NY MRIP Field Technician

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, collect a variety of information, and (when possible) weigh, measure, and identify fish by species name that the anglers have caught. 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. Field staff are responsible for tablet-based intercepts with anglers at these sites in addition to completing several other required study forms.

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. Follow documented APAIS survey procedures;
3. Travel to assigned fishing access sites to interview anglers about their fishing experiences;
4. Occasionally work on head boats (for-hire vessels) for at-sea data collection;
5. Identify key species of fish with extreme accuracy and with little aide of field materials (up to 25 or more different species; guides and training will be provided);
6. Complete survey on tablet and submit to supervisor as instructed;
7. Serve as a primary point of contact for New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the recreational fishermen;
8. Answer questions and explain the importance of this federally-funded study;
9. Other duties as assigned

Supervision

The MRIP Field Technician is an employee of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), however, the Field Technician reports to the state supervisor daily. State supervisors make decisions concerning hiring and performance evaluations of the MRIP Field Technician.

Work Environment

This position requires individuals who will be able to work five (5) 8-hour shifts a week. Staff must have flexible availability, and be able to work any and all of the following shift times plus transit time: 2am-8am; 8am-2pm; 2pm-8pm; 8pm-2am; 11am-5pm. This position will require regular weekend work (including Fridays), and qualified candidates must be willing and able to work at least 16 hours each weekend. This position is located primarily at fishing access sites in the State of New York, with occasional office days at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Marine Resources in Kings Park, NY. Work is performed primarily in an outdoor setting. The incumbent will report directly to the state APAIS biologist. This is considered a non-exempt position and may be eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act. However, the Fisheries Technician is a salaried employee and for benefits.

Training

MRIP Field Technicians will be required to attend an in-person paid training. Trainees must successfully 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

Applicants must be at least 20 years old have a valid driver's license and access to a personal vehicle; be willing to travel reasonable distances to reach assigned sites; be available on weekends and weekdays, with additional availability during some evenings, nights, and holidays. Individuals should be comfortable approaching and speaking with strangers; handling, measuring, and weighing fish; and working outside for extended periods of time in variable weather conditions. Applicants must have meticulous attention to detail and be able to complete, organize, and safely store electronic data and paperwork. Proven communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work independently, organize work and solve problems following prescribed procedures should all be demonstrated. Knowledge of fish species with experience in the area of recreational angling and familiarity of marine waterways in their local area is preferred. Must be eligible to work in the United States.