NY MRIP Field Technician

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission • Town of Smithtown, NY

5d • Onsite

About The Position

As an MRIP Field Technician, the incumbent will conduct the field portion of the Access-Point Angler Intercept Survey (APAIS). This important research study, sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) conducts face-to-face interviews with marine recreational anglers. Field staff will travel to assigned sites to interview anglers about their fishing experiences, collect a variety of information, and (when possible) weigh, measure, and identify fish by species name that the anglers have caught. Assigned sites can include beaches, banks, piers, docks, jetties, and access points for private, charter, and head boats, including marinas, boat ramps and other points of entry to marine waters. Field staff are responsible for tablet-based intercepts with anglers at these sites in addition to completing several other required study forms.

Requirements

• Applicants must be at least 20 years old have a valid driver's license and access to a personal vehicle
• be willing to travel reasonable distances to reach assigned sites
• be available on weekends and weekdays, with additional availability during some evenings, nights, and holidays.
• Individuals should be comfortable approaching and speaking with strangers
• handling, measuring, and weighing fish
• working outside for extended periods of time in variable weather conditions.
• Applicants must have meticulous attention to detail and be able to complete, organize, and safely store electronic data and paperwork.
• Proven communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work independently, organize work and solve problems following prescribed procedures should all be demonstrated.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of fish species with experience in the area of recreational angling and familiarity of marine waterways in their local area is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Successfully complete training, including survey procedures and fish identification tests;
• Follow documented APAIS survey procedures;
• Travel to assigned fishing access sites to interview anglers about their fishing experiences;
• Occasionally work on head boats (for-hire vessels) for at-sea data collection;
• Identify key species of fish with extreme accuracy and with little aide of field materials (up to 25 or more different species; guides and training will be provided);
• Complete survey on tablet and submit to supervisor as instructed;
• Serve as a primary point of contact for New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the recreational fishermen;
• Answer questions and explain the importance of this federally-funded study;
• Other duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees