Fisheries Gear Research Technician

Salary: $39.27 per hour

Position Summary:
Azura Consulting LLC is seeking a Fisheries Gear Research Technician with extensive experience in the commercial lobster industry to support the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) Protected Species Division (PSD).

This full-time (40 hours per week) position is expected to last two years (May 2025–May 2027), with the possibility of an extension. Work is on-site in Massachusetts, and applicants must be prepared for frequent travel (3+ trips per year).

The technician will collaborate with gear manufacturers, fisheries agencies, and commercial lobster fishermen to test weak rope and ropeless systems, ensuring compliance with gear regulations designed to protect marine wildlife.

Key Responsibilities:

• Weak Rope Research & Implementation:
  • Work with manufacturers to identify compliant sinking rope designs.
  • Distribute rope samples for testing by commercial lobster fishermen.
  • Conduct laboratory strength testing of weak ropes in Woods Hole.
  • Develop outreach materials and compliance guides for weak rope installation.
  • Conduct port visits to train fishermen and law enforcement officials on gear modifications.
  • Collaborate with New England states and Canadian counterparts on weak rope trials.
• Ropeless Gear Trials:
  • Maintain an inventory of ropeless systems within NOAA’s database.
  • Assist with field testing of ropeless systems on commercial vessels.
  • Coordinate gear distribution and data collection with lobster fishermen.
  • Support outreach workshops to discuss trial findings and troubleshoot issues.
• Opportunistic Gear Testing:
  • Assess the performance of weak link buoy systems for entanglement prevention.
  • Test weak rope insertions on gillnet buoy lines.
  • Conduct whale entanglement simulations based on marine mammal research.
  • Provide gear analysis and modification recommendations.
• Warehouse & Outreach Support:
  • Organize gear inventory and research materials.
  • Assist with public education and compliance discussions involving fishermen, agencies, and law enforcement.

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience working in the commercial lobster industry.
• Strong knowledge of weak rope regulations, marking requirements, and on-demand fishing systems.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment and meet short deadlines.
• U.S. work eligibility (Public Trust Clearance required, including federal background check).

Application Instructions:

• Apply via https://jobs.gusto.com/postings/azura-consulting-llc-fisheries-gear-research-technician-a1d07db0-ee32-43e6-92c5-e41a7c9ba06c.
• Submit:
  • Cover Letter (1 page) detailing availability, qualifications, and relevant experience, labeled Lastname-Firstname_Cover Letter_Gear Research Technician.
  • Resume/CV (max 3 pages) targeted to the position, labeled Lastname-Firstname_Resume_Gear Research Technician.
• Provide 2–4 references (name, email, phone number).
• Application Deadline: May 13, 2025
• Start Date: After May 19, 2025

Contact Information:
Name: Anna Banda
Email: anna@azuraco.com

Additional Information:
Azura is a woman-owned small business headquartered in Dallas/Fort Worth, offering expertise in natural resources consulting, technical writing, and environmental education.