Fisheries Biologist Assistant - Electronic Monitoring Needed
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Integrated Statistics is looking for a Fisheries Biologist Assistant to work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). NMFS collects scientific, management, regulatory compliance and economic data for fisheries by placing NMFS-certified observers aboard U.S. domestic fishing vessels, in a program of sea sampling referred to as the Northeast Fisheries Observer Program (NEFOP).
The biologist acts as an assistant to the NEFOP and Electronic Monitoring Lead, working on a variety of tasks related to the NEFOP program (seadays, outreach, provider support, data pulls, etc.) and Electronic Monitoring (video review, provider support, outreach, vessel visits, etc.).
Tasks
The Assistant takes responsibility for the following tasks:
- Reviewing Electronic Monitoring (EM) video footage to support EM programs, including identifying marine species and creating a detailed notation of each fishing episode. Ensuring quality control for collected video footage. Working with outside vendors on Electronic Monitoring program logistics and issues such as: planning; outreach materials development; deployment and testing of electronic monitoring systems on fishing vessels; collection of data; training of data reviewers and auditors; evaluation of sensor data; catch estimation; comparing electronic monitoring with other data sources; evaluating bycatch documentation and the overall adequacy of collected video data.
- Attending and assisting with Electronic Monitoring organizational meetings, Electronic Monitoring Working Groups, Seaday Meetings, Fisheries Management Council and other industry-related meetings on behalf of the NEFOP. Identifying potential outreach events and assisting in work at outreach events to promote the Observer Program and Electronic Monitoring. Assisting in maintaining open communication with industry participants in the field and offering support when needed (i.e. contact information, review of data collection techniques, picking up samples, etc.).
- Working with NEFOP staff to improve data quality. Providing observers with guidance and feedback for data quality improvement, providing performance and background information for observer debriefings and data bonus evaluations. Developing innovative methods for determining trends in observer data collection. Tracking data quality and compliance issues for observers. Supporting observers in the field, and developing training aids or resources for observers. Participating in observer training and the development of new protocols.
- Working to improve communications between the NEFOP and commercial fishermen. Developing outreach materials and events for members of the fishing industry to explain observer related duties. Informing commercial fishermen on NEFOP protocols and policies, providing a direct avenue for feedback from commercial fishermen to the NEFOP, specifically focusing on concerns related to observer performance, data collection, sampling, safety, priorities and protocols.
- Completing a minimum of 5 commercial fishing trips per year as a NMFS-certified observer, comprising at least 2 gillnet, 2 otter trawl and 1 scallop trip per year.
Education
- A Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology, Fisheries, or a related field.
Experience and Skills
- Previous or current NEFOP observer or ASM experience, and/or experience with Northeast and Mid-Atlantic fisheries is very highly desired.
- Familiarity with at-sea monitoring editing processes and protocols for all observed fisheries is very highly desired.
- Ability to work well with fishing community members and prior knowledge of commercial fishing practices and operations is required.
- Familiarity with common Northeast fish species, and ability to identify them readily is required.
- Must be motivated, independent, detail-oriented, and organized, as well as a strong team player and effective communicator.
- Must be able to travel for meetings, outreach events, and deployment on commercial fishing vessels. Must be willing and available to go to sea and perform duties of a fishery observer as required, and also to assist with trip trainer trips, shadow trips, and fishery research trips. Must possess a valid driver’s license.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word) is required. Desirable skills include web development, SAS programming, ORACLE database knowledge, and SQL.
- Familiarity with electronic equipment and its installation and use is highly desirable.
This position is full-time for one year, with the possibility of extension. The rate of pay is $23-26 depending on experience, and 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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