Marine Fisheries Biologist

Agency Dept of Environmental Quality Division Marine Fisheries Job Classification Title Conservation Biologist II (NS) Position Number 60032560 Grade NC18 About Us 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. Description of Work This Marine Fisheries Biologist supports and leads fisheries monitoring programs and fisheries management activities conducted out of the Manteo Field Office of the Division of Marine Fisheries. This position combines hands-on fieldwork responsibilities with analytical, supervisory, and fisheries management responsibilities. This position is responsible for statistically analyzing and interpreting fisheries data to support state and regional fisheries management. This includes preparation of technical reports, Fishery Management Plans (FMPs), annual FMP updates, compliance reports, grant deliverables, program summaries, and recommending management actions for finfish resources. The biologist will support FMP development by identifying and analyzing management issues, serving on plan development teams, and acting as staff lead or co-lead on one or more FMPs. This position will work with and communicate fisheries science and management to the public. This position will also work with other state agencies and regional agencies by fulfilling data requests and participating in technical committees, hearings, and public meetings. The biologist will supervise four or more technical staff and will coordinate and oversee fisheries-independent sampling programs to ensure data quality, safety standards, and program goals are met. The biologist will participate in field sampling involving the use of gill nets, trawls, seines, and long lines and will operate trucks, operate and navigate boats with outboard motors, and trailer boats. A North Carolina drivers license and the ability to swim are required. Key Responsibilities: Lead and support fishery-independent monitoring programs through participation in field work, coordination of sampling activities, operation of vessels and sampling gear, and verification and validation of biological data. Analyze fisheries data using appropriate statistical and analytical methods and be familiar with survey design and basic stock assessment principles and methodologies. Prepare, review, and contribute to technical reports and data summaries (Fisheries Management Plans, Annual Fisheries Management Plan Updates, Compliance Reports, Program Summaries, etc.) in support of state and federal fisheries. Serve as staff lead or co-lead for state and interstate species and Fishery Management Plans, coordinate with state and regional agencies, and participate in technical committees, hearings, and public meetings. Supervise permanent and temporary technical staff ensuring data quality, safety compliance, and program goals and objectives are met. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Recruitment Salary - $63,927 Important: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date above. Management Preferences: Experience operating and/or trailering boats The Division of Marine Fisheries The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is responsible for the stewardship of the states marine and estuarine resources. The DMFs 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. Click here to learn more about the Division of Marine Fisheries. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more. Minimum Education and Experience Some state job postings say you can qualify by an equivalent combination of education and experience. If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Bachelor's degree in wildlife or fisheries management, fisheries science, zoology, or a biological science, or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of experience in wildlife or fisheries management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. EEO Statement 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. Recruiter: Jennifer Marlowe Recruiter Email: hrrecruitment@deq.nc.gov North Carolina State Government is one of the states largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services. Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website. Permanent, temporary, and time-limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast. Find your next opportunity today! State Application Resources/Frequently Asked Questions Valuing Education and Experience The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post-secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide. Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. If you are already a state employee, please search for jobs by clicking here.