Position Information

Position Information

Present Position Number00363VRole Code TitleLaboratory & Research Spec IPosition TitleLaboratory and Research SpecialistPosition Summary

The Laboratory & Research Specialist core responsibilities will be related to preparation and the execution of the NEAMAP survey cruise that is to be conducted by this program as well as to the laboratory processing of the field generated biological samples.

Responsibilities will include (but not limited to):

• Inventories necessary supplies and equipment for research cruises. Transport, stowage and configuration of all survey materials to the chartered fishing vessel.

• Assists with implementation of all necessary catch processing procedures at sea, including proper use of all the catch processing equipment and troubleshooting of that equipment.

• Assists with the execution of all ancillary data collection protocols (net monitoring, tow tracks, site identification and atmospheric and hydrographic monitoring.

• Conducts laboratory processing of fisheries related samples, such as hard parts for ageing and fish stomachs for diet determination.

• Participates in the other MRG field surveys as needed.

Required Qualifications

EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or the equivalent combination of education, training and or experience.

COMPETENCIES:

• Knowledge of laboratory procedures as related to age determination of fishes as well as to the processing of fish stomachs to support diet determination, with the ability to record length, weight, sex and maturity from fish at sea.

• Basic knowledge of the various protocols used by the trawl monitoring surveys, including catch processing, net monitoring, hydrographic and atmospheric data collection.

• Working knowledge of scientific principles and the scientific process, especially as they relate to fisheries-independent monitoring surveys.

• Familiarity with electronics and in particular automated catch data equipment including: Scantrol measuring boards, Marel motion-compensated balances, FEED software and rugged computer equipment.

• Working knowledge of personal computers and Microsoft Office Suite software, among others.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively as a collaborative team member.

• Ability to work on a commercial trawling vessel chartered for scientific research and stay on-board the vessel (overnight) for multiple weeks at a time. Ability to successfully perform duties, often under adverse conditions (heavy seas, high winds, precipitation), for multiple weeks at a time, with the ability to resist motion sickness or at the minimum “work-through” bouts of motion sickness.

• Ability to lift 60-75lb baskets of fishes repeatedly over a 16-18 hour work day on a moving vessel.

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

EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications.

• Experience performing aquatic field sampling and data collection using standard fishery techniques in the field as well as the laboratory.

Preferred Qualifications

COMPETENCIES:

• Working knowledge of the fauna of the Mid-Atlantic Bight, Southern New England and the Chesapeake Bay, particularly with respect to their identification and biology.

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working with fishery-independent monitoring surveys (particularly trawl surveys).

• Laboratory experience related to fish age sample processing, reading and age assignment, as well as fish stomach processing for diet determination.

• Experience with electronics and in particular automated catch data equipment including: Scantrol measuring boards, Marel motion-compensated balances, FEED software and rugged computer equipment.

Advertised Pay Rangecommensurate with experienceDepartment181100 Fisheries ScienceLocationVIMS - GloucesterUniversity Salary Range

U05Job Open Date07/15/2019Review Begin DateJob Close Date07/31/2019Open Until FilledNoEmployment CategoryOperational FTPosition Term12 Month - ContinuingSpecial Application InstructionsConditions of Employment:

• This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. and University policy

• This position is subject to overtime during field work operations to include evenings, weekends and holidays as required. Typical work day at sea lasts 16 to 18 hours, beginning just before sunrise and extending after dusk.

• Ability to lift 60-75lb baskets of fishes repeatedly over a 16 to 18 hour work day on a moving vessel.

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

• Restricted position subject to availability of funding.

EEO Statement

William & Mary is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access employer and actively encourages applications from minorities, women, disabled persons and veterans.

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 the ability to lift 60-75 lb baskets (of fish) repeatedly over a 16 to 18 hour work day?
   • Yes, I can lift 60 to 75 lbs
   • No, I can not lift 60 to 75 lbs
2. * Do you have experience with the identification of marine fauna in the Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Mid-Atlantic?
   • Yes
   • No
3. * Do you get motion sickness, such as seasickness from a moving boat?
   • Yes, I get motion sickness
   • No, I do not get motion sickness
   • Sometimes I get motion sickness or I can resist motion sickness
4. * Do you have fishing experience (scientific, commercial or recreational) with trawls, seines, longlines, and or pots/traps?
   • Yes, I have experience with these forms of fishing gear.
   • Yes, I specifically have trawling experience.
   • No, I do not have experience with these types of fishing gear
5. * Do you have experience using data collection software and automated catch data electronics & equipment?
   • Yes
   • No
6. * Do you have knowledge and experience with the techniques associated with the analysis and presentation of finfish diet data?
   • Yes
   • No
7. * Do you have experience working with finfish in a laboratory setting?
   • Yes
   • No
8. * Do you have direct experience processing finfish hard parts for age determination, including experience using laboratory equipment typically associated with finfish ageing (otolith saws, scale presses, etc.)?
   • Yes – including otoliths and/or scales, as well as other structures
   • Yes – including otoliths and/or scales only
   • Yes – structures other than otoliths and/or scales
   • No
9. * Do you have experience with finfish diet analysis?
   • Yes, including fishes from the Chesapeake Bay, Mid-Atlantic, and/or Southern New England
   • Yes, but not for fishes from the Chesapeake Bay, Mid-Atlantic, and/or Southern New England
   • No

Supplemental DocumentsRequired Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

1. Other Doc