Marine Fisheries Biologist- Northeast Groundfish Observer
Location
New Bedford, Massachusetts, United States
Work type
Field
Employment
Full Time
Experience
0-1 years
Compensation
$315 - $350 per year
Posted
23h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
This role involves working as a Marine Fisheries Biologist and Observer on commercial fishing vessels, collecting critical marine and fisheries data up to 200 miles offshore. Responsibilities include recording vessel statistics, catch information, and biological samples in challenging sea conditions.
Groundfish Observer Position:
Training will run from October 6th through October 22nd, 2026. Full-time at-sea employment will commence immediately upon completion of training.
Fathom’s Research Department Specializes in:
Marine and fisheries Data collection services, for use by scientists and industry members for the management of commercial fisheries and marine environments.
Fisheries Observer programs for the NMFS Groundfish and Atlantic Sea Scallop Programs
Marine Mammal/Protected Species/Endangered Species Biologist Observers for construction and dredging projects
Dockside Monitoring & Sampling of catch from commercial fishing vessels
Electronic Monitoring Program
Scientific and Commercial dive projects
We are Currently Hiring Fisheries Observer Positions:
Fisheries Observers work as the only scientist on board a commercial fishing vessel. Vessels average 80 feet in length operating in ocean waters up to 200 miles offshore in all weather conditions. Trip lengths range from 7 to 15 days, with the landing date dependent on the individual trip's fishing effort. Trips require observers to live in cramped quarters in close proximity to vessel crew while at sea. Observers are responsible for the accurate recording and collection of:
Vessel and trip statistics
Port departure and landing times
Trip economic costs
Fishing gear characteristics
Haul information (location, target species)
Catch (species composition, weight, disposition reason, discard information, etc.)
Biological samples (length frequency, otoliths, scales, vertebrae)
Protected species information and specialized sampling
Open Position:
Fathom is currently hiring Marine Fisheries Biologists for At-sea work in the Groundfish Observer Program. Approved candidates will attend a 2-week paid training led by National Marine Fisheries Services. Training is fully in-person, taking place in Falmouth, MA. Training includes paid training wage, provided shared lodging at no cost to the trainee, and paid meal per diem for the duration of training. Prior to the end of training, new hires are to have their own lodging set up within 50 miles or closer to their assigned port. Port assignments include New Bedford, MA, Boston, MA, and Gloucester, MA.
Marine Fisheries Biologist Requirements specific to Observing:
Candidates must possess:
A good attitude with the desire to get your hands dirty
Bachelor’s degree with a major in one of the biological sciences from an accredited four-year college or university
At least 30 semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, physics or mathematics, of which at least six (6) semester hours are in marine science or fisheries.
One year of specialized experience, performed at an acceptable level, may be substituted for the six semester hours of marine science or fisheries course work. The specialized experience must have been in the field of fisheries and included functions such as: a. observing ocean fishing activities; b. recording data for marine mammal sighting and fishing activities; c. tallying incidental takes of marine mammals, sea turtles and sea birds on fishing vessels; or d. collecting biological specimens from postmortem animals. The education requirement may be waived, on an individual basis, with approval by NMFS.
CPR certification by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association
Basic First Aid certification
Candidates must not have been terminated or decertified as an observer, due to problems with data quality or standards of conduct, in any other NMFS observer program
Be certified to be physically fit to work as an observer including:
Ability to swim 50 yards
Tread water for 3 minutes
Don a survival suit in 60 seconds or less
Climb a ladder
Lift 50+ lbs. and drag 200 lbs.
Ability to live in confined quarters
Not susceptible to chronic or debilitating motion sickness
Be able to tolerate stress
Must be willing to travel, which means you’ll need a valid driver’s license and your own reliable vehicle
Must be able to work independently
Must be willing to sign a contract for no less than 12 months
Highly Desired Qualifications:
Sea and research experience
Experience with data entry on computers
Updated 23h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
0-1 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$315 - $350 per year
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Fathom Resources
Team size
Growing team
Location
New Bedford, Massachusetts, United States
Fathom Resources' Research Department specializes in marine and fisheries data collection services for scientists and industry members, aiding in the management of commercial fisheries and marine environments. Their staff includes fisheries biologists, marine mammal experts, and professional observers.
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Marine Fisheries Biologist- Northeast Groundfish Observer
New Bedford, Massachusetts, United States • Full Time