General Description

As Recreational Angler Interviewer, the incumbent will conduct the field portion of the Access-Point Angler Intercept Survey (APAIS). This important research study, sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) conducts face-to-face interviews with marine recreational anglers. Field staff will travel to assigned sites to interview anglers about their fishing experiences, and (when possible) weigh, measure, and identify angler catch to the species level. Assigned sites can include beaches, banks, piers, docks, jetties, and access points for private, charter, and head boats, including marinas, boat ramps and other points of entry to marine waters.

Duties

The responsibilities of the incumbent will include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. Successfully complete training, including survey procedures and fish identification tests;
2. Follow documented APAIS survey procedures;
3. Travel to assigned fishing access sites to interview anglers about their fishing experiences;
4. Use their own motor vehicle. Reimbursed for mileage.
5. Occasionally work on head boats (for-hire vessels) for at-sea data collection;
6. Identify key species of fish with extreme accuracy and with little aide of field materials (up to 25 or more different species; guides and training will be provided);
7. Complete survey questions on tablets and upload assignments using Wi-Fi;
8. Serve as a primary point of contact for CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) Marine Fisheries Program and the recreational fishermen;
9. Answer questions and explain the importance of this federally-funded study;
10. Other duties as assigned.

Supervision

While an ASMFC employee, the Fisheries Technician reports to the state supervisor on a daily basis. State supervisors make decisions concerning hiring and performance evaluations of the Fisheries Technician.

Work Environment

This position requires individuals who will be able to work two to five 6-hour shifts a week. Staff must have flexible availability and be able to work all of the following shift times: 2am-8am; 8am-2pm; 2pm-8pm; 8pm-2am; and 11am-5pm. This position will require regular weekend work, including holidays, and qualified candidates must be willing and able to work at least 12 hours each weekend. This position is located primarily at fishing access sites in Connecticut with occasional office days at CT DEEP Marine Fisheries Program in Old Lyme, CT. Work is performed primarily in an outdoor setting. The incumbent will report directly to the state APAIS biologist.

The Fisheries Technician is an hourly, temporary employee. This position supports seasonal data collection from March to December. Payment is based on hours worked and qualifies for overtime pay. As a temporary employee, the Field Technician is ineligible for Commission benefits.

Training

APAIS Field Technicians will be required to attend an in-person paid training. Trainee's must successfully complete training to continue employment on the project including passing a fish species identification test and a survey procedures test with no less than 90% accuracy.

Qualifications

Applicants must be at least 20 years old, have a valid driver's license and be comfortable with operating a vehicle (state vehicle at times); be willing to travel reasonable distances to reach assigned sites; be available on weekends, weekdays, and holidays, with additional availability during some evenings and nights. Individuals should be comfortable approaching and speaking with strangers; handling, measuring, and weighing fish; and working outside for extended periods of time in variable weather conditions. Applicants must be familiar with using a tablet and pay meticulous attention to detail and be able to complete survey questions, safely handle the tablet, and upload assignments in a timely fashion. Proven communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work independently, organize work and solve problems following prescribed procedures should all be demonstrated. Knowledge of fish species with experience in recreational angling and familiarity of marine waterways in their local area is preferred. Must be eligible to work in the United States.