South Shore and Cape Cod MRIP Recreational Fisheries Technician

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•New Bedford, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) seeks applicants for the position of Seasonal Fisheries Technician who will assist DMF personnel with implementing the recreational fisheries survey from April to November. The Access Point Angler Intercept Survey (APAIS) is part of the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), a federal survey designed by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The survey is implemented by all Atlantic coastal states. The goal of the survey is to generate estimates of recreational fisheries catch for marine fish species in Massachusetts waters. Field staff, once trained, work independently travelling from home to assigned sites on Cape Cod and the South Shore to interview anglers about their fishing experiences, collect a variety of information, and identify, weigh, and measure fish that anglers have kept. Assigned fishing sites 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 or estuarine waters. Head boat sampling occurs at sea (most positions will operate only from shore). The estimates generated from this work are critically important for managing fish stocks and sustaining recreational fisheries. The incumbent may assist other MA DMF Program personnel with additional projects as needed.

Requirements

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Outgoing and engaging personality. Individuals should be comfortable approaching and speaking with recreational anglers to obtain interviews.
Must have flexible availability and willing to work outside normal office hours (longer, earlier, later) due to tidal cycles, vessel schedules, and survey times.
Ability to work any of the following 6-hr survey times\: 8am-2pm, 2pm-8pm, and 11am—5pm.
Ability to work regularly on weekends and holidays (Friday is considered a weekend day). Qualified candidates must be able to work at least 16 hours each weekend.
Basic understanding of computer applications, the internet, and electronic touch-screen tablets.
Ability to work under challenging field and weather conditions\: wind, rain, heat, and cold.
Ability to lift heavy fish specimens, both alive and dead.
Ability to work well independently and solve problems in the field.
Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator’s Class D license or equivalent license from the state in which you reside.
Must have access to a reliable personal vehicle to get to and from survey assignments.
Must pass a survey procedures test and fish identification test following training, with at least 90% accuracy.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and familiarity with marine recreational fishing and fish species is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

Successfully complete training and pass both a survey procedures test and fish identification test.
Survey recreational anglers and collect catch information including counts, measurements, and weights of fish both harvested and released.
Begin and end each 6-hour assignment on time.
Accurately record detailed data on electronic field tablets and data sheets.
Perform rigorous data review for quality control.
Complete, organize, and submit data and reports to supervisors in a timely manner.
Distribute outreach material while interacting with the angling public in the field.
Operate a motor vehicle to perform duties.
Assist other MADMF projects with conducting research when time permits.

Benefits

Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package.
Mileage is paid for all travel to and from sites.
No benefits are included - except earned sick leave.
Paid mileage.

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