p>Duties/Responsibilities: Lead construction, maintenance, and deployment of selective fishing gear (TEDs and BRDs) for research, training, and compliance activities Provide technical expertise and oversight for fisheries research projects evaluating modified gear for bycatch reduction Operate and maintain Mississippi Laboratory research vessels (Class A, I, II), including trailering and transport of vessels and equipment Obtain and maintain required certifications, including USCG licenses and NOAA Small Boat Program compliance Plan, coordinate, and conduct outreach and training sessions for commercial fishers across Gulf of Mexico states Engage with fishing associations, industry stakeholders, and state agencies to support effective training delivery and regulatory compliance Coordinate and conduct training for federal and state marine law enforcement personnel on proper inspection of federally regulated fishing gear Oversee and participate in at-sea and dockside inspections of fishing gear, documenting compliance with federal regulations Manage data collected during compliance inspections and generate comprehensive monthly and biannual reports Develop and deliver technical presentations, training materials, and outreach content for diverse audiences Provide hands-on demonstrations of gear construction and proper use to commercial fishers and enforcement personnel Represent the program at industry and government meetings, presenting findings on TED technology, compliance trends, and outreach outcomes Coordinate and support emergency response efforts (e.g., oil spills) requiring rapid deployment for sea turtle protection and targeted outreach Support general unit operations including equipment maintenance, warehouse oversight, and operational readiness.
Demonstrated experience writing technical reports and delivering oral presentations Valid drivers license Physical ability to safely perform vessel-based operations Strong leadership and program management capability in field-based environments Advanced stakeholder engagement and communication skills across industry and regulatory audiences Ability to manage multiple concurrent operational priorities and field deployments Strong technical understanding of fishing gear systems and regulatory frameworks.