Fisheries Biologist - Electronic Reporting

Saltwater Inc• Miami, FL, US, FL

4d•$30 - $45•Onsite

About The Position

At Saltwater Inc., we are seeking to fill three positions for Fisheries Monitoring Support – Electronic Reporting – Fishery Biologist Level II. These roles will function as contractors for NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Fisheries Statistics Division (FSD). The FSD is responsible for ensuring the quality of collected data through compilation, quality control, and assurance. This includes organizing, maintaining, and developing databases such as bioprofile, logbook catch record, and head boat activity report databases. The positions will also involve performing data analyses and extractions to support stock assessment activities (like SEDAR), general scientific inquiries, and annual reports summarizing landings and effort estimates. A key responsibility will be developing and implementing electronic reporting systems like the Fisheries Electronic Reporting System (FERS). These are proactive recruitments, and the positions will be full-time if the work is awarded. Work will be performed onsite at the Miami Lab of the SEFSC. The contract includes a one-year base period with the possibility of three option periods.

Requirements

MS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study or BS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus three (3) years of relevant experience.
Computer literate and experienced with common word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs.
Knowledge of applying basic concepts, principles and methodologies of fish or related biological field sufficient to independently perform scientific tasks using standard methods and techniques.

Nice To Haves

Experience collecting catch and effort information from commercial fishers

Responsibilities

Distribute, receive, quality control, and finalize commercial fishermen’s logbooks required for submission to the SEFSC for Highly Migratory Species and Coastal fisheries.
Test and implement the SEFSC Fisheries Electronic Reporting System (FERS).
Annually distribute logbooks via US mail to permit holders, ensuring correct logbook types and supplementary data collection forms are provided.
Distribute logbooks via US mail to new permit holders as they enter the fishery.
Travel locally via GOV to the post office to pick up incoming logbooks.
Process incoming logbooks: stamp as received, organize forms, code and assign schedule numbers, check for compliance issues, and prepare data for scanning.
Run post-scanning validations and move interim data to master data if no errors are found.
Correct data for logbooks with errors by contacting the permit holder via phone or mail.
Monitor a phone line each business day for permit holder questions about the logbook process and respond or forward as appropriate.
Generate a PIN and send instructions via U.S. mail to permit holders requesting registration for the FERS.
Test new versions of the eTrips application to ensure functionality.
Assist Divisional staff in the analysis and extraction of HMS and Coastal logbook data using SQL and standard statistical programs such as SAS or R.
Query and analyze logbook data to investigate and develop quality control and other validation processes for the electronic reporting process.
Extract and summarize data collected via the electronic reporting process for comparison to the standard reporting process.
Participate in public outreach efforts, such as Open Houses and Youth/Career Fairs, to explain electronic logbook program goals and methods.
Assist Government staff with training/education activities, including electronic logbook processing training sessions for new hires.
Prepare for and present, facilitate, or participate in workshops, scientific and technological meetings, symposiums, and public forums related to electronic logbook reporting.
Present materials regarding the SEFSC electronic logbook reporting at Fishery Management Council meetings, ACCSP and GFIN working group meetings, HMS Advisory Panel meetings, and others as assigned.
Attend conferences and symposia with sessions on electronic reporting, presenting SEFSC information and attending relevant sessions.