[Geoldept] FW: Fisheries Observers - MRAG Americas

[Chris Sutton]

From: Dannie Schwarz
Sent: Thursday, May 07, 2015 8:25 AM
To: Kathryn Patrick; Mary Moores; Biology Advising; Chris Sutton; tmcclure74 at gmail.com
Subject: Fisheries Observers - MRAG Americas

Hello! Please see position posted below and attached. This position can be viewed on Viking CareerLink<http://www.wwu.edu/careers/viking_careerlink.shtml>.

MRAG Americas (MRAG) is currently hiring Fisheries Observers to collect data while deployed onboard US domestic commercial fishing vessels participating in US Northeast federal fisheries from North Carolina to Maine. We are currently accepting applications for a July training to be held from July 7th to July 27th 2015 in Falmouth, MA.

Training consists of 15 classroom days and additional at-sea training trips until certification is achieved. Fisheries Observers collect scientific, management, compliance, and other data at sea through observations of fishing operations, interviews of vessel captains and crew, photographing catch, and taking measurements of selected portions of the catch and fishing gear.

Observers' responsibilities include:
*        Meeting fishing skippers dockside to solicit and set up observer trips
*        Communicating with skippers and the MRAG Coordinator to arrange embarkation on the vessel
*        Conducting pre-trip safety inspection;
*        Communicating observer duties and data collection needs with vessel crew;
*        Collecting operational information, such as trip costs (i.e. price of fuel, ice, etc.).
*        Collecting fishing gear information (i.e. size of nets and dredges, mesh sizes, and gear configurations);
*        Collecting tow-by-tow information (i.e. depth, water temperature, wave height, vessel location, and time when fishing begins and ends);
*        Recording all kept and discarded catch data on observed hauls (species, weight, and disposition)
*        Recording kept catch on unobserved hauls (species, weight, and disposition);
*        Collecting actual catch weights whenever possible, or weight estimates derived by sub-sampling;
*        Collecting whole specimens, photos, and biological samples (i.e. scales, ear bones, and/or spines from fish, invertebrates, and incidental takes)
*        Recording information on interactions with protected species, such as sea turtles, porpoise, dolphins, whales, and birds.

The data and information collected by observers are used to monitor the amount and disposition of catch and bycatch, understand status and trends of fish stocks and protected species, record interactions with protected species, determine the benefits derived from fishing activities, and predict impacts of existing and proposed management actions.

Covered vessels routinely operate out of ports from North Carolina to Maine. Trips typically last from 1 to 14 days in length. The vessels typically operate 3-200 miles offshore in all weather conditions. Vessels are generally 30-100 feet in length; however, some vessels are smaller, particularly in the Virginia and North Carolina near shore fisheries. Crewmembers and Fisheries Observers live and sleep in cramped quarters, often in damp conditions and share common facilities. On some vessels, Observer can come across language barriers with the majority of the crew not speaking English. Because of the size of the vessels, motion sickness can be debilitating for some individuals. Fisheries observers are allocated to a primary port from which most trips will depart, however, observers must be willing to travel to cover locations other than their primary ports.

The position requires:
*        A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the natural sciences.
*        A minimum of 30 semester hours or equivalent in the biological sciences.

*        At least one undergraduate course in math or statistics
*        Experience with computer data entry
*        Physical fitness, including the ability to swim 100m, tread water for three (3) minutes, don an immersion suit in less than 60 seconds, climb a ladder, lift and carry 100 pounds correctly.
*        Off-shore or vessel related experience preferred.
*        Low susceptibility to and/or a tolerance of motion sickness
*        Adept at working in adverse weather conditions
*        The ability to live in confined quarters with strangers in a high stress environment
*        Ability to solicit and set up observer assignments independently
*        Depending on circumstances, be willing and able to deploy with as little as 4 hours or less advance notice.
*        Current First Aid/Adult CPR certifications

MRAG requires a one-year commitment to the program if hired. Leaving the program prior to the completion of one year can result in a requirement to reimburse training costs. Observers earn between $220 and $281.50 per full sea day while deployed. Working in line with government requirements observer sea day length is determined using a partial day system comprising the hours deployed at sea and paid accordingly. Sea days are broken into 1/3 (0 to 6 hours), 2/3 (6 hours 1 min to 12 hours) or full day (12 hours 1 min to 24 hours). Land hours start at $14.53 for hours worked and observers are eligible for overtime at $21.80/hr.  Regular pay grade steps are based on seaday experience in the fishery and prior experience in other MRAG observer programs. MRAG provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes vacation (after one year in the program) and holiday pay, life insurance, and health coverage. Additional coverage, including critical care, vision and dental coverage, is available at reasonable rates, with options for family coverage as well.

Other incentives MRAG provides to our NE staff:

*        Incentive/Bonus program to reward good performance and data quality
*        Opportunities to participate in advanced training programs depending on program status and logistics
*        Employee housing available in major ports depending on capacity (Nominal monthly fee applicable for full-time residents)
*        Direct deposit of paycheck biweekly
*        Expense reimbursements paid with payroll on biweekly basis
*        Flexible scheduling and time off request policy
*        Transparent, forthright communication between management, area coordinators, and observers Work will begin immediately following training and certification.

Please send your resume, cover letter, three (3) professional references, and college transcripts to Danielle Kane at Danielle.Kane at mragamericas.com<mailto:Danielle.Kane at mragamericas.com>

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