Northeast Fisheries Observer Program Instructor

Overview

The Northeast Fisheries Observer Program Instructor (NEFOP Instructor) supports the Fisheries Monitoring and Research Division’s Training and Data Quality Branch by providing instruction, curriculum development, mentoring, training coordination, and data-quality support for fisheries observer and monitoring programs.

  The Fisheries Instructor serves as a lead instructor for assigned fishery-specific protocols and as a secondary instructor for other fisheries protocols as needed. The position prepares and delivers effective classroom, virtual, laboratory, shoreside, and at-sea instruction to fisheries observers, at-sea monitors, Electronic Monitoring personnel, and other program participants.  This position combines fisheries expertise with adult instruction and hands-on field experience. The Fisheries Instructor also contributes to continuous improvement of the training program by developing training materials, evaluating candidate performance, monitoring newly trained observers, supporting data debriefing activities, and working with FMRD staff to develop and implement new or revised protocols.

Responsibilities

Duties of the Northeast Fisheries Observer Program Instructor will include the following:

 

Training and Instruction

• Serve as a lead instructor for assigned fishery-specific protocols and provide secondary instructional support for other fisheries protocols.
• Prepare and deliver presentations, exercises, demonstrations, workshops, and instructional materials covering fisheries monitoring procedures, program logs, data collection requirements, and established protocols.
• Provide instruction supporting NEFOP Observer, Industry Funded Scallop Observer, At-Sea Monitor, Electronic Monitoring, and other applicable fisheries monitoring programs.
• Train observers in electronic data collection procedures and the use of associated hardware and software.
• Conduct and support classroom, virtual, remote, laboratory, shoreside, and field-based training.
• Serve as a lead instructor during training trips and support at-sea training activities across applicable fishing gear types.
• Provide instruction, procedural interpretation, and guidance to new instructors and other training staff as needed.

Curriculum and Training Development

• Develop, review, and update curricula, presentations, lesson plans, visual aids, exercises, workshops, quizzes, examinations, homework assignments, and other instructional materials.
• Work with FMRD staff and outside subject-matter experts to develop new training tools, lesson plans, protocols, and instructional approaches.
• Identify opportunities to improve training effectiveness and data quality through innovative training methods, including e-learning, modular instruction, training trips, and enhanced safety training.
• Support the development and implementation of new and evolving fisheries monitoring programs.
• Assist with development and delivery of specialized program instruction, including conflict resolution, incident reporting, sea-day scheduling, vessel selection, fisherman panels, port orientations, and Joint Enforcement Agreement training.
• Maintain current knowledge of program protocols and operational requirements to ensure training materials accurately reflect established procedures.

Candidate Mentoring and Performance Evaluation

• Develop and support mentoring plans for observer candidates.
• Evaluate candidate performance throughout training and provide timely, constructive feedback.
• Prepare candidate evaluations and training-trip evaluations.
• Monitor newly trained observers during certification trips in coordination with FMRD debriefers.
• Communicate with newly trained observers to obtain feedback and identify opportunities to improve future training sessions.
• Provide continuous feedback to the Training Program Manager and Training Coordinator regarding candidate performance, training effectiveness, training trips, and safety training.
• Analyze observer performance trends and recommend training improvements that support data quality and observer success.

Data Quality and Debriefing Support

• Perform data debriefer duties, including reviewing and editing fisheries data, as assigned.
• Develop and maintain familiarity with protocols across observed fisheries.
• Coordinate with FMRD data-quality personnel to monitor observer performance and identify areas requiring additional instruction or mentoring.
• Support shadow trips, trip-trainer trips, and probation/priority Data Quality trips as required.
• Use lessons learned through data review and field activities to strengthen training materials and instruction.

Fisheries Identification and Laboratory Support

• Assist with fish collection and fish identification laboratory sessions conducted during observer training.
• Support the Species Verification Program, including fish identification, sample tracking, data entry, fish sample inventory, freezer protocols, and post-laboratory cleanup.
• Assist with marine mammal necropsy laboratories and seabird and sea turtle identification sessions.
• Coordinate with instructors and subject-matter experts to ensure laboratory activities effectively support observer certification and continuing education.

