend and overtime work is expected.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
As part of the selection process, candidates will be asked
to give a brief (10-15 minute) presentation.
The rate of pay is $21-23/hr and the position is eligible
for the benefits described on the Integrated Statistics website.
Integrated Statistics is an equal opportunity employer and
will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age,
color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, gender identity,
sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal,
state, or local law. Consistent with its obligations under federal law,
Integrated Statistics is committed to taking affirmative action to employ and
advance in employment qualified women, minorities, disabled individuals,
special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and other eligible
veterans. For assistance with accessibility of applications, posters, forms,
and/or documents, please email the Integrated Statistics office.
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