CLASS CONCEPT/FUNCTION:

Complexity of Work: This is the first class in the Fisheries Management Series. This class contributes to the development of marine and fisheries management plans and programs that ensure adequate populations of marine life and fish species for the commercial fishing and seafood industry, recreational fishing, and environmental protection groups. Positions in this class are responsible for extensive field work in the collection of accurate fish/marine harvest information by conducting personal interviews with seafood and commercial fishing industry owners and workers, and by scientifically examining species to ensure proper management of fish populations. Positions also provide information to the public regarding fishery management policies and procedures. This class is distinguished from the Fisheries Management Specialist class by the latter’s responsibility for developing and preparing scientific and recreational fisheries management plans and reports.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty which involves traveling to remote areas and collecting and analyzing data from commercial watermen/fishermen, seafood buyers, fishing pier operators, recreational fishing groups and individuals in order to obtain information regarding fin fish and crab catch size, species, dockside value, most productive area(s), equipment used, licensing information, unusual occurrences, and trends. Positions in this class attend public hearings; participate in such projects as crab house studies, pound net studies, artificial reef programs, polluted clam studies and polluted clams relay projects; assist in the production of videotapes regarding various fish species; and respond to public inquiries by explaining fishing industry laws and regulations. Work involves collecting various types of fisheries information to be used by others for developing fisheries management plans and for writing weekly status reports establishing a data base and entering, editing and summarizing fisheries information through the use of a computer; retrieving computer data, and preparing graphs and statistical charts; explaining fishery policies to local watermen and/or fishermen; assisting with the development/production of educational fisheries videos; inspecting crab cages located in the water for compliance with state specifications; collecting and compiling license information: maintaining log books: and preparing and distributing departmental information.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision from a Fisheries Management Specialist, Specialist Senior or Supervisor. Assignments are received in weekly meetings but work schedules are usually self-planned according to harvest season and departmental requirements. Since technical direction is unavailable to these positions at their work site, they function with considerable independence.

Scope: Work affects the information used in fisheries management plans, industry employment projections and governmental decision which could impact on plans for assigned areas, regulations regarding fish protection, and the economic conditions in an assigned area.

Impact of Actions: Work facilitates the efforts of agency planners by providing them accurate statistical data. Inaccurate or inconclusive data could reflect negatively on agency regulation development and fisheries management plans that are used throughout the state.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contact with fisheries resource agencies, professional businessmen, scientists, watermen/harvesters/fishermen, and educational institutions in order to provide and gather data and information.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of fisheries industry and of data entry. Some knowledge of state fisheries regulations and marine science.

Skills: Some positions require working skill in the operation of small boat and harvesting equipment.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to work independently: to collect and analyze various data; to read maps and navigational charts; and to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.

QUALIFICATION GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: Valid Virginia driver’s license.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in marine science, fisheries management, biology or a related field,

Level and Type of Experience: Some experience with the fisheries industry.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and Experience.

This class was redefined and re-titled in December 1988 as a result of the statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program. It is a revision and replacement of the Fisheries Management Technician class.

Last updated: 1/1/89