Fishery Observer I

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 references

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Fishery Observer I supports NOAA's mission to conserve and manage marine resources by collecting high-quality fishery and environmental data aboard commercial fishing vessels operating in the Southeast United States, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. Observers are critical in ensuring sustainable fisheries and healthy marine ecosystems through direct data collection and scientific observation.

You will work independently aboard commercial vessels to document fishing operations, collect biological samples, record species data, and monitor interactions with protected species. This is a demanding but rewarding opportunity to contribute directly to marine conservation science.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collect scientific, management, and compliance data at sea through direct observation of fishing operations, including sampling catch, measuring fish, and documenting bycatch species such as sea turtles and marine mammals.
• Interview vessel captains and crew to obtain accurate fishing effort and gear information.
• Record and enter data using standardized electronic and written formats in accordance with NOAA's Observer Sampling Manual .
• Collect biological samples for use in stock assessments, including tissue, otolith, and specimen samples.
• Conduct safety checks using the Pre-Trip Vessel Safety Checklist and ensure compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
• Maintain equipment and ensure all sampling and safety gear is accounted for and in proper working order.
• Assist NOAA staff in debriefings and data verification sessions following deployments.
• May tag species of interest including sharks, tunas, sablefish, spiny lobsters, swordfish and sea turtles.
• May observe and document compliance with fishery
  regulations, and may write affidavits. May camp at remote sites and may operate All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV's)
  and skiffs.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in a natural science (e.g., Marine Biology, Fisheries Science, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field).
• Ability to work independently at sea for extended periods (up to several weeks) without medical restrictions.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) in English.
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications (must be renewed annually).
• Physical fitness sufficient to perform duties aboard vessels, including climbing ladders, lifting up to 50 lbs, and enduring rough sea conditions
• Previous experience working on or around commercial fishing vessels.
• Familiarity with fish identification, marine sampling techniques, or data collection methods.
• Understanding of NOAA's fisheries monitoring and marine conservation mandates (MSA, MMPA, ESA).

 

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