Fishery Observer III
2 months ago
Key Biscayne
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 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. territories, • Observe and document compliance with fishery regulations, and write affidavits as required, camps at remote sites, operate All Terrain Vehicles (ATV's) and skiffs as required, • 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.