The Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation (CSSC) at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies is hiring a Research Specialist. The CSSC is dedicated to providing science-based information that supports sustainable management of the multibillion-dollar recreational fishery that flourishes along the Gulf Coast. A major goal of the CSSC is to promote conservation through angler engagement.
The primary responsibility of the Research Specialist will be to serve as the CSSC’s Angler Engagement Coordinator, directly interacting with recreational anglers and promoting science-based fishing practices to ensure healthy and sustainable sport fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico. The Angler Engagement Coordinator will also regularly participate in ongoing sportfish research as needed. The candidate may be hired as a Research Specialist I or II depending upon experience.
Responsibilities:
- 30% - Coordinate Sportfish Center engagement activities with the recreational angling community, including fostering existing and new relationships via engagement through various media platforms and in-person interactions.
- 30% - Produce angler engagement content including social media, videos, and popular press articles.
- 25% - Conduct fieldwork under a variety of weather conditions including offshore waters.
- 10% - Assist on research projects including collecting and analyzing data and ensuring proper procedures are followed in the field and the laboratory.
- 5% - Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Research Specialist I
- Bachelor's Degree in Marine Biology or related field
- Four (4) years of related fisheries experience.
- Previous experience interacting with the recreational angling community.
- Proven ability to produce media content for a non-scientific audience.
- Excellent professional, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
Research Specialist II
- Bachelor's Degree in Marine Biology or related field
- Six (6) years of related fisheries experience.
- Previous experience interacting with the recreational angling community.
- Proven ability to produce media content for a non-scientific audience.
- Excellent professional, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master of Science degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Fisheries, Environmental Science, Marine Science, or related field.
- Experience with video and audio production including filming, editing, and compiling video using various programs such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe Audition.
- Advanced computer skills using Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.), R, or other routine software packages.
- Knowledge of experimental design and analysis and demonstrated scientific writing skills.
- Previous experience conducting fisheries field work on research vessels under a variety of weather conditions in both inshore and offshore waters.
- Experience with small boat operations.
- SCUBA certified with previous AAUS Scientific Diving experience
