Fisheries Science Technician

Environmental Technician I (S)

The primary mission of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is to provide science-based environmental stewardship for the health and prosperity of all North Carolinians. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the lead stewardship agency for the protection of North Carolina's environmental resources. The organization, which has offices from the mountains to the coast, administers regulatory programs designed to protect air quality, water quality, and the public's health, and works to advance in all-of-the-above energy strategy that fits North Carolina's needs. DEQ also offers technical assistance to businesses, farmers, local governments, and the public and encourages responsible behavior with respect to the environment through education programs provided at DEQ facilities and through the state's school system. DEQ touches the lives of all North Carolinians in many ways to enhance and ensure our quality of life.

This Fisheries Science Technician will primarily work on the North Carolina Independent Gill Net Survey (IGNS, Program 915) for the Southern District, though may be required to work on other state and federally funded projects. Sampling for this fishery-independent survey occurs in New Hanover and Onslow counties. This technician collects biological information from recreationally and commercially important species including but not limited to length, weight, sex, reproductive condition, diet samples, age structures, and tagging. They are responsible for processing, recording, compiling, submitting, and verifying biological data related to the gill net project. Field duties include operating and maintaining outboard motors, boats, trailers, trucks, and other sampling equipment. The job requires the ability to swim, lift heavy samples of fish (up to 50 pounds), computer use, and working both independently and as part of a team. This position will assist with fishery-dependent and -independent monitoring programs which include dredge, seine, trawl, and electro-fisher, or sampling in local fish houses interviewing fishermen. Normal work hours will vary, but late evenings and early mornings are required. Occasional work on weekends is required. A valid driver's license is required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collect samples using gill nets to obtain biological data including length, weight, abundance, tagging, diet samples, ageing structures, and the reproductive condition of finfish and crustaceans
• Process, record, compile, and verify biological data, as well as perform data quality control
• Operate and maintain outboard motors, boats, trailers, trucks, net reels, and other sampling equipment, lifting heavy cartons of fish and gear
• Assist with other surveys (fisheries-independent and -dependent) as needed and collect additional biological information from fish and invertebrates

Recruitment Range - $32,287 - $42,848

The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is responsible for the stewardship of the state's marine and estuarine resources. The DMF's jurisdiction encompasses all coastal waters and extends to 3 miles offshore. Agency policies are established by the nine-member Marine Fisheries Commission and the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality. North Carolina is a member of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, and the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.

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Associate's degree in one of the agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.