Marine Fisheries Biologist

Agency

Dept of Environmental Quality

Division

Marine Fisheries

Job Classification Title

Conservation Biologist I (NS)

Position Number

60032580

Grade

NC14

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 technical staff and will coordinate and oversee fishery-dependent sampling programs to ensure data quality, safety standards, and program goals are met. The biologist will collect data that helps monitor the commercial fishery’s catch and effort including biological data and harvest methods. A North Carolina driver’s license and the ability to swim are required.

Key Responsibilities:
• Lead and support fishery-dependent monitoring programs though participation in field work, coordination of sampling activities, 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 technical staff ensuring data quality, safety compliance, and program goals and objectives are met.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range - $52,592 - $52,592

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 two 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