Research Technician - Fisheries Oceanography

OFFICAL JOB TITLE: Technical Associate

DIVISION: Academic Affairs

WORKING TITLE: Fisheries Research Technician

DEPARTMENT: SMAST

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS: Faculty Federation

EEO STATUS: 3.7

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Dr. Kevin Stokesbury

SUPERVISES: No direct supervisory requirements

SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION: The primary purpose of this position is to coordinate all aspects of SMAST scallop surveys. This includes but is not limited to leading drop camera scallop surveys, conducting data analysis, organizing survey schedules and gear, writing grant proposals for continued funding, preparing manuscripts related to conducted research, and ArcGIS mapping. Additionally, this individual will assist in other aspects of the lab including groundfish and offshore wind surveys which may require at-sea data collection, laboratory image and data analysis, and outreach events.

EXAMPLES OF PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead coordination with scallop survey
  
  
  
  • Participate in and eventually lead 6 to 10-day at-sea research surveys aboard commercial fishing vessels
  • Plan survey schedules and track survey progress
  • Direct at-sea data collection
  • Organize, maintain, and order scallop survey equipment
  • Assist in the development of the new drop camera system
  
  
  
  
• Assist with data analysis
  
  
  
  • Map survey results in ArcGIS, ArcGIS Pro, and/or R
  • Analyze scallop data
  • Image processing and quality assurance
  • Assist with data upload to SQL server database
  
  
  
  
• Contribute to grant proposal and report writing
  
  
  
  • Assist with writing grant proposals for external funding sources
  • Assist with writing progress and final reports according to grant requirements
  • Contribute images and figures for reports
  
  
  
  
• Participate in other activities not related to scallop surveys
  
  
  
  • Groundfish Video Trawl
    
    
    
    • Assist with at-sea sampling and image processing
    
    
    
    
  • Assist the Digitizing Coordinator
    
    
    
    • Use custom SMAST database and software to digitize image data
      
      
      
      • Identify benthic organisms
      
      
      
      
    
    
    
    
  • Offshore Wind
    
    
    
    • Assist with at-sea data sampling for ventless trap and larval surveys
    • Process samples and identify fish and invertebrate species
    
    
    
    
  • Whelk maturity
    
    
    
    • Assist with sample pickup, dissections, and sample processing
    
    
    
    
  • Administrative tasks
    
    
    
    • Purchasing paperwork
    • Travel authorizations
    
    
    
    
  • Participate in outreach via social media and events such as national and international research conferences and peer-reviewed publications
  • Assist with other tasks at Supervisor's discretion
  
  
  
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science degree

EXPERIENCE:

Substantial (>2 years) experience working directly with fishermen, supporting or leading marine related scientific research at-sea, conducing data analysis related to fisheries science and identifying fish; some (>1 year) experience mapping survey results and working with the offshore wind industry.

OTHER:

Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to lift approximately 45 pounds. It is essential that the incumbent can work irregular hours, participate in at-sea research cruises, and be able to spend as much as 10 days at-sea per cruise.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Strong background using computers including Excel, PowerPoint, Word
• Excellent communication skills and excellent organizational ability
• Ability to work independently
• Familiarity with ArcGIS
• Familiarity with SQL databases
• Strong writing skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with New England fisheries
• Experience with operation and maintenance of underwater camera systems
• Knowledge of federal grant protocols and requirements
• Ability to train and supervise Technicians in various aspects of data collection
• Experience identifying fish in video survey technologies

To apply please submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the contact information for three professional references.

UMass Dartmouth offers exciting benefits such as:

75% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Life Insurance
Long Term Disability
State Pension Retirement Plan
Optional Retirement Savings Plans
Tuition Credit (Employee, Spouse, & Dependents)
Twelve (12) paid holidays.
Paid personal, vacation, and sick time.
And more!

Benefits for Faculty Federation Union-

Applicants must be authorized for employment in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship not available.

To apply please submit a letter of interest, current resume and the contact information for three professional references.

The review of applications will begin immediately and is ongoing.