Fisheries Specialist - Quantitative Ecologist

ASMFC: Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission; West Kingston (RI); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to marine and wildlife conservation as a Quantitative Ecologist. This exciting role involves using advanced statistical modeling to assess and inform fisheries management strategies for the State of Rhode Island. You will collaborate with state departments, conduct ecosystem analyses, and develop innovative analytical tools to support wildlife management. If you possess a strong background in quantitative science and are passionate about making a difference in environmental conservation, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to vital ecological research and management efforts.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Part-time telework available

Compensatory time

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in marine biology or related field required.
• 2 years of experience in quantitative science and statistical theory.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytical tasks to inform wildlife and fisheries management.
• Conduct ecosystem analyses for marine and freshwater species.

Skills

Quantitative Analysis

Statistical Modeling

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Project Management

Education

Master’s degree in a science related field

Doctorate degree in a relevant field

Tools

R

Python

ArcGIS

Microsoft Suite

TMB

Job description

Fisheries Specialist - Quantitative Ecologist

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Direct message the job poster from ASMFC: Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission

Application Process

Please email a resume and cover letter referencing the vacancy number (24-013) to Human Resources, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, 1050 N. Highland Street; Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, VA 22201 ([e-mail]) by the closing date of January 28, 2025. The vacancy number (24-013) must be identified in the subject line.

General Description

The Commission is seeking a skilled quantitative ecologist familiar with modeling and statistical analysis of wildlife and fish populations. The ideal candidate will be experienced with both Bayesian and frequentist statistical modeling, be comfortable writing code for common statistical programs (i.e., R) and be willing to work on both terrestrial and aquatic (freshwater and marine) data sets. This position will work directly with both the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM) Division of Marine Fisheries and the Division of Fish and Wildlife. The Quantitative Ecologist will be responsible for leading analytical tasks directed to inform wildlife and fisheries management and conservation for the State of Rhode Island.

Specific Duties

• Use quantitative tools and analyses to assess the performance of various management scenarios for informing fisheries and wildlife management bodies.
• Conduct ecosystem analyses for Rhode Island state waters to inform ecosystem-based fisheries management plans for marine and anadromous species.
• Develop analytical tools and conduct data analyses to support terrestrial wildlife management in Rhode Island.
• Develop data-rich and/or data-poor stock assessment models for marine resources managed by the State of Rhode Island or through interstate management.
• Design wildlife population and/or density estimation models.
• Produce reports and peer-reviewed publications which summarize project data and findings.
• Present findings at relevant fisheries science, natural resource management, and wildlife conservation forums.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Length of Appointment

The position is currently a one-year appointment, with the option to amend or extend pursuant to performance, available funding, and at the discretion of RI DEM.

Qualifications

Applicants must have at least a Master’s degree in a science related field (marine biology, biological science, natural resource science, oceanography, wildlife ecology, or a related field) and 2 years experience with quantitative science and statistical theory. Applicants must have proven analytical skills, as well as excellent writing and oral communication skills. They must have the ability to work on multiple tasks concurrently, general knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Microsoft Suite, R, Python, TMB, ArcGIS), and a valid driver’s license.

Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree in a science related field and 2 years related experience in professional marine/wildlife science, a Doctorate degree in a relevant field, or a similar combination of education and experience. Familiarity with assessment modeling platforms (Age Structured Assessment Program, Woods Hole Assessment Model, Stock Synthesis, Sex-age Kill models) is preferred. Prior experience participating in and conducting stock assessments is desired. Knowledge of local or regional marine, freshwater, and wildlife species and management of those species strongly preferred. Ability to work independently and/or with minimal supervision, manage and prioritize multiple project components, and complete multiple tasks independently with respect to timeline(s) is critical. Experience communicating/working with seafood dealers and fishing industry members, wildlife hunters and trappers is preferred.

Working Conditions

The Quantitative Ecologist will divide their time between the offices of RI DEM’s Division of Marine Fisheries located in Jamestown, Rhode Island, and the RI DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife in West Kingston, Rhode Island. Flexibility to work out of other RIDEM Facilities (e.g., Providence, Jerusalem) may be permitted based on performance and circumstances. Part-time telework is available up to two days per week. This position is not eligible for overtime. Compensatory time and flexible working hours (with supervisory approval) are available under the Commission’s policies; however, the Quantitative Ecologist is a salaried employee, and is expected to work seven (7) hours/day, five (5) days/week.

Supervision

The Quantitative Ecologist reports directly to RI DEM’s Divisions of Marine Fisheries and Fish and Wildlife Supervising Biologists. The incumbent is expected to exercise initiative in addressing the needs of data analysis and other areas of responsibility, with specific guidance from the RI DEM’s fisheries and wildlife biologists.

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Full-time

Industries

Fisheries