Gear Research Technician - Part Time Needed

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Integrated Statistics is looking for a part-time Gear Research Technician to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fishery Service (NMFS).

The Gear Research Technician will work with the Gear Research Group, which conducts research on sea turtles, marine mammals, and other protected species to develop, test, and evaluate gear modifications.

The Gear Research Technician will work directly with the fishing industry and other organizations to test gear modifications on commercial fishing vessels. The technician will communicate operational aspects of the fishing gear and receive user/tester feedback to assist in the evaluation of experimental gear and approaches.

Duties

• Participate in field studies, data analysis, and evaluation of potential solutions on how to mitigate sea turtle and marine mammal bycatch in vertical lines of fishing gear.
• Participate in projects directed at reducing sea turtle and other protected species bycatch in large mesh gillnets commonly used in Mid Atlantic waters.
• Participate in field studies, data analysis, and evaluations of projects directed at mitigating sea turtle and other protected species bycatch in bottom trawl gear; such as evaluating TED testing as determined by the GARFO, with input from the NEFSC and SEFSC.
•  Compile, analyze, and evaluate project results as needed.

Qualifications

• More than 50 hours of previous experience with the identification of North Atlantic marine mammals and sea turtles.
• Experience in working with the commercial fishing industry.
• Fishing vessel safety training.
• Experience with entering data into a computerized data entry program while at sea on a commercial fishing vessel.
• A Bachelor’s degree in fishery science, marine biology, or a closely related field. Fisheries experience may substitute for part of the educational requirement.
• Experience in conducting gear research project on commercial fishing vessels is desired.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the job, which include:
• Spending up to two (2) weeks on board a commercial fishing vessel, working up to 16 hours per day.
• Providing necessary medical clearance and required safety training certificates before research activities.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs. on a rolling vessel in a safe manner.
• Corrected 20/20 vision.
• Ability to work on small boats for periods of up to 12 hours at a time.
• Ability and willingness to stay at hotels for up to eight (8) weeks at a time.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Ability to work independently when conditions preclude collecting the targeted data.
• Understanding of scientific method, experimental design, and implementation under challenging conditions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Experience with statistical analysis is a plus.
  
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Strong time management skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills both verbally and using written materials (including visual presentations) with a variety of audiences including technical, scientific, and the general public.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and strict timelines.

The position is expected to be part-time with some flexibility in hours. The period of performance will be one year. The rate of pay will depend on skills and experience, and the position may be eligible for limited benefits. The position requires travel, and field work, mostly within the Northeast and Mid Atlantic regions.

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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