Fishery Observer III

POSITION DESCRIPTION :

The Fishery Observer III  plays a critical role in the collection, quality assurance, and supervision of fisheries-dependent data that informs national fishery management, conservation policies, and stock assessments across the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, and Caribbean regions.

As an advanced observer, you will serve as a field coordinator, mentor, and primary debriefer for junior observers, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of data used in support of NOAA's mission under the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA) , Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) , and Endangered Species Act (ESA) .

This role combines hands-on biological sampling and data collection with leadership, training, and quality control responsibilities .

RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Lead and coordinate field operations , serving as the primary contact for observer deployment, sampling, and data integrity issues.
• Oversee and debrief lower-grade observers (Observer I and II) , ensuring all sampling, measurement, and reporting meet NOAA SEFOP standards.
• Conduct advanced sampling and biological data collection , including catch composition, bycatch monitoring, protected species interactions, and tagging of priority species (e.g., sharks, tunas, swordfish, sea turtles).
• Perform in-depth data quality reviews , edit datasets, and provide recommendations to improve sampling methods and reporting accuracy.
• Advise NOAA and contractor management on recruitment, training, and operational improvements to observer safety and data collection efficiency.
• Document compliance observations with fisheries regulations and, when required, prepare affidavits or reports for use by NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement.
• Participate in aerial or vessel-based surveys , providing abundance and behavioral data on marine species.
• Represent the observer program professionally in interactions with vessel crews, port authorities, and federal staff.
• Deployment durations vary by fishery but typically range from 4 to 18 days at sea , with additional days for debriefing, training, and data analysis .
• Assignments may occur in Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, and Caribbean ports , including Florida, Louisiana, Texas, North Carolina, and U.S. territories
• Observe and document compliance with fishery regulations, and write affidavits as required, camps at remote sites, operate All Terrain Vehicles (ATV's) and skiffs as required
• Debriefers may also be assigned other duties to support data collection and data quality activities such as review of Electronic Monitoring information and perform Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning related support activities

REQUIREMENTS :

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a natural science (e.g., Marine Biology, Fisheries Science, Ecology, or Environmental Science).
• Extensive observer experience - typically 3+ years as a certified NOAA or equivalent fisheries observer , including successful deployments in multiple gear types (e.g., trawl, longline, gillnet, reef fish).
• Demonstrated leadership experience , including mentoring, training, or debriefing other observers.
• Proven data accuracy and integrity , with a record of high-quality data submissions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for report preparation, training, and interaction with vessel operators and NOAA personnel.
• Strong understanding of federal fisheries laws, observer safety standards, and data confidentiality protocols.
• Advanced training or certifications in statistical sampling, protected species observation, or marine safety .
• Experience leading data collection for NOAA SEFOP, NMFS, or comparable federal fisheries observer programs.
• Familiarity with biological sampling software and NOAA electronic data entry systems.
• Experience conducting aerial surveys or coordinating multi-observer research missions.
• Physical and medical fitness to work at sea for extended periods, lift and carry equipment, and tolerate varying weather and sea conditions.
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications .

Please contact if you have any questions or concerns.