Title: MRIP Field Data Technician
State Role Title: Natural Resource Spec II
Hiring Range: $33,828 – $38,500
Pay Band: 3
Agency: Marine Resources Commission
Location: main location
Agency Website: www.mrc.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Virginia Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) Field Technician will assist the MRIP state supervisor by conducting field surveys and office work linked to 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 recreational anglers about their fishing trip, collect various information from anglers, and (when possible) weigh, measure, and identify harvested fish. Field assignments are 6-hour set sampling periods and can take place at beaches, shore-banks, marinas, piers, docks, and access points for private, charter, and head boats. Field surveying takes place from March 1st through December 31st and field sites are spread throughout the tidal portions of Virginia. This position will carry out a large percentage of the over 900 yearly Virginia APAIS field assignments with an average of 120-150 assignments assigned for full-time MRIP Field staff. This position requires individuals who can work 5 days a week including regular weekends. This position does require flexible availability and being able to work all of the following shift times: 8am-2pm, 2pm-8pm, and 11am-5pm. During the surveying season, this position will be primarily field-based with occasional in-office days at the VMRC main office in Fort Monroe, VA. More in-office work will be required during January and February when surveying does not take place. Other responsibilities for this position will include helping with quality control checks for part-time field staff on the APAIS. This position will also take part in office work, NOAA site registry maintenance, field site visits which ensures correct site information is used for the following year's site surveying schedule and assist the lead staff member conduct the weekly For Hire Telephone Survey (FHTS).
The responsibilities of the incumbent will include, but not be limited to, the following:
• Successfully complete training, including survey procedures and fish identification tests
• Perform on average 12 to 15 field assignments per month
• Follow documented APAIS survey procedures for entering data into the field tablet
• Travel to assigned fishing access sites to interview anglers about their fishing trip
• When needed work field assignments scheduled on head boats (for-hire vessels) for at-sea data collection
• Identify key finfish down to species level while in the field
• Serve as a primary point of contact for hourly APAIS field technicians
• Answer questions and explain the importance of this federally funded study and the need for recreational fishing data
• Perform monthly quality control phone calls made to anglers previously interviewed by hourly APAIS field technicians
• Help complete random quality control visits while hourly APAIS field technicians are at field assignments
• Perform site visits during the winter months to update any site information for the following field surveying season
• Check field fishing pressure estimates for field sites throughout the year
• Perform other field and office tasks when needed
• Assist the lead staff member complete the weekly tasks required for the FHTS
Minimum Qualifications
1. Demonstrated communication skills and excellent organizational ability.
2. Ability to work independently and remotely with minimal supervision.
3. Extensive knowledge of the fish species and recreational fisheries of Virginia and the Atlantic Coast.
4. Field experience collecting biological data from finfish.
5. Experience relaying scientific studies to the general public
6. Must be willing to travel and work a flexible schedule including weekends and evening
Additional Considerations
This position requires physical ability to lift up to 20 lbs; pushing and pulling; standing, sitting, reaching, walking, bending, and the ability to perform all tasks on a moving fishing boat.
Special Instructions
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.
Contact Information
Name: Malinda Cross
Phone: 757-247-2216
Email: HR@MRC.VIRGINA.GOV
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
The Commonwealth of Virginia is located in the South Atlantic region of the United States. It was the 10th state to be admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788. Home to approximately 8 million residents, Virginia is the 12th most populous state in the United States. The capital is Richmond, and its most populous city is Virginia Beach.
The narrative history of the Commonwealth of Virginia often begins with the founding of Jamestown in 1607, near what is now modern day Williamsburg, Virginia. Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and the Virginia General Assembly, established on July 30, 1619, is now recognized as the oldest legislative body in the western hemisphere. When Virginia became a royal colony in 1624, the robust tobacco trade that had been developing in Virginia helped establish the American colonies as a powerful economic force. During the American Revolution, Virginia witnessed the final surrender of British forces at Yorktown and later became known as the birthplace of many revolution-era figures and future American presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. To date, 8 United States presidents have been born in Virginia, more than in any other state.
The modern government of Virginia is nearly identical in structure to the federal government, and is divided into 3 branches, these being the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The Virginia General Assembly is comprised of the 100-member House of Delegates and the 40-member Senate. A governor and lieutenant governor are elected every 4 years. Governors cannot be elected to or serve consecutive terms. Virginia’s judicial system consists of the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Circuit Courts, and the lower General District Courts and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. Virginia has 13 electoral votes in presidential elections, and possesses 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