Observer Safety Training

• Support all aspects of observer safety training in coordination with the Safety Training Coordinator and training leadership.
• Assist with development of safety-training agendas and instructional materials.
• Co-teach safety topics as required.
• Participate in pool exercises and other practical safety activities.
• Assist with scheduling pool facilities and vessels used for safety training.
• Evaluate candidate performance during safety exercises.
• Develop and review exercises, workshops, quizzes, examination questions, homework assignments, audiovisual materials, training aids, and gear models.
• Coordinate participation by industry representatives, internal staff, and other subject-matter experts.

Field and Program Support

• Maintain or obtain applicable observer certification and, when required, perform at-sea observer duties to maintain familiarity with current protocols, working conditions, data collection requirements, and challenges encountered by observers in the field.
• May perform up to five at-sea observer trips per year when required by the program.
• Support periodic surge requirements and weekend assignments.
• Participate in regional outreach activities as assigned.
• Represent the program professionally when interacting with observers, fishing industry participants, government personnel, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Annually prepare and deliver a brief presentation demonstrating effective presentation techniques, instructional material development, and communication skills.

Key DeliverablesThe Fisheries Instructor supports preparation and timely completion of contract and program deliverables, including:

• Lesson plans, training materials, presentations, and lists of required visual aids for assigned training topics.
• Individual mentoring plans for observer candidates.
• Candidate performance evaluations.
• Training-trip evaluations.
• Input to monthly progress reporting documenting accomplishments, issues, travel and significant outcomes, action items, and recommendations.

Qualifications

The Northeast Fisheries Observer Program Instructor selected should have the following:

 

• College degree in Marine Biology, Fisheries, or a related field.
• Minimum of one year of relevant professional experience.
• Familiarity with Northeast fisheries, fishing vessels, and common gear types such as trawl, gillnet, scallop, and herring fisheries.
• Adult teaching experience or exposure to active-learning and training techniques.
• Experience as an instructor, trainer, facilitator, or curriculum developer.
• Ability to communicate complex technical procedures clearly to individuals with varying levels of experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment and with diverse interagency teams.
• Strong mathematical skills sufficient to instruct and support fisheries subsampling protocols.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and commonly used Google Workspace applications.
• Ability to professionally represent NOAA Fisheries programs when interacting with industry participants and stakeholders.
• Valid driver's license.

 

The Ideal Northeast Fisheries Observer Program Instructor will have the following:

• Previous fisheries observer and/or fisheries data debriefing experience.
• Experience with Northeast fisheries observer or monitoring programs.
• Strong Northeast fish identification skills and familiarity with marine mammal species.
• Experience developing fisheries, marine science, or other technical training programs.
• Curriculum development and e-learning experience.
• Mentoring and conflict-resolution training or experience.
• Experience with electronic fisheries data-collection systems, databases, or related technologies.
• Experience with web-based training tools or electronic learning platforms.
• Advanced education or specialized coursework in adult learning, instructional design, fisheries, marine science, or a related discipline.

Physical and Operational Requirements

• Ability to perform at-sea fisheries observer-related duties when required.
• Ability to work flexible schedules associated with vessel operations, training events, and field activities.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds repeatedly.
• Ability to work safely aboard commercial fishing vessels and effectively interact with members of the fishing community, including under challenging field conditions.
• Ability to participate in training trips, vessel orientations, safety exercises, laboratory activities, and other hands-on training events.
• Availability for periodic weekend assignments and program surge requirements.

Required/Program Certifications

• Valid driver's license.
• Individuals without prior NEFOP observing or debriefing experience must successfully complete the first available observer training session as required by the program.
• Lifeguard certification may be required depending on team needs
• CPR/First Aid

 

 

 

About Lynker

 

Lynker is a growing, employee owned, small business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.

We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities – creatively and effectively.

Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled and diverse professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:

• Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
• Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
• Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
• Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life and accident insurance
• Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
• Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
• Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
• Employee Referral Program
• Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
• Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.

Lynker is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.