NC DEQ Division Director of Marine Fisheries

State of North Carolina

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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. DEQ is the lead stewardship agency for the protection of North Carolina's environmental resources, administering regulatory programs for air and water quality, public health, and advancing an all-of-the-above energy strategy. DEQ offers technical assistance and encourages responsible environmental behavior through education. This position is Exempt Policymaking and serves at the pleasure of agency leadership. It leads a statewide fisheries management division by setting strategic goals and objectives to ensure compliance with state and federal program requirements. The Director of Marine Fisheries oversees the Deputy Director of Operations, the Deputy Director of Fisheries Science and Management, two Executive Assistant for Councils positions, and the Marine Patrol Colonel to ensure effective management of statewide marine resources and enforcement operations. The Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) Director Office is in Morehead City, North Carolina. The role involves conservation and overall management of living marine organisms through research and data collection, modified by social, economic, and biological factors. This includes regulating harvesting, habitat enhancement, water quality monitoring for molluscan shellfish harvesting, setting catch limits and seasons, and seafood safety inspections of processing and distribution facilities. The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is responsible for the stewardship of the state’s marine and estuarine resources, with jurisdiction encompassing all coastal waters and extending 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.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in one of the agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution.
Eight years of progressive experience in environmental work.
Three years in a supervisory capacity.
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

Leading a statewide fisheries management division by setting strategic goals and objectives that ensure compliance with state and federal program requirements.
Overseeing the Deputy Director of Operations, the Deputy Director of Fisheries Science and Management, two Executive Assistant for Councils positions, and the Marine Patrol Colonel to ensure effective management of statewide marine resources and enforcement operations.
Management and administration of all aspects of DMF Operations and Services with responsibility and accountability for all division operations that are required to fulfill its primary purpose, including all resource-related decisions and policies and oversight of administrative programs associated with a state agency.
Preparation and submission of the annual DMF budget of over $43.7 million for approval.
Providing operational and organizational planning to include the development and implementation effective and efficient strategies to ensure DMF accomplishes assigned goals and objectives for the governance of rules resources, the protection and enhancement of coastal fisheries habitat, the development and improvement of the cultivation and harvesting of shellfish, and safeguarding the public health concerning the sale and consumption of shellfish; and the licensing and permitting of commercial fishermen, recreational anglers, and all charter fishing operations, ocean piers, and seafood dealers operating in North Carolina.
Ensuring state compliance with all applicable federal regulations and laws concerning marine fisheries resource conservation.
Representing the State of NC on the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, and the Mid Atlantic Fishery Management Council as the State Administrative Commissioner.
Serving as the senior Department representative to the NC Marine Fisheries Commission.
Providing technical support to the Commission.
Leading and supervising staff in their conduct of research, monitoring, and statistical analysis to inform rulemaking and management decisions.
Directing the preparation and amendment of fisheries management plans for adoption by the Commission, ensuring that regulations are based upon scientific data.