Fisheries Observer Trainer Needed
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Integrated Statistics is looking for a 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 by NEFOP staff. The data is provided to a
variety of end-users and stakeholders for use in fisheries management
decision making.
To maintain adequate observer coverage,
observer training sessions are conducted on a semi-regular basis, as
required. The training sessions are required to teach specific NEFOP
Observer Program and At-Sea Monitoring data collection protocols, and to
certify observers/monitors for deployment. 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 exportable 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. Instructors may be required to
teach various NEFOP components (NEFOP Observer, Industry Funded Scallop
Observer, At-Sea-Monitors, end users, etc.).
- Assisting in training and instructing observers in the use of electronic data collection hardware/software.
- Performing
training trips, acting as lead instructor during trainings and
supporting all at-sea training session gear types offered.
- 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.
Assisting in the development of programs and processes to enhance data
quality and the efficiency of the training program, such as e-learning,
modular training, etc.
- 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.
- If
not already certified as an observer, and depending on the trainer's
certification types, 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.
- Working periodic regional outreach events.
Qualifications
- B.S. degree in Marine Biology, Fisheries, or a related field.
- 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.
- Familiarity with Northeast fish and marine mammal species. Strong fish identification skills and experience.
- Higher educational degrees are desirable.
- Experience as instructors, trainers, or curriculum designers is preferred.
- 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. Candidates without such
experience must attend and pass the first available observer training
session.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word).
- Strong math skills to assist with subsample protocol training.
- 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.
- 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 approximately $23/hr and the position is eligible for the benefits described on the Integrated Statistics website. This position will be posted until position is successfully filled.
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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