South Shore and Cape Cod MRIP Recreational Fisheries Technician

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached "as relevant" to the requisition.

The Seasonal Fisheries technician will assist MADMF program personnel with implementing the recreational fisheries survey from March to December. 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 traveling from home to assigned sites on the Cape Cod and the South Shore areas 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. The estimates generated from this work are critically important for managing fish stocks and sustaining recreational fisheries. The incumbent will assist other MA DMF Program personnel with additional projects as needed.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE :

1. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Outgoing and engaging personality. Individuals should be comfortable approaching and speaking with recreational anglers to obtain interviews.
2. 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: 2am-8am, 8am-2pm, 2pm-8pm, 8pm-2am, 11am-5pm. Most assignments occur from 8am to 8pm. 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.
3. Basic understanding of computer applications, the internet, and electronic touch-screen tablets.
4. Ability to work under challenging field and weather conditions: wind, rain, heat, and cold.
5. Ability to lift heavy fish specimens, both alive and dead.
6. Ability to work well independently and solve problems in the field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT AND SUBSTITUTIONS:

High school diploma or GED equivalent.

REMARKS:
Must pass a survey procedures test and fish identification test following training, with at least 90% accuracy. This position will require work on weekends, holidays and long hours. Fisheries Surveyors will work primarily in the field from their home. This is a seasonal contract position. Mileage is paid for all travel to and from sites. No benefits are included - except earned sick leave.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
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. Paid mileage.

This position starts March 11, 2024, through December 31, 2024. There are 5 positions open for this posting.

Qualifications

See preferred qualifications.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

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. Paid mileage.

There are no benefits with this position, except earned sick leave.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.