Biological Sampler--Fisheries

Work Schedule: Full time (40 hours), typically Monday-Friday; however schedules vary based on sample availability

Travel Required: Yes, up to 75% within local area

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Contact Person: LeShan Witherspoon, lwitherspoon@remsainc.com 

Date Available: Late Summer 2009

REMSA Inc. (http://www.remsainc.com/) is seeking an experienced, highly motivated, and results oriented Fisheries Biological Sampler and Data Quality Specialist to fill an immediate opening in East Hampton, NY.  Candidates should be familiar with the fisheries' data collection and reporting procedures and systems set forth by as required of the industry by state and federal mandates for the Northeast US region.    This project assists in the monitoring of commercially important fish and shellfish species to ensure that they are being managed appropriately.  Prior experience working with the Northeastern fishery industry, obtaining and examining field samples, and/or regulations on fisheries monitoring set forth by NMFS is desirable.  Prior experience performing data quality audits and management tasks is essential.  We are looking for team players who can work independently with minimal supervision towards meeting team goals and objectives. 

This project is currently slated to last approximately 1 year from start date with the possibility of extension based on a continuing need and funding.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The successful candidate will work in support of the enforcement of policies set forth in the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act.  As a part of a team of scientists conducting sampling along the Atlantic coast from Virginia to Maine, you will collect data from commercial and recreational industry sources to be recorded and analyzed by the Fisheries Statistics Office.  This work requires a variety of skill sets including knowledge of biological sampling methods to be employed, effective communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and knowledge of field procedures. The candidate will serve in a project support role, onsite for our client, within a team structure. The team is responsible for translating data comparison requests, from the fishing industry, to standard data reports/responses.  The position is in support of new initiatives with regards to fisheries management allocations in the Northeastern US.  The team achieves these goals by reviewing and auditing submitted fisheries data as well as performing side by side verifications, from multiple data sets.   Duties in this role include, but are not limited to the following:

Duties in this role include, but are not limited to the following:

• Collection of Weight Samples & Weighout Data from commercial landings. This requires visits to ports and dealer locations.
• Interview of Vessel Operations to obtain landing & harvest data. Information is to be collected through personal visits to vessels to interview owners and operators and through examination of official records maintained for the vessel.
• Prepare data for upload and processing through the Commercial Data Entry System (CODES). This includes auditing for completeness and accuracy, coding for proper entry for data not submitted on standard forms, and organization of data to follow standard procedures. Communication of any deficiencies is to be communicated to the proper management personnel.
• Data entry is performed to transmit in the form of a database to upload into the system for review and use by
• Manually input the desired parameters into database in an efficient manner being careful that translation from the original form is accurate
• Audit data entered to ensure accuracy and completeness
• Submit audited data on regularly scheduled basis (monthly) for review
• Complete bi-weekly progress reports detailing current information on progress towards specific goals assigned as well as any news of activities within the local fishery community for publication and distribution
• Receive and process incoming mail; open, sort, organize, and distribute to the proper parties on a daily basis and in a timely fashion
• Preparation of data requests for review and response
• Investigate multiple datasets in response to the data requests
• Audit data entered to ensure accuracy and completeness
• Document results of the data investigation to an online system
• Adaptation to changing demands of the project
• Work as a solitary investigator or as part of a team

REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to pass a background screening in order to receive security clearance due to the sensitive nature of this position.

Must be a U.S. citizen

Possession of, or ability to obtain Transportation Workers' Identification Card (TWIC) card per Homeland Security requirements

Valid Driver's License with Clear Driving Record

Education: Minimum of Bachelor's degree in Fisheries/Marine Science or related field

Experience: 1-2 years in a similar role performing biological sampling and 2-3 years in a similar role processing a high volume of data

• Ability to identify Atlantic ground fish species
• Capability to work as a member of a team in order to achieve common goals
• Experience obtaining aging samples from whole specimens
• Ability to travel extensively (typically by car) throughout Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire on a weekly basis, with occasional trips to other Atlantic states as required
• Ability to work a non-traditional schedule to accommodate fishing industry's landing patterns
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds repeatedly
• Ability to stand, stoop, and sit for prolonged periods of time
• Ability and willingness to work in harsh conditions and sometimes hazardous environments unsupervised while following standard safety protocols
• Knowledge of fishing industry including equipment used and marine species is desirable
• Knowledge of databases and the ability to manage and manipulate data within them. MS Access/Excel is a must, advanced programs are preferred
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both written and oral
• Attention to detail
• Professional appearance and demeanor
• Ability to accurately record and audit data as well as provide QC
• Computer skills including MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, etc.)
• Flexibility to take on a variety of tasks based on the workload and needs of the team
• Excellent conflict management and relationship building skills. The ability to get along with a variety of types of people from different backgrounds.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Access & Excel
• Experience with Oracle based platforms is highly desirable
• Time Management, multi-tasking, and prioritization skills are imperative
• Ability to meet/exceed tight deadlines
• Proficiency and speed in data entry/typing skills are required
• Ability to use office equipment is required
• Ability to learn and follow very precise protocols in order to complete job functions is a must

BENEFITS:

Full time position with a competitive salary based on experience.  Benefits include: health, dental, life & disability insurance, vacation and sick leave accrual, 401K, and Tuition Reimbursement.

Application Instructions:

In your resume, be sure to include all relevant experience, education, and skills.

Please provide a cover letter outlining why you would be a good fit for this position and your salary requirements.

Have at least 3 professional references available to be contacted at a later date.                     

Please submit materials via email to: recruit@remsainc.com or FAX to 757.722.4571 Please refer to position title in responses.

Please email any questions about this position to LeShan at: lwitherspoon@remsainc.com, or call 757.722.0113 X16.