Marine Fisheries Biologist

Description of Work

Are you passionate about the environment and want to make a difference?

DEQ has an open opportunity for a Marine Fisheries Biologist.

DMF 60032743 NC18

This Marine Fisheries Biologist will prioritize and schedule biological sampling activities, conduct performance evaluations for those he or she supervises, respond to public inquiries, attend public meetings and hearings, and promote good relationships with commercial and recreational fishermen. The Biologist will also assist with the development and implementation of Fishery Management Plans (FMPs).

The primary responsibilities of this position are: 1) design and oversee monitoring programs, participate in monitoring programs, analyze and interpret data, and make management recommendations for marine fish and shellfish resources; 2) participate in the fisheries management activities of the Division, including development and implementation of fishery management plans and cooperate with other state and regional agencies; and 3) provide supervision to one or more temporary technicians in the Southern District, specifically for the Morehead City Central District Office, to ensure Division projects, federal projects, and program goals and objectives are met.

The Biologist will be one of the district’s lead scientists involved with the development of one or more Fishery Management Plans and supervising the collection and analysis of the data in formulating those plans and their subsequent revisions. The Biologist analyzes and interprets data collected from various fishery management programs and should be familiar with quantitative stock assessment methodology, survey design, and biostatistical analysis. The Biologist will analyze data and present and interpret data graphically, in written reports, and at meetings. The Biologist will participate in the district fisheries management activities by assisting the District Manager and Section Chief preparing drafts of proclamations (legal documents placing restrictions and seasons on fish and fishermen) and attending meetings with other state and federal management agencies and responding to public inquiries from recreational and commercial fishing groups and the public.

The Biologist is responsible for the direction of one or more temporary employees and will include monitoring work schedules and conducting periodic work evaluations. The Biologist must be able to work in a dynamic and team-oriented environment, must have strong organizational skills, the ability to work with the public and technical staff, and be able to multi-task and balance competing priorities. Strong oral and written communication skills are required for communicating with the public and colleagues to include technical and scientific writing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and oversee monitoring programs, participate in monitoring surveys, analyze, and interpret data, and make management recommendations for marine fish and shellfish resources.
• Participate in the fisheries management activities of the Division, including development and implementation of fishery management plans and cooperate with other state and regional agencies.
• Provide supervision to one or more temporary technicians in the Southern District, specifically for the Morehead City Central District Office, to ensure Division projects, federal projects, and program goals and objectives are met.
• Attend meetings with other state and federal management agencies and respond to public inquiries from recreational and commercial fishing groups and the public.
• Analyze and interpret data collected from various fishery monitoring programs, present analyses and trends of data graphically in written reports and meetings, and be familiar with quantitative stock assessment methodology, survey design, and statistical analysis.

The Division of Marine Fisheries

The NC Department of Environmental Quality:

The 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. Please visit our website at the Department of Environmental Quality for more information.

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.

Recruitment Range: $58,294 - $61,545

This position is located in: Carteret County, NC, Morehead City

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

To qualify for this position, applicants must document on the application that they possess ALL the following:

• Experience analyzing or interpreting data.
• Experience with commercial and/or recreational fisheries.
• Experience creating scientific/technical reports.
• Experience presenting scientific/technical data to staff and/or public.
• Experience operating boats.

Applicants who were born after January 1, 1988, must follow the requirements for boating safety education, General Statute 75A-16.2.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Some 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 oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for details.

Supplemental and Contact Information

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is an Equal Opportunity Employer who embraces an Employment First philosophy which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws and Executive Orders.

DEQ uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to their applications.
• If applicants earned college credit hours but did not complete a degree program, they must attach an official transcript to each application to receive credit for this education.
• If applicants earned a foreign degree, foreign degrees require an official evaluation for U.S. equivalency and must be submitted to Human Resources for verification. There are several organizations that perform this specialized service, feel free to use any service of your choosing. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) has several options on their website that can provide credential verification: https://www.naces.org/members