STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Marine Fisheries Program

Recruitment #230119-3492VR-001

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Introduction



Are you looking to help protect Connecticut's beautiful marine landscape? If so, we have a terrific seasonal opportunity for you!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Bureau of Natural Resources, Marine Fisheries Program is recruiting for Seasonal Resource Assistants (SRAs) to work within four different projects (each project described in more detail below). SRAs will be hired to work for a particular project and will spend all or most of their time working for that project. Each project is based out of our DEEP Marine Headquarters in Old Lyme, Connecticut.  Employees must be able to drive to Old Lyme each workday to participate in office or field work. 

Applicants to this job posting will be considered for employment for each project and may be contacted by hiring managers for any of the projects to arrange an interview (interviews can be conducted virtually if an in-person interview is not possible). Work as an SRA for any of these projects provides an opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of fisheries management. SRAs will work both under direct supervision and independently at times. Successful SRAs within the Marine Fisheries Program are highly responsible, eager to learn, work well within a team-work environment, and are also capable of working independently.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE (See details under EXAMPLES OF DUTIES section)


    SRAs for American Shad & Sturgeon Project: This project assesses and monitors populations of American shad, shortnose sturgeon, and Atlantic sturgeon populations within coastal rivers and Long Island Sound. All three species are of conservation concern; shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon are State and Federally-listed Endangered Species. Working for this project provides a great introduction to conservation of endangered species as well as common fisheries management field and laboratory techniques, notably the use of hydroacoustic telemetry technology. SRAs working for this project will spend time in the field assisting a team of fellow SRAs and professional biologists with fish collection aboard small vessels, as well as work within the laboratory processing biological samples and entering data. SRAs working for this project will also learn how to process and analyze biological samples to determine fish age, a foundational fisheries management skillset.

      SRAs for Long Island Sound Trawl Survey Project: This project monitors the abundance and distribution of important finfish and invertebrate species within Long Island Sound. Working for this project provides a great introduction to the fish and invertebrate species of Long Island Sound, working as part of the crew of a large marine research vessel, as well as common fisheries management field and laboratory techniques. SRAs working for this project will spend time working aboard the 50 ft. Research Vessel (R/V) John Dempsey with a team of fellow SRAs and professional biologists using a trawl net to collect fish and invertebrates, as well as work within the laboratory processing biological samples and entering data. SRAs working for this project will also learn how to process and analyze biological samples to determine fish age, a foundational fisheries management skillset. Applicants interested in this project should be aware that at certain times of the year it requires successive long days (approx. 12 hrs, with early morning start times) aboard the R/V Dempsey working in physically challenging conditions, sometimes in inclement weather. Applicants for this project must be able to lift and move 50 lbs.

        SRAs for Commercial Fisheries Statistics Project: This project collects and manages vital data on commercial fishing operations operating out of Connecticut. CT DEEP is required to collect a variety of data on commercial fishing and seafood dealing activity to ensure sustainable management of fishery resources and compliance with state and federal regulations. SRAs working for this project will assist DEEP biologists in collecting and managing this vital data and will interact directly with a variety of fishery stakeholders. Working for this project provides a great introduction to the management and regulation of commercial fisheries, provides an opportunity to gain proficiency in data entry and management, and gain experience working directly with the public. SRAs working for this project will spend most of their time in the office at Marine Headquarters in Old Lyme working closely with a team of fellow SRAs and professional biologists. This position does not require working outdoors or on boats, and does not require weekend, evening, or early morning work.

          SRAs for Marine Angler Survey Project: This project conducts surveys of marine recreational anglers along Connecticut’s coastline to collect information on types and amounts of fish being caught. The data provided by these surveys is essential to sustainable management of recreational fisheries within Long Island Sound. SRAs working for this project will travel to a variety of locations along the Connecticut shoreline to interview recreational fishers about their fishing trips and count/measure the fish they have caught. Working for this project provides a great opportunity to learn more about marine recreational fishing in Connecticut, gain experience working directly with the public, and develop proficiency in fishery data collection and management. SRAs working for this project will spend most of their time traveling to various field locations to interview anglers, often working independently. SRAs may also take trips aboard party/charter fishing vessels to collect data from the passengers fishing aboard those vessels.
          POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

          Anticipated Duration: Start date as early as January, anticipated duration of each position is 1040 hours total (approximately 6 months); non-contractual. Preferred applicants will be able to work full-time for the approximately six-month duration of the position and have related experience or training.

          Salary: Depends on relevant education and/or experience. There are no benefits with this position.

          ABOUT DEEP

          The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is charged with conserving, improving and protecting the natural resources and the environment of the state of Connecticut as well as making cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy available for the people and businesses of the state. The agency is also committed to playing a positive role in rebuilding Connecticut’s economy and creating jobs – and to fostering a sustainable and prosperous economic future for the state.

          MISSION OF DEEP'S BUREAU OF NATURAL RESOURCES

          To conserve and enhance Connecticut’s fish, wildlife and forest resources and to enhance opportunities for public use and appreciation.

          The Bureau is charged with managing the state’s natural resources (particularly fish, wildlife, and forests) through a program of research, management, public education, and regulation.

