VA MRIP Field Technician 25-005

General Description

As an MRIP Field Technician, 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. Field staff will travel to assigned sites to interview anglers about their fishing experiences, and (when possible) weigh, measure, and identify angler catch to the species level. 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.

Duties

The responsibilities of the incumbent will include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. Successfully complete training, including survey procedures and fish identification tests

2. Perform on average 15 to 20 field assignments per month

3. Follow documented APAIS survey procedures for entering data into the field tablet

4. Travel to assigned fishing access sites to interview anglers about their fishing trip

5. When needed work field assignments scheduled on head boats (for-hire vessels) for at-sea data collection

6. Identify key finfish down to species level while in the field

7. Serve as a primary point of contact for hourly APAIS field technicians

8. Answer questions and explain the importance of this federally-funded study and the need for recreational fishing data

9. Perform monthly quality control phone calls made to anglers previously interviewed by hourly APAIS field technicians

10. Help complete random quality control visits while hourly APAIS field technicians are at field assignments

11. Perform site visits during the winter months to update any site information for the following field surveying season

12. Check field fishing pressure estimates for field sites throughout the year

13. Perform other field and office tasks when needed

Supervision

While an ASMFC employee, the Fisheries Technician reports to the state supervisor on a daily basis. State supervisors make decisions concerning hiring and performance evaluations of the Fisheries Technician.

Work Environment

This position requires individuals who will be able to work up to five 6-hour shifts a week. Staff must have flexible availability and be able to work all of the following shift times: 2am-8am; 8am-2pm; 2pm-8pm; 8pm-2am; and 11am-5pm with the bulk of shifts being between the hours of 8 am and 8 pm. This position will require regular weekend work, including holidays, and qualified candidates must be willing and able to work up to 12 hours each weekend. Days off will be dictated by the monthly surveying schedule with time off likely being on weekdays during the surveying season. This position is located primarily at fishing access sites in Virginia but when not on assignment office work at the Virginia Marine Fisheries Commission's main office in Fort Monroe, Hampton, VA will be scheduled. The incumbent will report directly to the state APAIS biologist. The Fisheries Technician is a salaried, full-time employee and as a full-time employee, the Field Technician is eligible for Commission (ASMFC) benefits.

Training

APAIS Field Technicians will be required to attend an in-person paid training. Trainees must complete training to continue employment on the project including passing a fish species identification test and a survey procedures test with no less than 90% accuracy.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated communication skills and excellent organizational ability.
• Ability to work independently and remotely with minimal supervision.
• Extensive knowledge of the fish species and recreational fisheries of Virginia and the Atlantic Coast.
• Field experiences collecting biological data from finfish.
• Experience relaying scientific studies to the general public
• Must be willing to travel and work a flexible schedule including weekends and evenings.

Note: This position requires physical ability to lift up to 20 lbs; pushing and pulling; standing, sitting, reaching, walking, bending, and the ability to perform all tasks on a moving fishing boat. This position may also require working in adverse weather conditions, including rain, wind, heat, and snow.

Application Process

Please email a resume and cover letter to Human Resources, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, 1050 N. Highland Street; Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, VA 22201 (asmfc-jobs@asmfc.org), by the closing date of April 1, 2025.

The vacancy number (25-005) must be identified in the subject line.

Organization Profile: The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) is comprised of the 15 Atlantic coast states under the terms of an interstate compact approved in 1942. The purpose of the Commission, as set forth by Article I of its Compact, is: To promote the better utilization of the fisheries, marine, shell, and diadromous, of the Atlantic seaboard by the promotion and protection of such fisheries. As an instrumentality of the 15 Atlantic coastal states, the Commission is employed to coordinate the conservation and management of nearshore migratory fishery resources.

The Commission is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants regardless of age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, religious persuasion, marital status, political belief, sexual preference, disability, or any other legally protected status. ASMFC is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas.

If you have a disability and need assistance applying for this position, you may call the ASMFC Human Resources office at (703) 842-0740 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. ET, Monday – Friday. Reasonable accommodations for interviews will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $43,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evenings as needed
• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000 - $43,000