Lead Finfish Technician

Agency

Dept of Environmental Quality

Division

Marine Fisheries

Job Classification Title

Environmental Technician II (S)

Position Number

60032650

Grade

NC07

About Us

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.

Description of Work

The Lead Finfish Technician will serve as the primary technician to the Central District biological staff in extensive field sampling, on and off the water and in a variety of weather conditions, related to the monitoring and assessment of fish and invertebrate stocks. This position collects data from recreationally and commercially important species from both fisheries independent and fisheries dependent sampling programs and is responsible for processing, recording, submitting, and verifying the data. Data collection includes fish and invertebrate identification, age structure sampling, and other biological data. Field work includes, but is not limited to, sampling with dredges, trawls, seines, gill nets, electrofishing equipment, water quality monitors, and sampling fish catches and conducting interviews with fishermen in local fish houses. The Technician will operate boats up to 27 feet in length and be responsible for maintaining outboard motors, boats, trailers, and trucks. The Technician is responsible for the construction and repair of sampling gear and assisting others with maintenance and repair work when needed. This position requires basic computer literacy (Microsoft Suite), the ability to swim, lifting heavy samples (up to 50 pounds), and working both independently and as part of a team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate, conduct, and collect data for various fisheries independent and dependent sampling programs.
• Record, organize, submit, and verify biological data following all data quality control procedures.
• Operate and conduct sampling from boats up to 27 feet in length.
• Assist in maintaining a fleet of work boats, outboard motors, trailers, and trucks.
• Coordinate purchases of, construct, and/or maintain sampling gear and equipment.
• Ability to plan and schedule work and communicate effectively in both written and oral form.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range - $35,984 - $53,121

Important: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date above.

Management Preferences:

Experience operating boats.

The Division of Marine Fisheries

The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is responsible for the stewardship of the state’s marine and estuarine resources. The DMF’s jurisdiction encompasses all coastal waters and extends to 3 miles offshore. Agency policies are established by the nine-member Marine Fisheries Commission and the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality. North Carolina is a member of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council , the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, and the National Shellfish Sanitation Program. Click here to learn more about the Division of Marine Fisheries .

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.

Minimum Education and Experience

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 the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Associate's degree in one of the agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in environmental or natural resources management work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement

T he State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Pamela Winslow

Recruiter Email:

hrrecruitment@deq.nc.gov