Lead Finfish Technician

Sep 1, 2026

$37,377 - $49,650/year

Agency

Dept of Environmental Quality

Division

Marine Fisheries

Job Classification Title

Position Number

Grade

NC07

About Us

The primary mission of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is to provide science-based environmental stewardship for the health and prosperity of all North Carolinians. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the lead stewardship agency for the protection of North Carolina's environmental resources. The organization, which has offices from the mountains to the coast, administers regulatory programs designed to protect air quality, water quality, and the public's health, and works to advance in all-of-the-above energy strategy that fits North Carolina's needs.

DEQ also offers technical assistance to businesses, farmers, local governments, and the public and encourages responsible behavior with respect to the environment through education programs provided at DEQ facilities and through the state's school system. DEQ touches the lives of all North Carolinians in many ways to enhance and ensure our quality of life.

Description of Work

The Lead Finfish Technician will serve as the primary technician to the Central District biological staff in extensive field sampling, on and off the water and in a variety of weather conditions, related to the monitoring and assessment of fish and invertebrate stocks. This position collects data from recreationally and commercially important species from both fisheries independent and fisheries dependent sampling programs and is responsible for processing, recording, submitting, and verifying the data.

Data collection includes fish and invertebrate identification, age structure sampling, and other biological data. Field work includes, but is not limited to, sampling with dredges, trawls, seines, gill nets, electrofishing equipment, water quality monitors, and sampling fish catches and conducting interviews with fishermen in local fish houses. The Technician will operate boats up to 27 feet in length and be responsible for maintaining outboard motors, boats, trailers, and trucks.

The Technician is responsible for the construction and repair of sampling gear and assisting others with maintenance and repair work when needed. This position requires basic computer literacy (Microsoft Suite), the ability to swim, lifting heavy samples (up to 50 pounds), and working both independently and as part of a team.

• Coordinate, conduct, and collect data for various fisheries independent and dependent sampling programs.
• Record, organize, submit, and verify biological data following all data quality control procedures.
• Operate and conduct sampling from boats up to 27 feet in length.
• Assist in maintaining a fleet of work boats, outboard motors, trailers, and trucks.
• Coordinate purchases of, construct, and/or maintain sampling gear and equipment.
• Plan and schedule work and communicate effectively in both written and oral form.

Knowledge

Skills and Abilities

/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range - $37,377 - $49,650

Important:
This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date above.

• Experience operating boats

The Division of Marine Fisheries

The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is responsible for the stewardship of the state’s marine and estuarine resources. The DMF’s jurisdiction encompasses all coastal waters and extends to 3 miles offshore. Agency policies are established by the nine-member Marine Fisheries Commission and the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality. North Carolina is a member of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council , the South…