Fishery Observer

Description

COMPANY OVERVIEW: Riverside Technology, inc. (Riverside), a leading international engineering and science consulting firm, is in search of multiple Fishery Observers to support NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in Miami, FL.

THE POSITION: Successful candidates will collect data for the NMFS Pelagic Observer Program (POP) located in Miami, FL. Observers will deploy from fishing ports along the Mid-Atlantic coastal areas. Candidates do not need to reside near the POP office in Miami, FL, but must be located in the Mid-Atlantic area and be available to travel to assigned fishing ports. Reliable transportation and a current driver’s license are required. Trips vary in length from 1 to 45 days.

Specific tasks include:

  • Estimating species composition of fish caught, retained and discarded
  • Measure selected portions of catch including incidentally caught marine mammals, sea birds and sea turtles
  • Biological sampling
  • Monitoring of compliance with fishery regulations
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Collection of information on vessel and gear performance and characteristics
  • Collection of information on costs associated with fishing operations
Work can be performed on a variety of vessels including small boats without facilities such as rest rooms or bunks; commercial fishing vessels with minimum (sometimes crude) facilities in less than optimal weather. Observers may use interpersonal communication skills to contact fishermen and schedule observer sampling trips, and observe and document compliance with fishery regulations along with MARPOL.

Training is tentatively expected to begin November 2015 at the NMFS Miami Lab, with deployments beginning December 2015 and coming to an end April 2016.

Requirements

Essential:

  • BS Degree in Marine Science or related field of study.
  • Must reside within the Mid-Atlantic coastal areas from Barnegat Light, NJ to Wanchese, NC.
  • Knowledge of applying basic concepts, principles and methodologies of fish or related biological field sufficient to independently perform scientific tasks using standard methods and techniques.
  • Proficient in the use of fish, invertebrate and protected species identification books and keys; computer literate and experienced with common word processing.
  • CPR and First Aid certifications are required before attending training.
  • Knowledge of southeastern offshore fishery species.
  • Must be able-bodied for at-sea duty.
  • Ability to operate Government-owned or personally owned vehicles and sampling equipment.
  • Experience/knowledge with commercial fisheries practices.
Desirable:

  • Experience/knowledge with commercial fisheries practices.
Benefits
Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer offering very competitive compensation and exceptional employee benefits.


Contact
228-549-1662/Chad.Lefferson@noaa.gov

Email Chad.Lefferson@noaa.gov
Link http://www.riverside.com/