Fisheries Methods and Vessel Technical Specialist

About the role

The Fisheries Methods and Vessel Technical Specialist will serve as a senior technical expert and vessel operator for NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center’s Harvesting Unit. This role combines hands‑on vessel management, fishing gear construction, and field training to support scientific surveys along the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Key responsibilities

• Construct, maintain, and repair selective fishing gear such as TEDs and BRDs.
• Provide technical expertise for fisheries research projects and gear evaluations.
• Operate and maintain Class III research vessels as Captain or First Mate during survey cruises.
• Ensure vessel readiness through maintenance, inspections, cleaning, and seaworthiness checks.
• Manage vessel navigation, cargo handling, deck operations, and onboard equipment safely.
• Maintain inventory of vessel supplies and support overall vessel logistics.
• Assist with small‑boat operations and general equipment maintenance.
• Conduct outreach and training for commercial fishers and marine law‑enforcement on regulated gear.
• Prepare reports documenting outreach, training, and operational activities.
• Support unit operations, including warehouse maintenance and equipment organization.

Required profile

• Minimum 5 years experience in net construction and repair within a commercial fishery or net‑shop environment.
• Minimum 5 years experience as Captain of a research or commercial fishing vessel, including operation and maintenance of associated equipment.
• Current U.S. Coast Guard Master’s License (100‑ton or greater).
• Valid driver’s license.
• Proficiency reading and interpreting fishing gear schematics and construction diagrams.
• Advanced vessel operations and navigation capability in research and field environments.

Required skills

• Net construction and repair
• Operation and maintenance of Class III research vessels
• Reading and interpreting fishing gear schematics
• Vessel navigation and cargo handling
• Deck operations and inventory management

What we offer

• Negotiable hourly rate based on experience
• Full‑time position with health, dental, vacation, sick and holiday benefits
• Opportunity to work on federally funded scientific research cruises
• Professional development through outreach and training activities