Data Specialist

The Fisheries Management Data Specialist is responsible for the verification and dissemination of all commercial harvest data collected through the Fisheries Management Divisions Mandatory Harvest Reporting Program for species landed in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This position will serve on several technical and scientific committees to provide analysis and interpretation of seafood harvest data for commercial fisheries. This position requires direct interaction with the public, interested stakeholders, advisors, and industry regarding fisheries issues and program management.

• Assists in the management of all aspects of the Mandatory Harvest Reporting Program.
• Maintains and documents processes for confidential commercial and recreational fisheries databases.
• Monitors the Mandatory Harvest Reporting Program database, including performing monthly data quality queries on all variable fields; provides feedback on results to staff, contractors and supervisors.
• Assists with validating harvest and landings data provided by the agency, including scientific reports.
• Fulfills data requests by the public, scientific researchers, industry, and government agencies.
• Assists with assessing online and paper reporting to improve database functionality.
• Prepares documents, brochures, presentations, data requests, and reports for agency and public information.
• Attends industry meetings, public hearings, and MRC meetings to gather and/or present information about Virginia marine fisheries.
• Provides support to fishery managers with analysis and interpretation of data and information applied to the development of evaluations for advising committees and the Commission in support of the regulatory process; includes analysis, tabulation and summary of the agency, interstate and federal data, and interpretation of species-specific stock assessment results.
• Maintains frequent contact with Virginia industry members to develop a thorough understanding of the operation of those fisheries, and to learn and understand their perspectives on management/research requirements and transmit those perspectives to technical committees and agency managers/researchers.

• Basic knowledge of the seafood industry, including harvest procedures, harvest processing, marketing techniques, and familiarity with various finfish and shellfish common to Virginia.
• Demonstrates proficiency with computer-based data management and databases, including data entry and editing, as well as knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, SAS, R‑package, SQL or other data analysis software.
• Demonstrates skills in oral and written communications, including a strong aptitude to communicate and collaborate with peers, the fishing industry and the public.
• Must be eligible for a valid Virginia driver’s license.
• Ability to work independently.
• Must be willing to travel and work a flexible schedule including occasional weekends and evenings.

• Advanced Degree in Marine Science, Fisheries Management, Biology, Statistical Analysis or closely related field, or equivalent experience in lieu of education.

This position requires physical ability to lift up to 20 lbs; pushing and pulling; standing, sitting, reaching, walking, bending, stooping, and climbing.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position. A Completed STATE APPLICATION is REQUIRED.

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