Marine Fisheries Biologist

Salary: $61,545.00 - $62,445.00 Annually
Location : New Hanover County, NC
Job Type: Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: 25-06810 DMF60032656
Department: Dept of Environmental Quality
Division: Marine Fisheries
Opening Date: 05/28/2025
Closing Date: 6/3/2025 5:00 PM Eastern
Job Class Title: Conservation Biologist II
Position Number: 60032656
Section: Fisheries Management
Salary Grade: NC18

Description of Work
Are you passionate about the environment and want to make a difference?

DEQ has an open opportunity for a Marine Fisheries Biologist.

DMF 60032656 NC18
This Marine Fisheries Biologist will participate in field sampling; design and oversee monitoring surveys; analyze and interpret data; author and edit Fishery Management Plans (FMP), information papers, and other reports or documents of assigned projects. The Biologist is responsible for specific statewide sampling programs as well as the Wilmington Regional Office Fisheries Management lead for other statewide fishery independent and dependent sampling programs. The Biologist participates as lead or co-lead, and/or member of the team in the development FMPs and participates in the Marine Fisheries Commission, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and Federal council committees for the division. The Biologist participates in the district fisheries management activities by assisting the Biologist Supervisors, District Managers and Section Chief preparing drafts of proclamations (legal documents placing restrictions and seasons on fish and fishermen) and attending meetings with other state and federal management agencies, recreational and commercial fishing groups, and the public. The Marine Fisheries Biologist is the public contact on the Division's website as a species lead to address public inquiries as well as fulfill data requests. The Biologist will be responsible for the direction of one or more employees and will include monitoring work schedules and manage employee performance. The ability to operate a boat and follow Coast Guard navigation rules is required.
Key Responsibilities:

• Designs, develops, conducts and evaluates scientifically sound projects to address issues in fisheries management.
• Analyze and interpret data, prepare and edit written reports with recommendations to make fisheries management decisions. Including federal grant reports, federal Council or Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission FMPs, North Carolina state FMPs, North Carolina Coastal Habitat Plan, and other memos and reports
• Serve as lead/co-lead or a team member on one or more Fishery Management Plans and work with other state and regional agencies.
• Responsible for gathering input from staff, other scientists, enforcement officers, fishermen and dealers and relaying information to the Fisheries Management Biologist Supervisors, District Managers and Section Chief.
• Provide supervision to technicians in the Fisheries Management, Southern District, Wilmington Regional Office to ensure that division and federal projects, and program goals are met.

The Division of Marine Fisheries

The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is responsible for the stewardship of the state's marine and estuarine resources. The DMF's jurisdiction encompasses all coastal waters and extends to 3 miles offshore. Agency policies are established by the nine-member Marine Fisheries Commission and the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality. North Carolina is a member of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, and the National Shellfish Sanitation Program. Click here to learn more about the Division of Marine Fisheries.
The NC Department of Environmental Quality:

The primary mission of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is to provide science-based environmental stewardship for the health and prosperity of all North Carolinians. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the lead stewardship agency for the protection of North Carolina's environmental resources. The organization, which has offices from the mountains to the coast, administers regulatory programs designed to protect air quality, water quality, and the public's health, and works to advance in all-of-the-above energy strategy that fits North Carolina's needs. DEQ also offers technical assistance to businesses, farmers, local governments, and the public and encourages responsible behavior with respect to the environment through education programs provided at DEQ facilities and through the state's school system. DEQ touches the lives of all North Carolinians in many ways to enhance and ensure our quality of life. Please visit our website at the Department of Environmental Qualityfor more information.
If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit to learn more.
This position is located in: 127 Cardinal Drive Extension, Wilmington, NC
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies
The Knowledge, Skills and Abilities listed below, along with the Minimum Education and Experience requirements, are REQUIRED to qualify for this position. Resumes will not be reviewed in lieu of Experience and Education listed on the application.

To qualify for this position, applicants must document on the application that they possess ALL the following:

• Experience with biological data collection, fisheries science and/or coastal fisheries management.
• Experience with commercial and/or recreational fisheries.
• Experience summarizing and/or conveying technical or non-technical information with staff and/or the public through reports, presentations, or other written documentation.
• Experience with boat operation.

Management Preferences:

• Supervisory experience
• Experience conducting research, monitoring, developing and implement management strategies for shellfish (oyster, clam, whelk, scallop, etc.)
• Ability to swim

Applicants who were born after January 1, 1988, must follow the requirements for boating safety education, General Statute 75A-16.2.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for details.

Bachelor's degree in wildlife or fisheries management, fisheries science, zoology, or a biological science, or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of experience in wildlife or fisheries management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Supplemental and Contact Information
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is an Equal Opportunity Employer who embraces an Employment First philosophy which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws and Executive Orders.
DEQ uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to their applications.
• If applicants earned college credit hours but did not complete a degree program, they must attach an official transcript to each application to receive credit for this education.
• If applicants earned a foreign degree, foreign degrees require an official evaluation for U.S. equivalency and must be submitted to Human Resources for verification. There are several organizations that perform this specialized service, feel free to use any service of your choosing. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) has several options on their website that can provide credential verification:

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account and click "Application Status." If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted by management. If you are no longer under consideration, you will receive an email notification. If there are any questions about this posting other than your application status, please contact Barbara Byrd at 252-515-5463 or
For technical issues with your application, please call the GovernmentJobs.com Applicant Support Help Line at 855-524-5627.
NOTE: For temporary, contract or other supplemental staffing appointments: There are no paid leave, retirement or other benefits associated with these appointment types.
For permanent and time-limited appointments:Eligible employees have benefits that include employee health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, NC Flex (a variety of high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis), and paid vacation, sick, and community service leave, to name a few. Paid parental leave is available for eligible employees. Some benefits require 30 + hours work/week for participation.

01

To qualify for this position, applicants must possess the required "Minimum Education and Experience" AND all "Knowledge, Skills and Abilities" listed on the job posting. I understand that my application MUST include a complete work history in the "Work Experience" section, all education in the "Education" section, and credentials in the "Certificates and Licenses" section. I understand that a resume is NOT a substitute for completing the sections listed above.

• Yes, I understand

02

The physical location for this position will be in Wilmington, North Carolina. I am aware that if offered this position, I will be required to physically work in Wilmington, NC?

• Yes, I understand

03

How did you hear of this opportunity?

• www.governmentjobs.com
• Linkedin
• Indeed
• Employee Referral
• Conference / Career Fair
• Email campaign
• Professional Association or Industry-specific job board
• Google
• Other General Job Boards
• Other Search Engines
• Other social media
• Internet Advertisement
• TV / Radio

04

The recruiting range for this position is limited to $61,545 - $62,445. I am aware that if offered this position, that the maximum salary offer will be limited to $62,445.

• Yes, I understand

Required Question