Duties: As Fisheries Technician — APAIS Field Technician, the incumbent will conduct the field portion of the Access-Point Angler Intercept Survey. 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 filling out field intercept forms with anglers at these sites in addition to completing several other required study forms. The responsibilities of the incumbent will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Successfully complete training, including survey procedures and fish identification tests;
• Follow documented APAIS survey procedures;
• Travel to assigned fishing access sites to interview anglers about their fishing experiences;
• Occasionally work on head boats (for-hire vessels) for at-sea data collection;
• Accurately identify key species of fish with little aide of field materials (up to 25 or more different

  species; guides and training will be provided);

• Complete survey forms and submit the forms to supervisor weekly;
• Serve as a primary point of contact for Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental

  Protection and the recreational fishermen;

• Answer questions and explain the importance of this federally-funded study;
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received: While an ASMFC employee, the Fisheries Technician reports to the state supervisor on a daily basis. State supervisors and the ACCSP Recreational Program Manager make joint decisions concerning hiring of the Fisheries Technician. The state supervisor conducts performance evaluations, with review and final approval by the ACCSP Recreational Program Manager.

Locations, and Hours: 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; 11am-5pm; 2pm-8pm; 8pm-2am. This position will require regular weekend work, 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 Connecticut, with occasional office days at the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Marine Headquarters in Old Lyme, CT. Work is performed primarily in an outdoor setting. The incumbent will report directly to the state APAIS biologist.

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 using their personal vehicle (compensated at the federal personal vehicle mileage reimbursement rate); be available on weekends and weekdays, with additional availability during some evenings and nights. Individuals must 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 legible handwriting and meticulous attention to detail and be able to complete, organize, safely store, and ship paperwork in a timely fashion. 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.

Training: APAIS Field Technicians will be required to attend 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.

Application Process: Please email a resume and cover letter referencing the vacancy number to Laura Leach, Director of Finance and Administration, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, 1050 N. Highland Street; Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, VA 22201 (asmfc-jobs@asmfc.org). The vacancy number must be identified in the subject line.