Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting candidates to fill the role of a Data Management Specialist 2. This is a full-time, full-year, benefits eligible position based in Newport, Oregon at the NWFSC NOAA office. The projected start date for this role is November 1st, 2026.
West Coast Groundfish Observer Program (WCGOP) Debriefer. The West Coast Groundfish Observer Program's (WCGOP) primary goal is to collect information on the discard of west coast groundfish from commercial fishing vessels. This information is used to assess the total mortality of a variety of groundfish species. WCGOP debriefers are vital to the success of the WCGOP.
Debriefers train, provide support, and act as mentors to observers. They are also a key component in the data QA/QC process.
General Job Description: Act as a debriefer for the WCGOP. Debriefers support observers with sampling questions and review the data collected by observers in the field, ensuring that data have been correctly collected and entered into the program's database. Debriefers are responsible for evaluating observer performance with regards to sampling methodologies, calculations, correct form completion, meeting deadlines, data entry, problem solving, species ID, communication, etc.
Debriefing: Act as a debriefer for Catch Share and Non Catch Share observers that are part of the WCGOP. Data QA/QC: 1) Check Observer sampling protocols and data forms for every trip completed. 2) Effectively organize, track, and ship biological specimens collected by assigned observers 3)Write detailed evaluations to provide feedback to observers. 4) Conduct periodic sit-down debriefings with observers, as required by the program. 5) Perform corrections/updates to archived observer data as needed. 6) Check data entry for key punch errors. 7) Contribute to discussions and decision making, related to the updating of sampling protocols, including the creation and updating of sampling materials (e.g., manuals, data forms).
Observer training: Assist in the training of new observers and the development of training curriculum and materials. This may include creating lesson plans, practicals, lectures, homework assignments and training aides. May be responsible for giving presentations and lectures.
Essential Functions: (The functions listed below are characteristic of the type and level of work associated with this group and pay band. They are not all-inclusive. Individual positions may perform some or all, as well as other similar work.)
At the lower end of the range, employees:
At the upper end of the range, employees:
The employee must have knowledge of:
sufficient to: input data; structure information retrievals; edit, combine and manipulate data; and/or provide reports for users. This knowledge allows the employee to assess or interpret the significance of the results and relate that to the overall objective of the assignment.
Supervisory Controls:
Work is assigned in terms of project goals, objectives, priorities, and, at times, specific tasks. At the lower end of the range, the employee will exercise initiative in solving common technical and procedural problems. Unusual issues are referred to the supervisor or higher-graded employee for consultation or review.
At the upper end of the range, the employee plans and carries out assignments with independence, guided by experience and knowledge to complete the objective. He/she seeks assistance only on the most unusual issues. Sufficiency of planning and execution, and accuracy of the data produced are normally accepted without detailed review, even for customized assignments.
Guidelines:
Guidelines include PSMFC standards and policies; project work plans; data submission protocol documents; established database structures, data definitions, and data standards; and various hardware and software manuals.
At the lower end of the range, the guidelines are clear and provide little room for deviation, except as provided in documented precedents or suggestions for alternative data entry and retrieval strategies. New or revised job requirements or requests for data that cannot be processed within the existing guidelines are discussed with the supervisor or higher level employee.
At the higher end of the range, the employee reviews each work request and selects and interprets complex guidelines to achieve the desired end product.
At the lower end of the range, the employee decides what to do by identifying the data content and information structure needed for each processing request and selecting the appropriate routine to set up and format each job.
At the higher end of the range, data will be in any number of formats, some computerized and some not. Computerized data may not be in a form that matches user needs exactly and therefore requires translation into a common format. Data may be missing or in a format that requires conversion to defined standards.
A high quality, consistent set of data is necessary for effective policy setting, planning, management and research. Data must be provided in an efficient and timely manner, and in a format that meets the needs of users.
Contacts are with employees in PSMFC; federal, state, or tribal agencies; university researchers, private/non-profit organizations, industry members, computer professionals, and the general public.
The purpose of the contacts is to exchange and transfer ideas and information. Coordination, planning, and mutual support are important aspects of the contacts.
The work is generally sedentary, although there may be some nominal walking or standing for short periods of time, or carrying of light loads of papers, books, reports, sampling gear, training supplies, etc. that require only moderate physical ability and physical stress.
The work may entail lifting while at sea aboard commercial fishing vessels, research vessels, or chartered survey vessels.
The works area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. The work involves the common risks or discomforts typical of office, meeting rooms, libraries, and the like.
The position may require going to sea aboard commercial fishing vessels with spartan working and living conditions.
PSMFC will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. PSMFC will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Such action shall include, but not be limited to the following: Employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship. We maintain a drug-free workplace.
A range of experience and education may be presented. Candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** AND four years of successfully completed education above high school in anthropology, economics, statistics, or any other field that provides the same knowledge. An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.
**Specialized Experience is experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled. To be creditable, Specialized Experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.
Please note: Preference will be given to candidates with prior Observer Experience with the WCGOP.
PSMFC NWFSC Newport
Full-Year Employees working at least 30 hours a week are covered by the Company's Life, LTD and AD&D plan. They are eligible to enroll in medical, dental and vision insurance, as well as short term disability, voluntary Life, LTD and AD&D insurance, flexible spending and deferred compensation. An employee receives up to 120 hours of vacation during their first three years of service. After that, the amount of vacation increases every three years of service up to a maximum of 192 hours per year.
$24.26-38.58/hour
Established in 1947 by consent of Congress, the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) is an interstate compact agency that helps resource agencies and the fishing industry sustainably manage our valuable Pacific Ocean resources in a five-state region. Member states include California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alaska. Each represented by three Commissioners.
Mission
As stated by the governing compact, PSMFC's purpose shall be “to promote the better utilization of fisheries – marine, shell, and anadromous, which are of mutual concern, and to develop a joint program of protection and prevention of physical waste of such fisheries in all of those areas of the Pacific Ocean over which the compacting states jointly or separately now have or may hereafter acquire jurisdiction.”
PSMFC's primary goal is to promote and support policies and actions to conserve, develop, and manage our fishery resources in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska. We accomplish this through coordinating research activities, monitoring fishing activities, and facilitating a wide variety of projects. We work to collect data and maintain databases on salmon, steelhead, and other marine fish for fishery managers and the fishing industry.
