Fishery Biologist 2 - Pacific Fisheries Bycatch Program

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission•Newport, OR

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is seeking a Fisheries Biologist 2 to support field research for the Pacific Fisheries Bycatch Program. The Commission’s Pacific Fisheries Bycatch Program works to improve fishing gears and methods through experimental research conducted in collaboration with West Coast fishermen. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to help design and implement field research, and evaluate testing results, for potential bycatch reduction techniques in collaboration with the industry, fishermen, fisheries managers, and scientists. This position will be located in Oregon (Corvallis or Newport) with a projected start date of July 1st, 2026. This is a full-year, full-time position with benefits. This position will coordinate and conduct field research and evaluations to: (1) reduce salmon bycatch in the Pacific Hake (whiting) fishery; (2) investigate alternative fishing technologies in the Dungeness Crab fishery; and (3) develop fishing gear to reduce the effects of barotrauma and improve the survival of rockfish during longline operations. Specifically, the field work will evaluate the efficacy of artificial light as a potential salmon bycatch reduction technique in the Pacific Hake fishery, test the efficacy of fishing longline-configured crab pots to reduce the presence of vertical lines and mitigate the risks of entangling marine life in the Dungeness crab fishery, and test two recompression methods in the longline rockfish fishery. This work is highly collaborative requiring constructive engagement with fishers, industry, industry groups, fishery managers, federal/state/academic research scientists, and the public.

Requirements

One year of Specialized Experience AND four years of successfully completed education above high school in the natural sciences (biology, fishery biology, environmental science, aquatic science, geology, chemistry, physics, mathematics).
An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.
Specialized Experience is experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled.
To be creditable, Specialized Experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.
Fishery biology
Experience working with the West Coast commercial fisheries and species, preferably at-sea.
Scientific method
Sampling protocols
Windows-based computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, publishing software, presentation software, database software, topographic software, bibliographic software, and statistical analysis packages.
Knowledge of technical writing protocols.
Knowledge of advanced statistical analysis and mathematics.
Able to swim
Lift 40-50 lbs.
Live at sea on research vessel
Fish ageing (scale, otolith, other)
Underwater video camera
Survival training
Literature search/review
Fish species ID skills
Operate nets (seine, gill, etc.)
Operate GPS
Valid driver’s license
Using fish keys
Oral communication skills
Written communication skills
Contracting procedures

Responsibilities

Following existing protocols testing bycatch reduction gear and technology; conduct tissue sample collection.
Recommend modifications of existing research protocols.
Design data collection forms and set up research databases for integration of data.
Compile and analyze data for reports, prepare graphics, contribute to or write papers for peer-reviewed journals, and present research results at professional meetings.
Evaluate and direct sampling efforts or reporting practices to best meet data requirements.
Write memoranda and reports necessary for transfer of information to the appropriate individuals, agencies, and organizations.
Oversee and assist with comparative testing of fishing gears to reduce bycatch; recommend procedure variations.
Write or contribute to papers and reports for publication, and compile reports on results of data collection and analysis.
Prepare and deliver formal and informal presentations at seminars, meetings, etc.
Plan, design, schedule, and conduct fish catch and effort surveys for marine fisheries.
Prepare reports and presentations as requested.
Provide expertise in improvements to the design of bycatch reduction technology and deployment techniques.
Conduct limited physical and biological environmental sampling.
Responsible for conducting data investigation and research, drafting technical reports, database management, GIS for all physical and biological data, and survey and inventory results.
Prepare, present, implement and update bycatch technology evaluation plans.
Assist in writing contract proposals and progress reports.
Assist in developing detailed contract specifications, task statements, quality of work criteria, and other specifications.
Monitor budget expenses for projects, control purchasing, and manage equipment inventories.
Conduct catch data comparative analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of bycatch reduction technologies and deployment techniques.
Plan, design and implement research studies for the evaluation of bycatch reduction approaches.
Develop modifications to bycatch reduction approaches and experimental protocols.
Write publishable reports of research and project findings.