This Recreational Port Agent serves as a field interviewer and technical assistant to the program biologist in the northern district Manteo field office. The Recreational Port Agent conducts surveys of marine recreational anglers to obtain information about their fishing effort, catch and participation in marine recreational saltwater fishing as part of the Marine Recreational Information Program’s Access Point Angler Intercept Survey. The Recreational Port Agent also collects other demographic, social and economic statistics from angler trips. These data are collected and uploaded to a central database using an electronic tablet software application. The Recreational Port Agent will organize, code, and compile data for analysis. The Recreational Port Agent works with minimum supervision and is responsible for following a set schedule according to program procedures. Confident customer service skills are a plus. Accurate fish identification to the species level is required. At-sea, ride-along biological sampling on headboats is required. Other requirements for this position include meeting deadlines; weekend work; night work to monitor nighttime recreational fishing; outdoor work in inclement weather; significant in-state travel to assigned fishing sites; ability to respond on short notice to schedule changes; must be able to swim and not be prone to seasickness; must possess a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct quality interviews while striving to meet and go above personal and program targets.
• Knowledge of principles, methods and procedures of fisheries management and recreational fishing as well as knowledge of estuarine and marine species of fish, crabs, shrimp, mollusk and sea turtle identification and processing.
• Must have the ability to operate and maintain project equipment including tablet, scales, GPS and vehicles.
• Must have attention to detail, timeliness and accuracy in data collection, coding and reporting.
• Must have tact and good communication skills to maintain positive working relations with members of the fishing industry.
• Work flexible hours, including weekends & night assignments.

The Division of Marine Fisheries
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is responsible for the stewardship of the state’s marine and estuarine resources. The DMF’s jurisdiction encompasses all coastal waters and extends to 3 miles offshore. Agency policies are established by the nine-member Marine Fisheries Commission and the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality. North Carolina is a member of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council , the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, and the National Shellfish Sanitation Program. Click here to learn more about the Division of Marine Fisheries.

The NC Department of Environmental Quality:
The primary mission of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is to provide science-based environmental stewardship for the health and prosperity of all North Carolinians. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the lead stewardship agency for the protection of North Carolina's environmental resources. The organization, which has offices from the mountains to the coast, administers regulatory programs designed to protect air quality, water quality, and the public's health, and works to advance in all-of-the-above energy strategy that fits North Carolina's needs. DEQ also offers technical assistance to businesses, farmers, local governments, and the public and encourages responsible behavior with respect to the environment through education programs provided at DEQ facilities and through the state's school system. DEQ touches the lives of all North Carolinians in many ways to enhance and ensure our quality of life. Please visit our website at the Department of Environmental Quality for more information.

If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

The Knowledge, Skills and Abilities listed below, along with the Minimum Education and Experience requirements, are REQUIRED to qualify for this position. Resumes will not be reviewed in lieu of Experience and Education listed on the application. Click these links for additional information: Introduction to the Job Application and Addressing Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.

To qualify for this position, applicants must document on the application that they possess ALL the following:

• 
  Knowledge of marine/estuarine species identification
• Experience biological sampling
• Experience collecting, compiling, and/or organizing data

Management Preferences :

• Knowledgeable of NC coastal waterways.
• Must be able to learn and meticulously follow program procedures.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Associate's degree in one of the agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.