This is the second class in the Fisheries Management Series. Positions in this class develop and prepare partial and/or complete marine and fisheries management plans which ensure adequate populations of marine life for the seafood industry, commercial fishing, recreational fishing and environmental protection groups. Positions in this class function in a staff capacity and analyze and interpret Virginia scientific and fisheries harvest information obtained directly from agency technicians and seafood and commercial fishing industry workers; develop written summary, narrative, and statistical reports and charts which recognize and forecast trends and changes for fisheries; develop written responses and oral presentations which address questions from the public and special interests groups; and provide liaison staff support to internal and interstate fisheries commissions, boards and councils. This class is distinguished from the Fisheries Management Technician class by the responsibility for developing written scientific and recreational fisheries management plans and reports using statistical analysis and scientific knowledge, and the interpretation of policies and regulations. It is distinguished from the Fisheries Management Specialist Senior class by the latter's responsibility for functioning in a lead worker capacity, and for developing/planning one or more programs.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty requiring the analysis of a variety of fish and marine life species data and the interpretation data regarding changes in current and historical population sizes, health, habitats, harvest values, locations, equipment used, and sizes to prepare reports used to develop comprehensive fish and marine life management plans and agency regulations. Work involves developing and/or drafting fisheries management plans, technical bulletins, recreational or status reports, proposed regulations, and solutions to fisheries management problems; gathering, analyzing and interpreting commercial species stock changes; researching and drafting reports on marine issues for agency staff, interstate fisheries management bodies, and special interest groups; preparing automated statistical charts; driving to remote locations to discuss regulatory impact (both proposed and current) and problems related to inspections, licenses, and fishing equipment used for seafood harvesting; developing speeches for personal or supervisor’s presentations; writing briefings, scientific and popular articles for publication; and preparing responses to questions from scientists, reporters, and government officials. Positions in this class may develop and manage an extensive single species or problem study project; may use video-photography equipment to record harvesting methods or gear use for problem solving or understanding; and may attend agency commission meetings and public hearings on proposed regulations or problems to assist supervisor in presenting data and statistics, take notes of questions which need additional response, gather information on public attitudes and concerns, and make personal contacts with industry representatives and special groups.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor; however, positions may serve as team or project leaders or assist in the training of other positions.

Supervision Received: Receives general direction from a Fisheries Management Supervisor who provides insight on task and project assignments. Most work for publication and board and commission support is reviewed for concept, reliability, validity, and editing.

Scone: Work affects the development of state legal regulations and laws and interstate agreements; the economic status of Virginia seafood dealers, shippers, harvesters, and watermen; and the conservation policies for marine life in Virginia and east coast waters. Work also contributes to the increase in the recognized body of scientific knowledge relative to marine life in state saltwater.

Impact of Actions: Positions in this class have moderate impact on agency recommendations for legislation to solve current fisheries problems and to promote sufficient future populations of commercial and recreational harvesting. Proposals based upon sound data or conclusions could result in the protection of marine life species, the maintenance or growth of the economic status of watermen, and the continued ability to use specific equipment. Inability to properly use databases could result in permanent loss of historical data. Inaccurate publications would cause embarrassment to the agency.

Personal Contacts: Positions in this class have frequent internal and external contacts with other state agency officials to gather data, provide data or conduct joint studies; with scientific research agencies, interstate and intrastate groups such as universities, federal fisheries management groups and conservation organizations to institute and manage grants, provide data and request data; and with public and special interest groups such as watermen, seafood industry officials, conservationists, recreational fishermen and fishing pier operators to make presentations, answer questions, request information, validate data, study problems, and interpret policy or regulations.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of applied seafood harvesting technology, business practices, and scientific knowledge of marine species and environments. Working knowledge of scientific research methodology; and of narrative, statistical and style report preparation requirements. Some knowledge of the commercial watermen community, recreational fishing; and of conservational and ecological trends, political and scientific histories, activities, and problems.

Skills: Considerable skill in the design and operation of scientific computer systems that may require video photography skill.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to analyze data and reach logical conclusions; to interview and obtain data from potentially uncooperative sources; to research historical records; to manipulate automated data base information; to write fisheries management technical briefings, reports, bulletins, and plans; and to make formal oral presentations/speeches and communicate effectively with public.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certificates: Valid Virginia driver’s license.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in marine science, fisheries management, conservation and ecology, biology or a related field to include some course work in statistics, computer programming and research methodology.

Level and Type of Experience: Sufficient experience in analyzing scientific data to make logical conclusions; in technical writing to produce clear concise reports; and in formal and informal public speaking to put the listener at ease and understand the material presented.

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. This replaces the Fisheries Management Specialist A class.

Last updated: 1/1/89