Fishery Observer III

Job Description

Job Description

*Authorized to work in the US Required (US Citizen Preferred)*Onsite at a SEFSC Facility (TX, FL, Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, or Caribbean)*Proposal Effort: Position is Subject to Contract Award*Must be able to provide 3 professional referencesPOSITION DESCRIPTION:The Fishery Observer III plays a critical role in the collection, quality assurance, and supervision of fisheries-dependent data that informs national fishery management, conservation policies, and stock assessments across the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, and Caribbean regions.As an advanced observer, you will serve as a field coordinator, mentor, and primary debriefer for junior observers, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of data used in support of NOAA's mission under the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA), Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and Endangered Species Act (ESA).This role combines hands-on biological sampling and data collection with leadership, training, and quality control responsibilities.RESPONSIBILITIES:Lead and coordinate field operations, serving as the primary contact for observer deployment, sampling, and data integrity issues.Oversee and debrief lower-grade observers (Observer I and II), ensuring all sampling, measurement, and reporting meet NOAA SEFOP standards.Conduct advanced sampling and biological data collection, including catch composition, bycatch monitoring, protected species interactions, and tagging of priority species (e.g., sharks, tunas, swordfish, sea turtles).Perform in-depth data quality reviews, edit datasets, and provide recommendations to improve sampling methods and reporting accuracy.Advise NOAA and contractor management on recruitment, training, and operational improvements to observer safety and data collection efficiency.Document compliance observations with fisheries regulations and, when required, prepare affidavits or reports for use by NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement.Participate in aerial or vessel-based surveys, providing abundance and behavioral data on marine species.Represent the observer program professionally in interactions with vessel crews, port authorities, and federal staff.Deployment durations vary by fishery but typically range from 4 to 18 days at sea, with additional days for debriefing, training, and data analysis.Assignments may occur in Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, and Caribbean ports, including Florida, Louisiana, Texas, North Carolina, and U.S. territoriesObserve and document compliance with fishery regulations, and write affidavits as required, camps at remote sites, operate All Terrain Vehicles (ATV's) and skiffs as requiredDebriefers may also be assigned other duties to support data collection and data quality activities such as review of Electronic Monitoring information and perform Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning related support activities  REQUIREMENTS:Bachelor 's degree or higher in a natural science (e.g., Marine Biology, Fisheries Science, Ecology, or Environmental Science).Extensive observer experience - typically 3+ years as a certified NOAA or equivalent fisheries observer, including successful deployments in multiple gear types (e.g., trawl, longline, gillnet, reef fish).Demonstrated leadership experience, including mentoring, training, or debriefing other observers.Proven data accuracy and integrity, with a record of high-quality data submissions.Excellent written and verbal communication skills for report preparation, training, and interaction with vessel operators and NOAA personnel.Strong understanding of federal fisheries laws, observer safety standards, and data confidentiality protocols.Advanced training or certifications in statistical sampling, protected species observation, or marine safety.Experience leading data collection for NOAA SEFOP, NMFS, or comparable federal fisheries observer programs.Familiarity with biological sampling software and NOAA electronic data entry systems.Experience conducting aerial surveys or coordinating multi-observer research missions.Physical and medical fitness to work at sea for extended periods, lift and carry equipment, and tolerate varying weather and sea conditions.Current CPR and First Aid certifications.Please contact View email address on ziprecruiter.com if you have any questions or concerns.