Gear Research Training Specialist

Think Tank, Inc.

Sandwich, MA, USA

Published: 6/14/2022

Full Time

Job Description

*US Citizenship Required

*Onsite Position at a NEFSC Facility and at field locations

*Proposal Effort, Position is Subject to Contract Award

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

NEFSC is dedicated to developing and testing gear modifications to reduce the bycatch of sea turtles, marine mammals, and other protected species. Think Tank is seeking a Gear Research Training Specialist to provide hands-on training, troubleshooting support, and outreach services for fishermen and fishing industry partners.

This position is highly field-oriented, requiring extensive time at sea and in fishing communities, and provides the opportunity to directly impact sustainable fishing practices and marine conservation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Train fishermen in the use of on-demand gear technologies to reduce protected species bycatch.
Conduct training in gear modifications for bottom trawl gear (including Turtle Excluder Device [TED] testing).
Train fishermen in gear modifications for aquaculture gear aimed at reducing sea turtle and marine mammal bycatch.
Assist fishermen in troubleshooting and fixing gear or technology issues.
Use government-provided manuals, methods, and training to support consistent implementation of gear research protocols.
Prepare for and de-stage from gear research and training projects.
Contribute to research reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
Stay on vessels for up to one month and travel as needed for fieldwork (including hotel stays).

REQUIREMENTS:

High school diploma or equivalent.
Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
Fishing vessel safety training.
Experience conducting gear research projects on commercial fishing vessels.
Previous experience entering data into computerized systems while at sea.
Willingness to spend up to 2 weeks on commercial fishing vessels, working up to 16 hours/day.
Ability to lift 40 lbs safely on a rolling vessel.
Corrected 20/20 vision.
Ability to work 12-hour days on small boats.
Ability to work independently in field conditions when necessary.
Prior experience working with the fishing industry.