NY Recreational Angler Interviewer

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission•Town of Smithtown, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Recreational Angler Interviewer, 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. Recreational Angler Interviewers will travel to assigned sites to interview anglers about their fishing experiences, and 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. Recreational Angler Interviewers are responsible for completing field intercept forms with anglers at the various sites in addition to completing several other required study forms.

Requirements

Must be at least 20 years old
Must have a valid driver's license
Must have access to a personal vehicle
Willing to travel reasonable distances to reach assigned sites
Available on weekends and weekdays, with additional availability during some evenings, nights, and holidays
Comfortable approaching and speaking with strangers
Comfortable handling, measuring, and weighing fish
Comfortable working outside for extended periods in variable weather conditions
Meticulous attention to detail
Able to complete, organize, and safely store electronic data and paperwork
Proven communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently, organize work, and solve problems following prescribed procedures
Must be eligible to work in the United States

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of fish species
Experience in the area of recreational angling
Familiarity with marine waterways in their local area

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 aid of field materials (up to 25 or more different species; guides and training will be provided)
Complete the survey on a tablet and submit it to the supervisor as instructed
Serve as a primary point of contact for the 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