          CONTACT INFORMATION

          For technical support regarding the filing of your application in JobAps, please contact Benjamin Beaudry at Benjamin.Beaudry@ct.gov.

          For specific questions regarding employment as a Seasonal Resource Assistant within a particular project, please contact the following hiring managers:

          CT DEEP encourages you to consider applying for seasonal opportunities at alternate locations as your application is under review.

          To learn more about how YOU can Make an ImpaCT as a Seasonal Resource Assistant, check out the video below!
                        

          Selection Plan

          This is a non-competitive recruitment, open to the public.

          IMPORTANT SELECTIONS INFORMATION

          Selected candidates must: 

          • Be fluent in English, at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license;
          • Possess and maintain adequate physical flexibility, strength and stamina to perform the duties, and work well with other staff and members of the public;
          • Applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies.
          TO APPLY

          • Complete a Master Application and directly apply to this recruitment.
          • In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process. Please ensure that your application is complete. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut.
          WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOU APPLY

          • The recruitment process may take several months. Due to volume, we are unable to give individual application updates. We encourage applicants to review their application status via their Personal Status Board on JobAps.
          • Please regularly check your email for notifications (be sure to check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error.)

          PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

          In the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, as a limited duration employee, performs one or more of a variety of tasks and assigned duties of a seasonal nature.

          EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

          American Shad & Sturgeon Project
          Specific duties of SRAs working for the American Shad & Sturgeon Project include but are not limited to: sampling on average three days per week aboard small open boats using a variety of fishing gear types (trawl, gillnet, seine), laboratory fish processing, processing and aging various fish structures, cleaning and maintaining sampling gear, conducting data entry, and following data quality assurance procedures. Other duties may include interacting with the public at Public Outreach events.  Successful applicants must be able to lift and move 50 lbs., deploy and haul fishing gear in various hydrographic conditions, embark/disembark unassisted from an anchored vessel into waist deep water, work outside in inclement weather and work outside for extended periods. This project may require occasional early morning or evening work.

          Long Island Sound Trawl Survey Project
          Specific duties of SRAs working for the Long Island Sound Trawl Survey Project include but are not limited to: assisting with trawl net deployment aboard the R/V Dempsey, gear cleaning and maintenance, processing and analyzing a variety of finfish biological samples in the laboratory and conducting data entry and data quality assurance procedures. Duties will also include assisting with the implementation of an onboard electronic data acquisition system.  Other duties may include interacting with the public at Public Outreach events.

          Commercial Fisheries Statistics Project
          Specific duties of SRAs working for the Commercial Fisheries Statistics Project include but are not limited to: receipt, entry, and error checking of data provided in confidential catch reports submitted monthly by commercial fishermen and seafood dealers; routine phone or written follow-up with license holders and commercial fishermen regarding incomplete and delinquent catch reports; communication with the general public regarding marine fisheries regulations and other fishing related inquiries. SRAs working for this project must possess good customer service skills and be capable of making decisions independently.

          Marine Angler Survey Project
          Specific duties of SRAs working for the Marine Angler Survey Project include but are not limited to: interacting with the fishing public, interviewing marine anglers from shore, at boat launches and marinas, and also on party/charter boats at sea. Duties will also include organizing data sheets and performing data entry, answering questions from the public and providing fisheries-related information including fishing regulations. SRAs working for this project must possess good customer service skills and be comfortable with working alone/independently most of the time. SRAs working for this project must be willing to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends at times as required, and be willing to work outside in inclement weather conditions.

          KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

          Ability to follow instructions.

          PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

          • Actively pursuing or have completed a college degree in the Biological Sciences;
          • Work experience or coursework in fisheries or a related biological field;
          • Experience conducting fisheries field work;
          • Experience with fishing, boating, and boat trailering;
          • Experience with marine fish and invertebrate identification;
          • Experience with use of Microsoft Office software suite and Microsoft Access;
          • Experience using electronic tablets or other devices for data collection;
          • Experience with data entry and data quality assurance/control procedures;
          • Experience in fish aging techniques and protocols;
          • Excellent communication skills and customer service experience;
          • Experience using hand and power tools to do basic mechanical, plumbing, and carpentry tasks.

          SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

          1. Incumbents in this class who are assigned as supervisors of small recreational units will perform emergency first aid as needed and will be required to obtain and retain a Basic First Aid Certificate.

          2. Incumbents in this class may be required for certain positions to meet any of the following:

          a. Proof of possession of a valid Motor Vehicle Operator license.

          b. Possession of a valid license to apply pesticides.

          c. College training in a specific field.

          d. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification may be required by specific State facilities.

          3. Incumbents performing lifeguard services must have and retain an American Red Cross (ARC) Lifeguarding Certification (includes CPR for the Professional Rescuer and Basic First Aid). An EMT or MRT certification may be substituted for the CPR and First Aid requirements.

          PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

          1. Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain adequate physical strength and stamina to perform the duties of the class.

          2. Incumbents performing lifeguard services must be able to demonstrate American Red Cross (ARC) waterfront lifeguarding swimming skills.

          Conclusion

          AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

          The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.





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