Field Technician - Cooperative Research Needed
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Integrated Statistics is looking for a Fisheries Technician to work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Northeast Fisheries Science Center in Narragansett, RI. The Fisheries Technician works with the Northeast Cooperative Research Program (NCRP), which fosters collaborative research among the commercial fishing industry, marine science, and fishery management communities in the Northeast.
The Fisheries Technician provides technical support for fishermen participating in cooperative research projects. Responsibilities include:
- Performing laboratory and field-based studies to collect fisheries related data and samples.
- Performing processing of fish and living marine resource specimens or samples for their use as biological data.
- Producing data summaries and analyses, writing literature briefs if applicable, attending meetings as needed and contributing to technical proposals, reports and manuscripts.
- Presenting results at scientific and/or related meetings when necessary.
- Assisting with the maintenance of fishery related databases, including developing, entering, error-checking, auditing or manipulating data.
- Processing and interpreting data from fishery-independent and fishery-dependent monitoring programs.
- Performing data summarization, analysis, and visualization, as needed.
- Assisting in the preparation of graphics, statistics, and text for fisheries related reports and publications.
The Fisheries Technician works both at sea and in the field. Tasks include:
- Providing technical assistance at sea and ashore, coordinating training and equipment deployment aboard commercial fishing vessels, troubleshooting electronic data acquisition systems, collecting data, and maintaining scientific protocols that ensure research results meet research objectives.
- Maintaining, servicing, and repairing laboratory and field equipment when necessary.
- Working independently with little direct supervision to accomplish tasks.
- Leading field teams to accomplish specific study objectives and implement appropriate scientific protocols.
- Participating in the observation, collection, sorting and processing of fish catch or other sampling in support of fisheries research.
Tasks
- Provide field support for all data collection and monitoring initiatives of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center Cooperative Research Branch.
- Organize and provide logistical support for industry participants in cooperative research and electronic reporting programs; including recruitment with community leaders, program introductions, port visits to identify set-up requirements and constraints, equipment deployment and training, troubleshooting, data collection, and ongoing communication.
- Maintain detailed records of equipment or software failures and efforts to provide solutions for recurrent problems or limitations.
- Participate in at-sea research cruises as necessary, including the Gulf of Maine Bottom Longline Survey which runs for several weeks annually in April/May and October/November.
- Participate in industry meetings, scientific symposia, workshops and conferences in order to support and present cooperative research projects, and perform regular visits to fishing ports.
- Provide technical support for oceanographic and fisheries sampling, including CTD casts, plankton sampling, finfish and invertebrate sampling, associated biological sampling, cruise staging and destaging, supply and equipment preparation, age sample processing and sampling gear standardization.
- Assist with data delivery and data management.
- Develop data summaries, visualizations, and reports.
- Assist in developing outreach materials, including user manuals, troubleshooting guides, newsletters and articles on Cooperative Research accomplishments, challenges and objectives.
Qualifications
- B.S. or B.A. degree in fisheries, biological science, or several years of equivalent relevant work experience.
- At least two years of work experience in the field of fisheries research, or in a related area.
- CPR/ First Aid and Safety-At-Sea training.
Skills
- Skill in applying concepts, principles, and
methodologies of fisheries biology sufficient to independently perform
research projects using standard methods and techniques.
- Experience with identifying and applying technical solutions in a fisheries research settings.
- Experience in processing fish or other related samples.
- Experience with fishery or other related databases.
- Demonstrated skill and knowledge of SQL, scripting language, and some statistics.
- Experience with collecting data related to fish, protected species, or other species on commercial fishing vessels.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with members of the commercial fishing industry, including working at sea.
- Experience working with scientific and fishery electronic data collection tools.
- Familiarity with information required for Northeast fishing Vessel Trip Reporting protocols.
- Ability to work with and troubleshoot data collection hardware/software.
- Capable of assisting or leading field teams to accomplish specific study objectives and implement appropriate scientific protocols.
- Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong ability to work closely with team members.
- Track record of working independently, but as part of a team.
The position is full-time, and the rate of pay is $24-26/hr, depending on skills and experience. 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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