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FRFathom Resources
Fathom ResourcesMarine Research

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

Data Collection • 1+ yrs
Biological Sampling • 1+ yrs
Species Identification • 1+ yrs
Data Entry • 1+ yrs
Physical Fitness • 1+ yrs
Adaptability • 1+ yrs
Independent Work • 1+ yrs
Stress Tolerance • 1+ yrs

Experience

0-1 years

Certifications

CPR certification • Required
Basic First Aid certification • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Full Time

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

$315 - $350 per year

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyUSD
PeriodYearly

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationNew Bedford, Massachusetts, United States
Work typeField
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleMedium5/10
physicalHigh9/10
cognitiveHigh8/10
executionHigh8/10
creativityLow3/10
uncertaintyHigh8/10
communicationMedium6/10

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 StatesFull Time