Marine Advisory Services at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) invites qualified applicants to apply to the open Scallop Research Specialist position. This position is based out of Gloucester Point, VA. The Scallop Research Specialist, reporting to the Scallop Research Lead Specialist (as directed by the Associate Director for Marine Advisory Services) will support at-sea survey cruises, and other field work as dictated by funded research, 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. Upon return from at-sea trip, shells cleaned, catalogued and entered into database.
- Assists PI and Scallop Research Lead Specialist with basic data analysis for various projects. Provides input and assists with the preparation of final, progress and industry reports as well as presentations for funding agents in accordance with deadlines.
Required Qualifications
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:
High School diploma or equivalent.
Valid Driver’s license must be maintained at all times.
COMPETENCIES:
- Strong working knowledge of sampling and collections, with the ability to collect scientific information and obtain biological samples for further analysis at-sea.
- Demonstrated knowledge of general laboratory procedures and equipment and analytical techniques, with the proven ability to conduct a variety of laboratory techniques and procedures, operate laboratory equipment, and collect and report basic findings.
- Basic knowledge of scientific principles and processes, with the ability to learn various protocols especially as they relate to fishery-independent monitoring surveys. Ability to learn various protocols, including catch processing, gear monitoring and hydrographic and atmospheric data collection, among others.
- Knowledge of specialized laboratory processes, with 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 with a variety of software applications to include MS Office and other software applications. Ability to analyze data and assist in pulling reports together. Demonstrated skills in data entry.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the proven ability to work as a collaborative team member and effectively interact with a diverse community.
- 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 working in a laboratory and / or the field.
- Experience with sampling and collections to include conducting basic experiments and processing of samples.
Preferred Qualifications
EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science, or related field, or the equivalent combination of education, and experience related to the position is desirable.
COMPETENCIES:
- Knowledge of the fauna of the Mid-Atlantic Bight and Georges Bank, particularly with respect to their identification and biology.
- Demonstrated skills with catch processing, gear monitoring and hydrographic and atmospheric data collection is desirable.
EXPERIENCE:
- Demonstrated experience working with fishery-independent monitoring surveys.
- Experience as a state or federal fishery observer is a plus.
- Experience with data entry and analysis.
Advertised pay range: Up to $15.00 per hour, commensurate with experience
Application deadline: March 1, 2021
