Position Information

Position Information

Present Position Number H0170V Role Code Title Laboratory & Research Spec I Position Title Scallop Research Specialist Position Summary

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science invites qualified applicants to apply for the Scallop Research Specialist, located in Gloucester Point, VA.

The Scallop Research Specialist, reporting to the Assistant Research Professor/Director, Marine Advisory Program will support at-sea survey cruises, and play a leading role in the inventory and procurement of all necessary supplies and equipment for the research cruises. The position is also charged with ensuring that these items are successfully transferred to the commercial fishing vessels (docked at New Bedford, MA, Cape May, NJ or Seaford, VA) and properly stowed/configured as appropriate.

Other responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Oversees accurate and efficient data collection and execution of field work. This also includes working with vessel captains to set cruise tracks, assesses proper working course of action, setting scientific crew assignments and leading/participating in sampling processing efforts.

• Ensures that equipment and supplies are cleaned, properly maintained and stored in an appropriate manner after field work is complete. Ensures biological samples collected during field work operations are transported, stored and delivered to appropriate organizations or agencies.

• Collects age data from scallop shells collected during field work. (Coordinates, schedules and data collection efforts with VIMS staff in other departments).

• Assists PI and project scientist with data analysis for various projects. Provides input and assist with the preparation of final, progress and industry reports as well as presentations for funding agents in accordance with deadlines. Assists with technical papers and manuscripts prepared for peer review in scientific journals.

Required Qualifications

EDUCATION/LICENSE:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training and or experience directly related to the position.

• Valid Driver’s license must be maintained at all times.

COMPETENCIES:

• Strong working knowledge of sampling and collections, with the ability to obtain biological samples for further analysis at-sea.

• Knowledge and skills of scientific procedures and processes, with the ability to learn and understand scientific principles and the scientific process, especially as they relate to fishery-independent monitoring surveys. Ability to learn the various protocols and learn catch processing, gear monitoring and hydrographic and atmospheric data collection, among others.

• Working knowledge of safety laboratory procedures and processes, with the ability to implement laboratory procedures for a variety of experimental objectives. The ability to record length and weight data from shellfish and fish species and be able to identify whether a specimen is male or female, and correctly classify its maturity stage.

• Strong proficiency in a variety of software applications, to include Microsoft Office, as well as databases. The ability to analyze data and produce reports.

• Excellent interpersonal, and oral and written communications skills, with the demonstrated ability to work as a collaborative team player, and contribute to scientific writings.

• Ability to work on a commercial fishing boat for multiple weeks, and successfully at sea, in all weather conditions, while resisting motion sickness.

• Ability to lift up to 50lbs and pick and shove catch repeatedly over 16 -18 hour work day, while at sea.

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with sampling and collections to include conducting experiments and processing of samples.

• Experience with analyzing data.

• Experience with electronics and in particular automated catch-data collection equipment, including gear mensuration sensors, navigation equipment and associated software applications.

Preferred Qualifications

EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science, or closely related field is desirable.

COMPETENCIES:

• Working knowledge of the fauna of the Mid-Atlantic Bight and Georges Bank, particularly with respect to their identification and biology.

• Strong skills in data management and statistical analysis.

EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated experience working with fishery-independent monitoring surveys is highly preferred.

• Advanced data management experience, utilizing statistical software (SAS or R) is desirable.

• Experience as a state or federal fishery observer is a plus.

Advertised Pay Range Up to $15.00 per hour, commensurate with experience. Department Marine Advisory Services - 132100 Location VIMS - Gloucester University Salary Range

U05 Job Open Date 02/18/2019 Review Begin Date Job Close Date 03/08/2019 Open Until Filled No Employment Category Hourly Position Term 9-Month Special Application Instructions Conditions of Employment:

• This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the fairlabor standards and university policy.

• This position is subject to overtime, weekend, and holiday work as needed. For the most part, these needs are restricted to times when sea scallop field surveys are in operation.

• All hourly employees are subject to the limitations of the Virginia Manpower Control Program and total hours worked may not exceed on average 29 hours per week (1500 hours) over the course of a twelve month period beginning May 1 each year.

• Valid Driver’s license must be maintained through out employment.

• Ability to successfully pass the VIMS at-sea survival training exercise.

• Ability to work on a commercial fishing boat for multiple weeks, and successfully perform all responsibilities while at sea, in all weather conditions, while resisting motion sickness.

• Ability to lift up to 50lbs and pick and shove catch repeatedly over 16 -18 hour work day, while at sea.

EEO Statement

William & Mary and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Background Check Statement

William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Supplemental Question

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have experience participating in scientific activities on the ocean?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Do you have experience working aboard boats on either fishery-independent or fishery dependent surveys?
   • Yes
   • No
3. * Please identify the geographic locations associated with your fishery-independent or fishery-dependent survey experience
   • Chesapeake Bay
   • Continental Shelf of Northwest Atlantic Ocean
   • Other
   • No experience
4. * Have you processed fishes at sea for scientific purposes (for example, recorded lengths, weights, sex and/or maturity stage of fishes, etc.)?
   • Yes
   • No
5. * Have you used automated data collection systems at sea for the collection of fisheries data?
   • Yes
   • No
6. * If you answered yes to question 5 about automated data collection systems, which system have you used?

   (Open Ended Question)

7. * Do you have experience working with computer programs to include Word, Access, Excel and PowerPoint?
   • Yes
   • No
8. * Please rate your level of proficiency with Microsoft Office (word processing, spreadsheets and email).
   • Basic
   • Intermediate
   • Advanced
   • None
9. * Please indicate your skill level with relational databases (e.g. MS Access).
   • Basic
   • Intermediate
   • Advanced
   • None
10. * Please indicate your skill level with Database management and analysis (e.g. R or SAS).
    • Basic
    • Intermediate
    • Advanced
    • None
11. * Please indicate your skill level with statistical software (e.g. R or SAS).
    • Basic
    • Intermediate
    • Advanced
    • None
12. * Do you have scientific writing experience?
    • Yes
    • No
13. * Do you understand that much of the required work will be away from an office setting aboard commercial fishing vessels chartered to conduct fisheries research?
    • Yes
    • No
14. * Do you understand that research cruises may be up to 8-10 days in duration with the expectation of overtime including nights and weekends?
    • Yes
    • No
15. * This position will require travel and the ability to drive a rental vehicle. Are you at least 25 years old?
    • Yes
    • No

Supplemental Documents Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

1. Other Doc