FISHERIES SPECIALIST

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Washington Sea Grant (WSG) has an outstanding opportunity for a Fisheries Specialist to develop and coordinate strategies that advance the safety, economic resilience and social and environmental sustainability of Washington’s fisheries and seafood sectors. The Fisheries Specialist will promote collaborations among a diverse group of constituents and partners to deliver applied research, technical assistance, informational materials and training that support best practices for safe and sustainable fisheries and seafood operations. The position will have state-wide responsibilities, but with an emphasis on the needs of fisheries-dependent communities on Washington’s Pacific Coast. The supervisor for the position is the team lead of the Fisheries and Boating Programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Fisheries Specialist leads projects and programs that engage diverse constituents and partners to deliver applied research, technical assistance, informational materials and training related to fisheries and seafood. The Fisheries Specialist does not supervise staff but may direct or oversee the work of student employees, interns or volunteers.

Specific Duties Include

• Develop and facilitate workshops, safety and technical skills trainings, focus groups and public meetings that support Washington’s fishing and seafood sectors.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with the fishing fleets, and seafood-related businesses; tribal, federal and state fisheries management agencies; and commercial associations and NGOs engaged in relevant issues.
• Develop, lead and collaborate with partners on outreach and technical assistance programs to address priority challenges and achieve WSG objectives.
• Contribute ideas and content information for outreach materials that convey important facts about fisheries and seafood to consumers and key intermediary audiences.
• Conduct community-based needs assessments to determine priority challenges to the social, economic and environmental sustainability faced by the commercial fishing fleets and the seafood industry, and apply the information to develop WSG objectives and strategies that meet those challenges.
• Serve on in-state and regional advisory bodies in capacities that support WSG’s mission and goals where needed
• Participate as a team member in WSG interdisciplinary projects that address coastal community needs related to fisheries and seafood.
• Conduct program evaluations and use the information to improve future program strategies and activities. i) Participate in WSG’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion community of practice.

Other Duties Include

Collaborate in research projects that generate information, technological or gear innovations, or improved practices that advance the safety, economic success and sustainability of commercial fisheries in Washington.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in an academic field with applications to fisheries practices, fisheries management, environmental sustainability, seafood handling and safety, seafood marketing or economics.
• A minimum of four years of professional (post degree) work experience that demonstrates both the ability to communicate research, education or outreach results that are directly applicable to fisheries or the seafood industry and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders in fisheries and seafood business sectors. The successful applicant will be an AMSEA trained safety instructor or be willing to become AMSEA certified within 1 year of employment.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

DESIRED:

Knowledge of commercial and tribal fisheries of the Pacific Northwest. Experience working in a commercial or tribal fishery, seafood processing or marketing company or another fishery-related business or organization. Ability to work full time from an office location in Westport or Ilwaco Washington.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position will work from an office in Westport or Ilwaco Washington. Options will be considered in consultation with the successful candidate. The responsibilities and workload require periodic evening and weekend hours. A driver’s license and the ability and willingness to travel locally, nationally and internationally are required. Opportunities for leave to engage in seasonal commercial fishing are available for this position.

Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.