Research Specialist Fisheries Monitoring and Analytical Support

William & Mary · Posting Location · $35,000–$40,000 (stated in the posting)

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Position Summary

The Research Specialist I provides necessary support and expertise for estuarine fish surveys. Conducts field sampling, data analysis and data entry and other laboratory tasks, and specific concerns (such as ageing studies and diet studies). Performs ground support to field crew, grocery shopping, cruise preparation and post-cruise clean-up, anticipating and correcting problems.

Other responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Performs construction of materials to facilitate research objectives, such as eel traps or other sampling gear.
• Conducts other tasks such as fish dissection, otolith removal, eel pigment stage evaluation, maturity determination, fish ageing, gut content analysis, length/weight measurements, and tissue processing for subsequent analysis.
• Laboratory and computer work – Performs data processing and checking effectively ensuring accuracy and integrity of the data.
• Assist research program with report reviews and preparation as needed with supervision by manager.
• Plans, organizes, and participates in outreach events to promote program activities.

Required Qualifications:

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent with a background laboratory protocols.

Experience

• Experience in Marine Science, Oceanography or closely related field.
• Experience in aquatic field sampling using standard fishery techniques as applied in the field and Lab.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory and field safety.
• Ability to prepare samples and perform standard or routine lab testing.
• Demonstrated skills in operating and maintaining tools and equipment.
• Ability to follow defined procedures and guidelines or under minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail in collection and entry of data.
• Ability to maintain records and record test results to a high degree of accuracy.
• Proficiency in a variety of software applications to include MS Office with the ability to record data.
• Knowledge of fisheries, biology, sampling techniques and general scientific principles.
• Excellent organization, time management and effective communication skills both orally and written.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to successfully complete tasks aboard small and large research vessels

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Preferred Qualifications:

Education

•  B.S. degree in marine science, fisheries science, oceanography of closely related field.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience with MS suite (Word, PowerPoint and Excel).
• Demonstrated experience conducting fisheries sampling from large and small vessels engaged in survey work is highly preferred.
• Experience with boats and trailering and be certified to operate small vessels at VIMS or obtain certification within 12 months of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct a variety of research techniques and procedures, operate laboratory equipment, and collect and report basic findings.
• Knowledge of Chesapeake Bay fishes and ability to identify fish (especially juvenile stages).
• Ability to independently carry out structured research projects and provide assistance in developing research procedures.
• Ability to program in the R language or learn to program using R
• Ability to operate a variety of lab and field instrumentation.
• Ability to communicate data and research findings.
• Knowledge of contract budget maintenance.
• Strong skills in data analysis and data entry are highly desirable.

Salary: $35,000 - $40,000 commensurate with experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

Review Date: Applications will be reviewed on 11/4/26.

Conditions of Employment:

• This is a non-exempt position, eligible for overtime, upon pre-approval from supervisor.
• This position has both Restricted Funds & Restricted Term.
• This position requires working long days (up to 14 hours), occasional overnight trips, and overtime is expected.
• Ability to work under physically demanding circumstances, in occasionally harsh environmental conditions, and be able to swim and resist motion sickness.
• Ability to lift 50lbs as required to perform the essential functions.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

Field Research & Fisheries Monitoring – 60%

• Facilitates and performs maintenance and preparation of fisheries sampling-related equipment.
• Effectively participates in day-to-day field activities for fisheries monitoring programs.
• Schedule vessels and trucks.
• Order equipment.
• Perform collections, identification, sorting, and maintaining inventories.
• Conduct data entry.
• May include vessel operations with appropriate licensure.
• Perform ground support to field crew, grocery shopping, cruise preparation and post-cruise clean-up, anticipating and correcting problems.
• Perform construction of materials to facilitate research objectives, such as eel traps or other sampling gear.
• Perform other tasks such as fish dissection, otolith removal, eel pigment stage evaluation, maturity determination, fish ageing, gut content analysis, length/weight measurements, and tissue processing for subsequent analysis.
• Perform duties cooperatively under arduous conditions to insure a safe and productive environment, while also maintaining a professional perspective.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Laboratory Research & Data Processing – 25%

• Perform standardized or specialized scientific procedures.
• Conduct tests and experiments according to prescribed guidelines.
• Perform basic quantitative and qualitative analysis of preliminary results.
• Contribute to generating data summaries.
• Operate mechanical or electrical apparatus, preparing a wide variety of chemical compounds and reagents for laboratory use.
• Performs data processing and checking effectively ensuring accuracy and integrity of the data.
• Data collection and processing should be performed in a precise, careful, and timely manner.
• Assist research program with report reviews and preparation as needed with supervision by manager.
• Plan, organize, and participate in outreach events to promote program activities.

Research Administration – 15%

• Contribute to development of research procedures after consultation with project director, principal investigator, or supervisor.
• Perform basic analysis and compilation of data, communicate findings/research results to internal team and supervisor.
• Independently carry out designed/structured research projects following instructions of the project director, principal investigator, or higher-level Research Specialist.
• May contribute in tracking and report on project, grant, contract status.
• Utilize and maintain existing systems or databases.
• Conduct literature searches to assist PI in accurately documenting research sources; disseminate and receiving subject-related information from outside sources to internal contacts.

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Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Applicant Notice: By applying for this position, you consent to William & Mary's use, review, and retention of your application materials for recruitment and employment purposes. Materials may be shared with authorized individuals participating in the hiring process and will be managed in accordance with applicable laws and university policies.

Probationary Period Notice: Individuals selected for full-time staff positions will be required to complete a twelve (12) month probationary period in accordance with university policy.

Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility. 

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