Assistant Operations Specialist ($60K – $85K)

Description

Fisheries Immersed Sciences Hawaii, Inc. (FISH) is a Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) skilled in fisheries observation, marine biology, island coastal resource management, scientific research, and innovative technology. As part of our ongoing growth and expansion, we are seeking to hire an Assistant Operations Specialist to support the Fisheries Monitoring and Research Division (FMRD). This position offers the opportunity to train and monitor the performance of fisheries observers who conduct sampling aboard commercial fishing vessels from Maine to North Carolina. While observer deployments are managed by an observer service provider, FMRD staff are responsible for tracking, editing, auditing, and uploading the data—vital information that supports fisheries management decision-making across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. 

(This will be a contingent position, based upon contract award). FISH will be operating under FLOAT – A “Fish” and “Lynker” Ocean Alliance Team – a Joint Venture Prime contract holder for NOAA ProTech Fisheries*.

Location

East Falmouth, MA.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Assist the Operations Specialist with planning, coordinating, and executing observer coverage in fisheries across the region. Conduct field (dock) visits to engage with vessel captains, observers, and Area Coordinators, ensuring coverage rates align with end-user needs.
  2. Develop understanding of program protocols, Standardized Bycatch Reduction Methodology (SBRM) processes, and potential solutions for field issues encountered by observers.
  3. Recommend and implement improvements to data/sample collection procedures and protocols as needed.
  4. Create, mail, and track vessel selection letters; collaborate with providers to target vessels for coverage.
  5. Ensure vessel selection is random, equitable, and unbiased; conduct quarterly research on vessel selection outcomes.
  6. Monitor compliance with call-in regulated fisheries and deliver monthly compliance reports to the Operations Specialist.
  7. Educate fishermen and observers on the uses of observer program data by end-users and stakeholders.
  8. Conduct interviews with vessel captains; assist in evaluating observer and provider performance, reporting to the Operations Specialist.
  9. Observe unassigned commercial fisheries needing outreach, research, and protocol development, or maintain observer certification by working as a trip trainer.
  10. Schedule and conduct post-trip dockside interviews with fishing vessel captains to address questions, resolve issues, and schedule future trips.
  11. Guide observers in data quality improvement by providing necessary feedback.
  12. Provide performance and background information for observer debriefings upon request.
  13. Conduct exit interviews and in-house debriefings, updating protocols and plans for these debriefings as needed.
  14. Inform the Operations Specialist of significant or controversial data and compliance issues.
  15. Follow up on incident reports, including safety deficiencies and refusal reports.
  16. Develop memos supporting a ‘refusal’ case for the Office of Law Enforcement.
  17. Keep the Operations Specialist informed of any substandard observer data collection performance; collaborate with TDQ on data collection issues and possible falsifications.
  18. Research and track “vessel of concern” issues, providing updates to the Operations Specialist.
  19. Participate in research cruises aboard NOAA research vessels as time and funding allow.
  20. Conduct outreach with the commercial fishing industry at various ports, enhancing observer program relations and facilitating observer placement.
  21. Travel to relevant Fishery Management Council and other meetings to present information collaboratively with FMO operational staff.
  22. Maintain and update regulatory compliance information for observance dissemination.
  23. Respond to information requests, coordinate with Operations Specialist and Data Processing Lead; assist with data quality checks.
  24. Track sea day accomplishments monthly; coordinate tasking requests with Operations Specialist and assist with reporting tasks.
  25. Complete general office tasks, research projects, document decisions, and communicate with the Area Lead.
  26. Conduct field testing of computer equipment, observer gear, or supplies related to local fisheries as required.
  27. Develop and implement research projects and protocols in partnership with the fishing industry and scientific community.
  28. Provide field and laboratory support for all NESFC FMO Branch data collection and monitoring initiatives.
  29. Coordinate technical assistance at sea and ashore; manage training and equipment deployment, troubleshoot electronic acquisition systems, and maintain research objectives compliance.
  30. Support NEFOP external sample requests, communicate with external users, coordinate sample delivery.
  31. Review and analyze video data as needed.
  32. Deploy on shadow, trip trainer, and priority (Data Field Quality) trips as required.
  33. Be available for periodic overtime and weekend assignments.
  34. Provide support for managing phone and email trip notifications.
  35. Respond to industry, provider, and internal inquiries professionally.
  36. Assist with routine database maintenance tasks.
  37. Assist in training industry representatives on PTNS protocols and functions.
  38. Support the monitoring and maintenance of PTNS website performance and coverage metrics.
  39. Monitor PTNS compliance of vessels.
  40. Participate in after-hours inreach monitoring support rotations.
  41. Maintain regular office hours at the observer program facility at least twice weekly.
  42. Support dockside/portside sampling initiatives, working closely with FMRD PM, EFP Principal Investigators, participating vessels, and dealers. Monitor offloads, manage data and QA/QC activities, provide analytical support, and participate in ongoing training and debriefing meetings.
  43. Support internal safety training, lesson plan development, conducting presentations, creating homework, maintaining MSIT certification, and cross-training in other observer programs.

Requirements & Minimum Experience

  • Qualification Requirements:
    • Minimum seven (7) years of experience in marine fisheries information programs or science-based programs.
    • B.S. degree in Marine Biology, Fisheries, or related fields.
    • Knowledge of fishery science, management, and analytical techniques.
    • Effective communication skills in both office and field settings.
    • Proficiency in GIS, Oracle or similar systems, MS Office, and G Suite tools.
    • Desirable but not required: Previous NEFOP/ASM/IFS observer experience, small boat operation experience, and familiarity with commercial fishing vessels.

    Required Certifications/Credentials:

    • First Aid CPR AED (Red Heart Association or equivalent).
    • Bloodborne Pathogens Training.
    • Valid driver’s license.
    • Commerce Learning Center (CLC) Defensive Driving Course.

About FISH

FISH is a growing, woman owned small business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. FISH, a trusted provider of resource management solutions, was established  by a passionate marine and fisheries scientist who calls Hawaii her home  and is driven by a profound commitment to the betterment of the marine ecosystem. FISH is a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) endowed with a diverse set of proficiencies in fisheries observation, marine biology, island coastal resource management, scientific research, policy and permitting, human dimensions, and cutting-edge technologies for applications such as electronic monitoring. FISH’s team of experts brings decades of applied  experience and is well-equipped to tackle complex marine challenges, offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to address the most  pressing issues facing the world’s oceans. With a track record of excellence,  we stand at the forefront of the industry, continuously innovating to advance  sustainable solutions for marine conservation and management. 

Our Employees are what makes us great! We work hard to help you advance your career and we continuously evaluate the compensation, benefits, and opportunities we provide you for professional and personal growth because our success depends on you! FISH’s benefits include the following:

  • Comprehensive healthcare for the employee
  • Healthcare benefit covers medical, with optional coverage for prescription drug, dental, and vision
  • Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
  • Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Short- term disability insurance
  • Long- term care insurance
  • Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
  • Lifestyle benefits including access to financial planning, as well as discounted rates on services and memberships such as AAA
  • Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
  • Personalized career growth plans for every employee

FISH is an E-Verify employer.

* This position is advertised through our joint venture, FISH and Lynker Ocean Alliance Team (FLOAT), a partnership between Lynker and Fisheries Immersed Sciences Hawaii (FISH) serving the NOAA ProTech Fisheries 2.0 IDIQ contracting vehicle. 

FISH is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.

Apply For This Position

To apply, please email your resume and current contact information to
gofish@fishinc.com attention Josee Vincent.