Jobs

Posted 7 March 2010

Research Assistant
Alaska Fisheries Science Center

Deadline: 'open until filled'

Research Assistant
Economic and Social Science Research Program
Alaska Fisheries Science Center
National Marine Fisheries Service

Job Description:  The Economic and Social Science Research Program of the National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center seeks a part-time research assistant to be part of a research project on the potential for logbook data to better inform fisheries management in Alaska.  Logbook reporting is a major data reporting requirement for fishers. However, at present, the logbooks are not verified for accuracy or digitized to make them available to fishery managers.  The objective of this project is to evaluate the current status of Alaska logbook data and determine how this information can be used to better inform fisheries management.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Investigate the current status and potential uses of the logbook data. 
• Explore problems associated with the data, and assist in improving data quality.
• Interview government staff and members of industry to identify opportunities to improve logbook data collection, data utilization, and data management.
• Assist researchers in writing a final report that can be published as a NMFS technical memo or fisheries journal publication. 

Position Description:  This is a 20-hour per week appointment for at least one year and potentially up to two years, located in Seattle, WA.  This position will provide great experience working with real data and be beneficial for future work in any data-intensive field.  The research assistant will also have the opportunity to travel to Alaska to meet with Alaska Department of Fish and Game staff and/or NMFS Alaska Region staff. 

Desired Minimum Qualifications:  We are looking for any bright individual who can demonstrate experience and comfort working with datasets, has an excellent work ethic, is inquisitive, and has the ability to provide solutions to problems as they arise.

Salary:  Ranging between $15-$25/hour depending on experience. 

Application:  Review of applications will begin on March 1st, 2010 and continue until the position is filled.  Please send a cover letter and resume with two references (electronic submissions are preferred) to:

Stephen Kasperski
NMFS, Alaska Fisheries Science Center
7600 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115   
Stephen.Kasperski@noaa.gov