Marine Resource Scientist I

Department of Marine Resources•West Boothbay Harbor, ME

About The Position

This position will conduct boat-based fieldwork throughout the Maine coast and write scientific reports based on the work conducted. This position will operate, launch and trailer small powerboats as well as operate and assist in the maintenance of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). This position will also assist to maintain, update and/or improve data collection method(s) for the Aquaculture Division. This position utilize GIS software and may assist with maintaining and updating relevant aquaculture GIS layers. This is professional scientific work that involves conducting evaluations of aquaculture lease sites and then writing scientific reports to summarize the evaluations. Field work may be conducted in inclement weather and during hours outside of the typical workday. Overnight travel is infrequent but may occur as needed. Operating, launching and trailering small powerboats as well as operating an ROV are regular occurrences from Spring through late Fall. SCUBA diving and assisting/tending SCUBA divers also occurs. Written reports require a strong attention to detail and generating maps and figures utilizing GIS software. Remote work is possible, with supervisory approval.

Requirements

Entry level education, training, or experience in a scientific, technical, or engineering discipline with demonstrated experience in the field of marine resource research and management or another related field.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of aquaculture in Maine.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a variety of demographics.
Proficient in operating and trailering powerboats.
Proficient in the operation of complex remote interface systems and multi-axis controllers.
Skilled in use of ArcGIS Pro or other GIS mapping software.
Strong technical writing skills.
SCUBA certification and the ability to dive using SCUBA.

Responsibilities

Conduct on-site assessments of proposed aquaculture lease sites using a boat for access and ROV and/or SCUBA for remote camera observation.
Analyze data and develop formal, written reports for use in an adjudicatory hearing process.
Use GIS software to generate maps/figures for scientific reports.
Maintain and update electronic data collection methods.
Data QAQC.
Assist in oversite and maintenance of sampling equipment such as; boat(s), ROV(s), and SCUBA equipment.
Achieve and maintain DMR boat operator status.

Benefits

Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary.
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%.
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.11% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program.
Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave . Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act .
Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.