Bycatch Analyst

Summary

Azura Consulting LLC is a natural resources consulting firm supporting scientific, writing, editing, and educational outreach needs. The Bycatch Analyst will support NOAA Fisheries research and management by analyzing protected species bycatch data, preparing estimates and technical documentation, auditing fisheries data, coordinating observer allocation, and presenting findings to scientific and management audiences.

Responsibilities

• Prepare standard annual bycatch estimates of all species of small cetaceans and pinnipeds encountered in U.S. Atlantic gillnets and bottom trawls (and potentially other gear types) by using existing code and importing new data annually, including preparation of annual Center Reference Documents documenting the estimates and methods, and providing these analyses for incorporation into the annual marine mammal Stock Assessment Report
• Prepare periodic estimates of sea turtle interactions with different gear types and prepare Center Reference Documents reporting the estimates and methods
• Perform extensive auditing of fisheries data to support bycatch estimation
• Conduct bycatch and other analyses needed to inform the Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Team (HPTRT) and present findings to the Team
• Prepare annual gillnet observer allocation in close coordination with the Northeast Fisheries Observer Program (NEFOP)
• Provide bycatch information for the annual State of the Ecosystem reports
• Maintain awareness of observer activity and advise on reallocation of gillnet observers, if appropriate
• Contribute to sturgeon bycatch analysis and support Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) sturgeon stock assessment bycatch data requests
• Contribute to seabird bycatch hotspot analysis and support NEFSC-FWS seabird data requests

Skills

• Education and/or experience in the application of statistical methods to the biological sciences, with an advanced degree (e.g., Master's) in fisheries, marine biology, statistics, or a related field preferred
• Three to five years of relevant professional experience demonstrating the competencies described above, preferably in fisheries, marine science, or a related field
• Ability to independently plan, organize, and carry out work projects within schedule and budgetary constraints
• Experience using statistical analysis software (e.g., R) and working with existing codebases
• Ability to identify and resolve issues in R code and implement extensions or enhancements
• Ability to effectively present findings to audiences with varying technical backgrounds
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and Google Workspace
• Eligibility to work in the U.S
• Education or experience related to fisheries data and fisheries biology
• Experience with Oracle databases and SQL

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Education and/or experience in the application of statistical methods to the biological sciences, with an advanced degree (e.g., Master's) in fisheries, marine biology, statistics, or a related field preferred
• Three to five years of relevant professional experience demonstrating the competencies described above, preferably in fisheries, marine science, or a related field
• Ability to independently plan, organize, and carry out work projects within schedule and budgetary constraints
• Experience using statistical analysis software (e.g., R) and working with existing codebases
• Ability to identify and resolve issues in R code and implement extensions or enhancements
• Ability to effectively present findings to audiences with varying technical backgrounds
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and Google Workspace
• Eligibility to work in the U.S

Nice to Haves

• Education or experience related to fisheries data and fisheries biology
• Experience with Oracle databases and SQL

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and company-observed holidays
• Remote work within the U.S.