Title: Field Observer, Sturgeon/Protected Species

State Role Title: Natural Resource Spec II

Hiring Range: $33,828–$38,900

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Marine Resources Commission

Location: main location

Agency Website: WWW.MRC.VIRGINIA.GOV

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Fisheries Observer is one of two individuals for the Virginia Marine Resources Commission Protected Species Observer Program. This program collects information on the incidental catch of protected species (Atlantic sturgeon and sea turtle spp.) within Virginia’s commercial gill net fishery. The advertised position will focus on obtaining and conducting observer trips with Virginia commercial gill net licensees throughout Virginia’s tidal and coastal waters. This is a highly independent position that requires very clear communication with the lead biologist of the program (supervisor) and commercial watermen. This program has unconventional hours and requires flexibility in order to complete observer trips. Considering the complex relationships between Agency, State, and Federal partners involved in this work, there is strong emphasis on this position for accuracy, database management skills, and communication.

Duties and Responsibilities:
•Conducting field observations aboard commercial licensed gill net vessels.
•Collecting necessary data of commercial and incidental capture of Atlantic sturgeon, sea turtles and protected species including all background research.
•Record data retrieved during observations accurately via online data entry.
•Responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all assigned equipment.
•Assist with written and phone-in information requests and interact with commercial gill net licensees during observation trips.
•When not conducting field observations may report to main office and assist with data and research of other fisheries staff and programs.
•Assists the biological sampling programs with various tasks on an as needed basis.

Minimum Qualifications

The applicant must have a working knowledge of applied seafood harvesting practices and business, marine species and the marine environment. The position requires well developed skills in speaking and writing. The applicant must be able to lift 50 lbs. and large fish. Experience working with commercial fishermen and the ability to build a working relationship is essential in addition to the easy recognition of fish species.

Additional Considerations

Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification required for entry into position:
High School education or the equivalent with courses in marine science or biology. Excellent communication skills, assertiveness and ability to build a rapport with commercial fisherman. Organized and detail oriented and will be required to keep accurate and precise records. Technicians will be given necessary training and will be required to pass certification test. Education on technology and database management is considered beneficial. Experience with data entry systems, database structure, and data manipulation is also considered beneficial. Requires a valid Virginia's driver's license.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

A Completed STATE APPLICATION and updated RESUME is REQUIRED.

Contact Information

Name: Malinda Cross

Phone: 757-247-2216

Email: HR@MRC.VIRGINIA.GOV

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.