Gear Liaison

About the role

IBSS is seeking a Gear Liaison to work with the fishing industry and other organizations to create and test gear modifications on commercial fishing vessels, effectively communicate operational aspects of the fishing gear and assist in the evaluation of gear testing, provide outreach to assist fishermen in implementing protected species gear modifications.

Responsibilities

• Participate in field studies, data analysis, and evaluation of potential solutions on how to mitigate sea turtle and marine mammal bycatch in fishing gear.
• Participate with the regional and science center gear team in projects directed at reducing large whale sea turtle (trawl, gillnet, traps/pots) and other protected species bycatch in fixed gear (trap/pots and gillnets) fisheries in Northwest Atlantic waters.
• Participate in field studies, data analysis, and evaluations of projects directed at mitigating sea turtle and other protected species bycatch in bottom trawl gear; such as evaluating Turtle Excluder Devices (TED) testing as determined by the GARFO, with input from the NEFSC and Southeastern Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC).
• Support compilation and evaluation of project results.
• Provide regular outreach including dockside demonstrations of appropriate gear installation.
• Support Law Enforcement inspection and compliance monitoring.
• Support entanglement gear analysis in collaboration with the Region and Center gear team and gear warehouse curation and record keeping.
• Support ALWTR Team meetings.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years experience in commercial fishing and/or research and liaison work with commercial fishermen, including a strong understanding of gear operations.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to work independently and comply with project deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work well with others, including a diverse array of federal action agencies.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of marine ESA-listed species and their habitats, particularly those found along the east coast.

Skills

• Desired Skills: Knowledge of marine ESA-listed species and their habitats, particularly those found along the east coast.

Benefits

IBSS offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage with a company-paid deductible, paid time off, federal holidays, a matching 401K plan, tuition/professional development reimbursement, and Flex-Spending (FSA)/Dependent Care Account (DCA) options.

Pay

$85K - $100K

Schedule

Remote