VA MRIP Field Technician 25-005

Description: As an MRIP Field Technician, the incumbent will conduct the field portion of the Access-Point Angler Intercept Survey (APAIS). This important research study, sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) conducts face-to-face interviews with marine recreational anglers. Field staff will travel to assigned sites to interview anglers about their fishing experiences, and (when possible) weigh, measure, and identify angler catch to the species level. Assigned sites can include beaches, banks, piers, docks, jetties, and access points for private, charter, and head boats, including marinas, boat ramps and other points of entry to marine waters. 

Responsibilities: The responsibilities of the incumbent will include, but not be limited to, the following: Successfully complete training, including survey procedures and fish identification tests 

Perform on average 15 to 20 field assignments per month 

Follow documented APAIS survey procedures for entering data into the field tablet 

Travel to assigned fishing access sites to interview anglers about their fishing trip 

When needed work field assignments scheduled on head boats (for-hire vessels) for at-sea data collection 

Identify key finfish down to species level while in the field 

Serve as a primary point of contact for hourly APAIS field technicians 

Answer questions and explain the importance of this federally-funded study and the need for recreational fishing data 

Perform monthly quality control phone calls made to anglers previously interviewed by hourly APAIS field technicians 

Help complete random quality control visits while hourly APAIS field technicians are at field assignments 

Perform site visits during the winter months to update any site information for the following field surveying season 

Check field fishing pressure estimates for field sites throughout the year 

Perform other field and office tasks when needed 

Qualifications: Demonstrated communication skills and excellent organizational ability.

Ability to work independently and remotely with minimal supervision.

Extensive knowledge of the fish species and recreational fisheries of Virginia and the Atlantic Coast.

Field experiences collecting biological data from finfish. 

Experience relaying scientific studies to the general public 

Must be willing to travel and work a flexible schedule including weekends and evenings.

Learn more and apply here.