Current jobs related to Aquatic Biologist Iii - New Bedford - Department of Fish And Game

The Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game works to preserve the state's natural resources and people's right to conservation of those resources, as protected by Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution. To carry out this mission, the Department exercises responsibility over the Commonwealth's marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife species, plants, and natural communities, as well as the habitats that support them.

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries serves Massachusetts’ citizens by protecting, restoring, and enhancing fishery resources and their habitats, while providing sustainable fisheries related recreational and commercial opportunities.

The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) seeks applicants for the position of Aquatic Biologist III. The individual will serve as the Protected Species Science and Monitoring Lead to oversee monitoring and research programs for protected species, including large whales and sea turtles, under DMF’s Protected Species Program. Responsibilities include designing and implementing acoustic monitoring programs; overseeing aerial surveillance programs; preparing and analyzing data for use in management and modeling purposes; assisting in understanding the overlap between protected species distribution and fixed gear fisheries in Massachusetts; and collecting data and providing analyses needed for maintenance of protected species permits. The individual will work closely with DMF staff and collaborative partners to meet project goals while supervising staff and overseeing data management, grants, budgets, reports and equipment associated with research. In addition to representing DMF at state, federal and other management and scientific meetings as needed.

**DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Plans, organizes, and administers all aspects of monitoring populations of marine protected species in Massachusetts.
- Develop, implement, and manage archival and real-time passive acoustic monitoring program for North Atlantic right whales in Massachusetts state waters and adjacent areas.
- Oversee aerial surveillance program for North Atlantic right whales in Massachusetts.
- Compile, manage and analyze protected species data in Massachusetts coastal waters relative to distribution, abundance, entanglement, spatial overlap with fisheries, etc. for the Protected Species Program.
- Supervises Aquatic Biologist III, Environmental Analyst II, and Aquatic Biologist II positions which are being created to assist in monitoring and research within the Protected Species Program and will be directed those tasks as necessary by this position.
- Assist DMF staff in the execution of activities under a Habitat Conservation Plan and associated monitoring program, as required for an Incidental Take Permit under Section 10 of the ESA.
- Writes technical and non-technical work related to protected species monitoring and research in Massachusetts.
- Prepares graphical representations of data and conduct spatial analysis for DMF’s Protected Species Program.
- Presents technical and non-technical information related to protected species conservation to managers, industry groups, and the public.
- Assists Protected Species Program with additional tasks as necessary to maintain a comprehensive marine protected species program.

**QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE**:

- Experience in implementing protected species monitoring programs, including passive acoustic monitoring and aerial surveillance, particularly for large whales.
- Ability to lead the development and implementation of archival acoustic monitoring program for North Atlantic right whales in Massachusetts coastal waters, including study design, equipment maintenance, and data management and analysis.
- Ability to collaborate with partners and DMF staff on implementation of real-time acoustic monitoring system in Massachusetts.
- Experience in conducting statistical analysis of protected species abundance and distribution data.
- Understanding of protected species population ecology and applied conservation techniques.
- Experience with project administration, including budget tracking, contracts, progress reports.
- Ability to manage deliverables on multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Demonstrated strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.
- Proficient in the use of computer software used in data analysis (MS Excel, R or other statistical package) and data dissemination (MS Word, MS PowerPoint).
- Considerable experience mapping and conducting spatial analyses of biological and population data using ArcGIS or R.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise effective supervision over scientific and non-technical personnel.

**PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Knowledge of large whale conservation issues, human impact mitigation and the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan.
- Knowledge of the various commercial fishe