Fishery Observer III

* Authorized to work in the US Required (US Citizen Preferred)

* Onsite at a SEFSC Facility (TX, FL, Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, or Caribbean)

* Proposal Effort:
Position is Subject to Contract Award

* Must be able to provide 3 professional references

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.