The Shellfish Biologist will participate in field sampling; design and oversee monitoring surveys; analyze and interpret data; author and edit Fishery Management Plans (FMP), information papers, and other reports or documents of assigned projects. The Biologist is responsible for specific statewide sampling programs and is the Central District Office, Southern District lead in Fisheries Science for other statewide fishery independent and dependent sampling programs. The Biologist participates as lead or co-lead, and/or member of the team in the development FMPs and participates in the Marine Fisheries Commission, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and Federal council committees for the division. The Biologist participates in the district fisheries management activities by assisting the Biologist Supervisors, District Managers 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, recreational and commercial fishing groups, and the public. This Biologist is the public contact on the Division’s website as a species leading to addressing public inquiries as well as fulfilling data requests. The Biologist will be responsible for the direction of one or more employees and will include monitoring work schedules and manage employee performance. The ability to operate a boat and follow Coast Guard navigation rules is required.
Key Responsibilities:
• Designs, develops, conducts, and evaluates scientifically sound projects to address issues in fisheries management.
• Analyze and interpret data, prepare and edit written reports with recommendations to make fisheries management.
• Serve as lead/co-lead or a team member on one or more Fishery Management Plans and work with other state and regional agencies.
• Responsible for gathering input from staff, other scientists, enforcement officers, fishermen and dealers and relaying information to the Fisheries Science Biologist Supervisors, District Managers and Section Chief.
• Provide supervision to technicians in the Fisheries Science, Southern District, Central District Office to ensure that division and federal projects, and program goals are met.