Gear Monitoring Team Support Specialist

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager & Gear Specialist to lead operations for the NOAA Fisheries Gear Monitoring Team (GMT) under the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) in Pascagoula, MS.

This senior-level position combines technical fisheries expertise with high-level project management. You will oversee GMT operations, coordinate outreach and gear inspection workshops across the coastal Gulf States, manage compliance databases, operate research vessels, and maintain critical stakeholder relationships with commercial fishers and marine law enforcement agencies.

Note: This position is not currently funded and is contingent upon contract award. Employment is subject to successful completion of any required background checks and security processing required by the customer.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Leadership & Outreach:
• Serve as Program Manager for the SEFSC Gear Monitoring Team.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute training workshops and dockside visits for commercial shrimp fishers across coastal Gulf States, effectively communicating technical regulation requirements to ethnically diverse audiences.
• Lead training sessions for state and federal marine law enforcement groups regarding proper inspection protocols for required fishing gear.
• Deliver technical presentations at industry and government meetings regarding Turtle Excluder Device (TED) technology and regional compliance trends.
• Data & Project Management: Coordinate at-sea and dockside inspections of TEDs, oversee inspection data management, and generate comprehensive monthly and bi-annual project reports.
• Gear Expertise & Fabrication: Build, repair (sew), and maintain selective fishing gear (TEDs, Bycatch Reduction Devices) using trawl construction diagrams. Provide gear support for unit research projects evaluating bycatch reduction.
• Vessel Operations & Trailering: Operate and maintain Class A, I, and II research vessels. Perform highway trailering of research vessels or heavy loads across rural and interstate routes.
• Emergency Response & Facility Maintenance: Direct outreach, education, and enforcement efforts during emergency responses (such as oil spills) to protect sea turtles. Oversee routine maintenance, cleaning, and organization of net shop facilities, equipment, and warehouses.

• Experience Requirements:
• Minimum 5 years of experience working in a commercial fishery or net shop.
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing fisheries-related projects.
• Hands-on experience in net construction/repair and operating/maintaining small boats.
• Licensing & Certification Requirements:
• Must possess a valid driver’s license to operate government vehicles.
• Ability to obtain a USCG License for the Operation of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (6-Pack License) and a TWIC card within 1 year of hire.
• Must obtain a USCG 100-ton Master License within 2 years of commencing services.
• Current 40-hour HAZWOPER certification (or ability to maintain compliance).
• Current Red Cross CPR and Basic First Aid certifications.
• Full compliance with NOAA Small Boat Program training and certification requirements.
• Technical & Physical Capabilities:
• Computer literate with demonstrated experience in word processing, database management, writing comprehensive technical reports, and making oral presentations.
• Physical capability to embark and disembark unassisted between docks and stationary vessels, and between two vessels in motion at sea using both hands and feet.
• Clearance: Ability to pass a federal background check for Public Trust clearance.

Preferred Qualifications (Desirable)

• Fluency in Vietnamese (reading, writing, and speaking) is highly desirable to effectively communicate gear regulations with regional fishing communities.
• In-depth knowledge of selective fishing methods, commercial fishing gear construction, and public speaking experience.

Pulled from the full job description

• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off, * 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

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