Job Description

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is seekingtwo Data Management Specialists to support the implementation of the Electronic Monitoring Program in the Pacific Islands region.The Pacific Islands Electronic Monitoring Program is on the leading edge of deploying electronic monitoring in the region’s commercial pelagic longline fishery. The successful candidate(s) will have the opportunity to help develop the program’s data review and data management systems, standard operating procedures, and data distribution capabilities tosupport scientific research and management of the pelagic longline fishery.

These positions are located in Honolulu, Hawaii.This is a full-year, full-time positions with benefits.

The PSMFC Hawaii program is adding multiple positions. We encourage you to review all open job postings and apply for any roles that match your skills.

RoleProject Specifics:

The core function of this role involves the review, interpretation, and data entry of information from video footage recorded on commercial fishing vessels in the Pacific Islands region This includes documenting trip and haul information, as well as catch species identification, quantification, and fate from pelagic longline fishing trips The successful candidate(s) will have a working knowledge of at-sea commercial fishery practices, proficiency in visually identifying fish and protected species, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills. This role requires the ability to board active longline vessels to retrieve and replace Electronic Monitoring (EM) system storage drives, then process and log the collected data into our data storage system. This role is computer-intensive and requires prolonged periods of reviewing and analyzing video footage.

In addition to the fundamental video review function described above, the work will require close coordination with the EM Project Manager and will demand leadership duties for the project’s EM review team The limited leadership role includes these duties:

• Developing standard operating procedures

• Training EM video reviewers

• Planning EM video reviewer tasks, including EM system data retrieval

• Providing procedural advice and support to EM video reviewers

• Assisting the Project Manager with administrative tasks

• Data management

• Report writing and data distribution

• EM database and library development

• Conducting site visits and outreach to the fishing industry

The successful candidate(s) will possess good written and verbal communication skillsRelevant work experience in a small team leadership role is desirable

Group Definition Data Management Specialists (Natural Sciences) use a background in the natural sciences as they assist in the population, maintenance, enhancement and distribution of databases.  They locate, obtain, standardize, enter, verify, and correct various data sets related to project goals and work plans.

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, Data Management Specialists (Natural Sciences)

• Compile project data into standardized electronic data formats. This includes accessing filed information and verifying its accuracy and completeness, performing data entry, electronic data transfer, editing, and error checking.
• Extract relevant data which may be presented in many different text and numeric formats, reports, tables, graphics, or figures.
• Maintain local versions of datasets in accordance with established regional database exchange formats and standards.
• Maintain a local archive of current and historical reports and documents. Coordinate the regular transfer of reference materials to archives and libraries.
• Perform a variety of tasks related to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) that may include map preparation, geo-referencing biological and habitat data, maintaining location information tables, editing and updating hydrography GIS coverages, and maintaining metadata for data sets and GIS coverages.
• Train technical and general users in the use of database applications through individual instruction and/or group presentations.
• Create queries, summaries, and/or maps in response to requests for customized data.
• Prepare and manipulate various data and graphic outputs for use in reports, presentations and internet applications using standardized retrieval scripts.

At the upper end of the range, employees

• Develop and implement databases and libraries. Includes acquiring new data as well as taking previously created or historical databases or spreadsheets and integrating them. Data sources vary in format including database, spreadsheet, and survey data sets. Custom interfaces may be required
• Produce written research and statistical reports (including graphs, tables, maps, and text), data sets, and data summaries using a variety of analytical techniques and software tools. This involves the master-level use of database retrieval scripts.
• PSMFC Data Management Specialist 2—Natural Science, Revised 5/2006 1
• Document data handling and reporting to ensure consistency and validity of data between and within sites. Files may come from sources that use different computer hardware, software systems/protocols, and different communication packages.
• Maintain and update data catalogs, data catalog directories, and metadata.
• Perform system maintenance and backups. This includes routine database checkpoints, checkpoint verification, tuning, data-process merges, and user account management. Restore files when required
• Perform Help Desk functions, responding to on-line user inquiries about access to the database and data retrievals, the execution of query scripts, and standard report programs.

Knowledge Required by the Position

The employee must have knowledge of:

• Natural sciences

• Familiarity with visual identification of pelagic and HMS fish species with preference for those occurring in the Pacific Island region

• Familiarity with visual identification of marine mammals, sea turtles, and sea birds

• Personal computers and software packages and applications for databases, spreadsheets, and word processing

• Computing experience, including good data entry skills sufficient to successfully conduct the following tasks input data; retrieve structure information; 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. 

• Data management concepts, principles, and methods

• Quality assurance principles

• Experience leading small teams

Additional Desirable Knowledge and Skills: 

• At-sea fisheries observer experience, preferably in the Pacific Island region, and on pelagic longline vessels

• Video Review Experience

• Understanding of Electronic Monitoring (EM) technology, including hardware handling and data workflows

• Knowledge of Quality Assurance principles

• Strong Organizational Skills

• Data Management concepts, principles and methods

• Technical writing to create SOP’s and operating manuals

Physical Demands

The work is a hybrid of sedentary office tasks and active field duties. Officework involves sitting for extended periods or carrying light loads of papers, books, reports, data storage media, etc. Significant amounts of time may be spent on the phone or computer. Field duties require the ability to safely embark and disembark commercial longline vessels, walking and maneuvering on uneven, wet or moving surfaces,traversing active pier environments, and the ability to maneuver in possibly cramped vessel quarters to access Electronic Monitoring (EM) hardware.

Work Environment

The office work area is adequately lit and ventilated.  The work involves the common risks or discomforts typical of office, meeting rooms, libraries, and the like. Work environment for field duties will be outdoors on a commercial pier, which includes moving of heavy machinery, loud noises and varying weather conditions. While onboard vessels may involve confined spaces, diesel fumes, wet, uneven and moving surfaces

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification Requirements

A range of experience and education may be presented.

At the lower end of the range, candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** OR four years of successfully completed education above high school leading to a bachelor's degree in the natural sciences (biology, fishery biology, environmental science, aquatic science, geology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics), or any other field that provides the same knowledge.  An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

At the upper end of the range, candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** OR one year of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position. 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.