Research Specialist Fisheries Monitoring and Analytical Support

JR102168

Research Specialist Fisheries Monitoring and Analytical Support

CC00497 VIMS1 | RADV | Natural Resources

Staff - Lab & Research Support

Fixed Term (requires end date - benefited) (Fixed Term)

Nunnally Hall/Fisheries Science

Posting Location - VIMS Gloucester

School Mission Statement
The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) has a three-part mission of research, education, and advisory service. Our over-arching goals are to:

• Make seminal advances in understanding marine systems through research and discovery.
• Translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance.
• Provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with a coastal and marine sciences education of unsurpassed quality.

Unit Mission Statement
The Recruitment Surveys Program at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) contributes to the understanding of recruitment processes of estuarine and marine fishes of the mid-Atlantic region through the collection of fisheries data using standardize surveys in support of research, education, and resource management.

The Research Specialist I provides necessary support and expertise for estuarine fish surveys. Conducts field sampling, data analysis and data entry and other laboratory tasks, and specific concerns (such as ageing studies and diet studies). Performs ground support to field crew, grocery shopping, cruise preparation and post-cruise clean-up, anticipating and correcting problems.

Other responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Performs construction of materials to facilitate research objectives, such as eel traps or other sampling gear.
• Conducts other tasks such as fish dissection, otolith removal, eel pigment stage evaluation, maturity determination, fish ageing, gut content analysis, length/weight measurements, and tissue processing for subsequent analysis.
• Laboratory and computer work – Performs data processing and checking effectively ensuring accuracy and integrity of the data.
• Assist research program with report reviews and preparation as needed with supervision by manager.
• Plans, organizes, and participates in outreach events to promote program activities.

• High School Diploma or equivalent with a background laboratory protocols.

• Experience in Marine Science, Oceanography or closely related field.
• Experience in aquatic field sampling using standard fishery techniques as applied in the field and Lab.

• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory and field safety.
• Ability to prepare samples and perform standard or routine lab testing.
• Demonstrated skills in operating and maintaining tools and equipment.
• Ability to follow defined procedures and guidelines or under minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail in collection and entry of data.
• Ability to maintain records and record test results to a high degree of accuracy.
• Proficiency in a variety of software applications to include MS Office with the ability to record data.
• Knowledge of fisheries, biology, sampling techniques and general scientific principles.
• Excellent organization, time management and effective communication skills both orally and written.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to successfully complete tasks aboard small and large research vessels

• B.S. degree in marine science, fisheries science, oceanography of closely related field.

• Demonstrated experience with MS suite (Word, PowerPoint and Excel).
• Demonstrated…