Fisheries Science Technician

State of North Carolina - Department of Environmental Quality; North Carolina; On-site; USD 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality seeks an Environmental Technician I (S) to support the Independent Gill Net Survey in the Northern District. You will collect fish, record biological data, and assist with data quality control while operating sampling gear and boats.

Normal hours vary seasonally with some early mornings and late evenings. A valid driver's license is required; ability to swim and lift 50 pounds is necessary.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with fisheries sampling or data collection is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Collect fish using gill nets in estuarine waters around Albemarle Sound.
• Obtain biological data such as length, weight, diet samples, ageing structures, and reproductive condition.
• Operate and maintain boats, motors, trailers, trucks, and sampling gear; assist with data verification.

Skills

Operating boats

Swimming

Education

Associate's degree in agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences

Job description

AgencyDept of Environmental QualityDivisionMarine FisheriesJob Classification TitleEnvironmental Technician I (S)Position Number60032676GradeNC04About UsThe primary mission of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is to provide science-based environmental stewardship for the health and prosperity of all North Carolinians. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the lead stewardship agency for the protection of North Carolina's environmental resources. The organization, which has offices from the mountains to the coast, administers regulatory programs designed to protect air quality, water quality, and the public's health, and works to advance in all-of-the-above energy strategy that fits North Carolina's needs. DEQ also offers technical assistance to businesses, farmers, local governments, and the public and encourages responsible behavior with respect to the environment through education programs provided at DEQ facilities and through the state's school system. DEQ touches the lives of all North Carolinians in many ways to enhance and ensure our quality of life.Description of WorkThis Fisheries Technician will primarily work on the North Carolina Independent Gill Net Survey (IGNS, Program 135) for the Northern District, though may be required to work on other state and federally funded projects as well. Primary species of interest may include but are not limited to Striped Bass, Southern Flounder, American Shad, Alewife, Blueback Herring, and Blue Crab. Fish collected from this program will be identified to species, and may be tagged with traditional or electronic tags, or may be processed for biological data. Other duties include fisheries independent (trawl, seine) and fisheries dependent (fish house interviews) sampling, computer use and working independently and with others. Normal work hours will vary seasonally but late evening and early morning hours will be required. The technician must be able to swim, as well as be able to lift at least 50 pounds. A valid driver's license is required.Key Responsibilities:• Collect fish using gill nets in estuarine waters in and around the Albemarle Sound.• Obtain biological data including length, weight, diet samples, ageing structures, and the reproductive condition of crustaceans and finfish.• Process, record, compile, and verify biological data, as well as perform data quality control.• Operate and maintain outboard motors, boats, trailers, trucks, net reels, and other sampling equipment, lifting heavy cartons of fish and gear.• Use other sampling gears (trawls, pots, trammel nets, seines, electro-fisher, etc.) or collect additional biological data from fish and invertebrates.• Collection of fisheries dependent data through sampling of commercial catches at local fish houses.Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management PreferencesRecruitment Range - $32,287 - $44,133Important: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date above.Management Preferences:Experience operating boatsThe Division of Marine FisheriesThe North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is responsible for the stewardship of the state’s marine and estuarine resources. The DMF’s jurisdiction encompasses all coastal waters and extends to 3 miles offshore. Agency policies are established by the nine-member Marine Fisheries Commission and the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality. North Carolina is a member of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council , the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, and the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more.Minimum Education and ExperienceSome state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.Associate's degree in one of the agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.EEO StatementT he State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.Recruiter:Pamela WinslowRecruiter Email:[e-mail]