Company Overview
TechGlobal, Inc. is a dedicated provider of Professional Services and IT Solutions to government agencies at all levels. As a subsidiary of FedGeek, we focus on delivering innovative and reliable technology-driven solutions to support public sector operations.
Position Overview
The Assistant Operations Specialist (AOS) – EM Operations provides comprehensive field, technical, and administrative support to execute, maintain, and optimize NOAA’s Electronic Monitoring (EM) and traditional fisheries observer programs across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Working directly with the Electronic Monitoring Lead and the EM Operations Specialist, the AOS plays a critical role in accelerating the integration of electronic technologies (ET) into core monitoring infrastructure. Core responsibilities include data quality management, regulatory compliance, developing EM protocols, monitoring Pre-Trip Notification System (PTNS) participation, dockside sampling, and facilitating industry outreach. This role also provides essential after-hours emergency support for field observers and assists the Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) with compliance documentation.
Key Responsibilities & Operational Tasks
1. Electronic Monitoring (EM) & Technical Support
- EM Program Execution: Assist with planning, coordinating, and maintaining EM coverage; review/develop equipment specs, perform EM cost assessments, and draft outreach summary reports.
- Infrastructure & QA/QC: Help define infrastructure, database, and staffing needs for video review audits; oversee EM service providers; and establish species ID and QA/QC protocols.
- Video & Technology Analysis: Analyze video data as needed; troubleshoot electronic data acquisition systems and conduct field testing of computer, observer, or fishing gear.
2. Field Operations, Observer Support & Debriefing
- Field Deployment: Deploy as needed on shadow trips, trip trainer trips, priority/probationary trips, and uncovered commercial fisheries requiring protocol development.
- Observer Training & Debriefing: Conduct exit and in-house debriefings, track observer performance, provide data quality guidance, and assist with observer safety training (MSIT).
- Emergency Support: Serve in the after-hours on-call rotation to provide emergency and technical support for field observers.
- Research Cruises: Participate on research cruises aboard NOAA vessels as time and funding allow.
3. Industry Outreach & Regulatory Compliance
- Port Outreach & Captain Interviews: Conduct dockside interviews with vessel captains, resolve operational issues, track vessel selection, and attend Fishery Management Council/Plan Development Team meetings.
- Compliance & OLE Liaison: Identify compliance issues or trip refusals; compile comprehensive evidentiary memos for the Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) within 1 week of a refusal; research and track "Vessels of Concern."
- PTNS Oversight: Monitor vessel compliance and performance on the Pre-Trip Notification System (PTNS); maintain PTNS instructional guides; train providers and industry on PTNS protocols.
4. Dockside Monitoring (DSM) & Portside Sampling
- Support dockside sampling by coordinating with Captains, dealers, and project managers for offload monitoring.
- Inspect fish holds (climbing ladders required), verify catches, sort/weigh/measure sub-legal groundfish, generate weigh-out reports, and perform QA/QC on DSM data.
Minimum Qualifications & RequirementsEducation & Experience
- Education: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Marine Biology, Fisheries, or a related scientific field.
- Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience working with marine fisheries information programs or science-based programs.
Technical & Computer Skills
- Demonstrated knowledge of fishery science, fishery management, and analytical techniques.
- Proficiency in GIS, Oracle (or other relational database management systems), and SQL programming.
- Advanced proficiency in MS Office suite and G Suite tools (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Calendar).
Required Certifications & Credentials (Must possess or obtain during performance period)
- NOAA Marine Safety Instructor Training (MSIT) Certification
- NOAA Safety I, II, and/or III Advanced Observer Marine Safety Training
- First Aid / CPR / AED Certification (American Red Cross / AHA equivalent)
- Bloodborne Pathogens Training
- Valid Driver’s License & Commerce Learning Center (CLC) Defensive Driving Course completion
Preferred / Desired Qualifications
- Previous experience as an observer with NEFOP, ASM, or IFS (Industry-Funded Scallop).
- Small boat operation experience or work aboard commercial fishing vessels.
- Lifeguard Certification.
Working Conditions & Travel
- Work Schedule: Regular office hours (min. 2 days/week on-site), periodic overtime, regular weekend assignments, and mandatory rotation for after-hours on-call support.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to conduct field work, climb vessel ladders, inspect fish holds, handle biological samples, and perform port inspections.
- Travel: Regular travel to fishing ports throughout the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic, NOAA facilities, and Fishery Management Council meetings.
Join us to make a meaningful impact by supporting NOAA operations. We value energetic individuals who thrive in dynamic environments and are committed to upholding the highest standards of security and professionalism.
Pay: $55,000.00 - $62,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
