Incidental Take Coordinator Needed
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Integrated Statistics is looking for an Incidental Take Biologist to work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The Biologist works with the Fisheries Sampling Branch of the Fishery Monitoring and Research Division of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center to perform biological analysis and assessment of commercial sea sampling data collected during commercial fishing trips. The Biologist acts as the point of contact for all incidental take and pelagic species samples, i.e. mammal, turtle, seabird, and highly migratory species biological samples for the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC).
The Biologist takes responsibility for managing incidental take tissue samples or whole animals, organizing photographs, participating in the evaluation of incidental take data quality, acting as a fisheries data editor, and training fisheries observers in incidental take protocols.
The specific tasks for the job are varied, including but not limited to:
- Monitoring and evaluating incidental take data, and overall fishery observer performance as it relates to the collection of incidental take data.
- Monitoring and evaluating incidental take collection methods, sampling gear, data documentation and adherence to protocols. Evaluating protocols and reporting suggestions for improvements in data quality or processing.
- Editing observer trip data as needed, and assisting with other data quality projects.
- Providing guidance and feedback to observers on all incidental take related protocols. Assisting with manual changes that relate to incidental take logs/protocols.
- Comparing paper log or electronic data received with incidental takes documented in real-time databases or other databases, to ensure consistency.
- Organizing updates to incidental take data in the database from past training necropsies.
- Working to develop innovative methods to identify trends in incidental take data collection.
- Checking in, processing, and disseminating biological samples. Assisting with the management of sample storage freezer space throughout the region.
- Assisting FSB staff with sea turtle serious injury annual determinations.
- Processing photos collected by observers, including troubleshooting camera issues, working to confirm species identification, entering data into a database, contacting NEFSC staff to confirm identification of photos, and debriefing observers on identification.
- Carrying an after-hours cell phone to field calls from observers and facilitate delivery of incidental take samples. Cell phone duty is expected every other weekend.
- Communicating effectively with data quality lead, area leads and Branch Chief informed of important and controversial data, data quality, data collection performance, and compliance issues.
- Working with FSB training staff to develop innovative and effective methods for training observers on incidental take protocols.
- Assisting in observer training, including: teaching topics and modules such as: marine mammal identification, incidental take, protected species labs/necropsy sessions, sea turtle workshops, and seabird sampling; associated educational duties (developing presentations and training materials; distributing specialized gear; assisting with evaluations of observer performance; preparing observer exercises, homework assignments, workshops, quizzes, exam questions and audiovisuals; reviewing and correcting exercises, quizzes and assignments; preparing training aids, audiovisuals, gear models, etc.); tracking and ordering additional incidental take gear for distribution at training.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will possess:
- A Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology, Fisheries Biology/Management, or a closely related field, is required.
- Excellent communications skills are required.
- Biological research experience at the college or professional level is highly desirable.
- A demonstrated interest in fisheries science and/or fisheries management.
- General knowledge of marine mammal, sea turtle, and sea bird identification and sampling procedures.
- In-depth knowledge of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, as it relates to the data collection needs of the FSB and observer duties.
- Ability to go to sea and perform duties of a fishery observer. These duties involve flexible work/sleep schedules, ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds repeatedly, and the ability to work well with fishing community members, at times under difficult conditions.
- Previous experience as a fisheries observer is highly desirable.
- Other protected species experience is highly desirable (marine mammal, sea turtle, or sea bird research, educational or outreach experience, husbandry, etc).
- Experience with computers and databases, including networked systems, ORACLE relational databases, ARCVIEW. etc.
Some travel may be required.
The job is full-time, with the rate of pay $24-26/hr. 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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