Marine Finfish Biologist

Agency

Dept of Environmental Quality

Division

Marine Fisheries

Job Classification Title

Conservation Biologist II (NS)

Position Number

60032638

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 Finfish Biologist will participate in field sampling; design and oversee monitoring surveys; analyze and interpret data; author and edit Fishery Management Plans (FMP), information papers, and other reports or documents of assigned projects. The Biologist is responsible for designing, developing, conducting, and evaluating scientifically sound projects to address issues in fisheries management. This includes being the statewide lead biologist for specific statewide sampling programs as well as being the Central District Office, Southern District, Fisheries Science Section lead for other statewide fishery independent and dependent sampling programs. The Biologist participates as lead, co-lead, and/or member of the team in the development FMPs and participates in the Marine Fisheries Commission, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and Federal council committees for the division. The Biologist participates in the district fisheries science and management activities by assisting the Biologist Supervisors, District Managers and Section Chief preparing drafts of proclamations (legal documents placing restrictions and seasons on fish and fishermen) and attending meetings with other state and federal management agencies, recreational and commercial fishing groups, and the public. The Marine Fisheries Biologist is the public contact on the Division’s website as a species leading to addressing public inquiries as well as fulfilling data requests. The Biologist will be responsible for the direction of one or more employees, including monitoring work schedules and managing employee performance. The ability to operate a boat and follow Coast Guard navigation rules is required.

Key Responsibilities:
• Designs, develops, conducts and evaluates scientifically sound projects to address issues in fisheries management.
• Analyze and interpret data, prepare and edit written reports with recommendations to make fisheries management decisions including federal grant reports, federal Council or Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission FMPs, North Carolina state FMPs, North Carolina Coastal Habitat Plan, and other memos and reports.
• Serve as lead/co-lead or a team member on one or more Fishery Management Plans and work with other state and regional agencies.
• Responsible for gathering input from staff, other scientists, enforcement officers, fishermen and dealers and relaying information to the Fisheries Management Biologist Supervisors, District Managers and Section Chief.
• Provide supervision to technicians in the Fisheries Management, Southern District, Central District Office to ensure that division and federal projects, and program goals are met.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range - $63,927 - $63,927

Important: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date above.

The Division of Marine Fisheries

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. 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