[Coral-List] Position opening: Fishery Biologist

[Douglas Fenner]

Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources
PO Box 3730, Pago Pago, American Samoa  96799, USA
Phone (684) 633-4456,  Fax (684) 633-5944

POSITION DESCRIPTION:  FISHERY BIOLOGIST V

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  Professional-level biologist.  Active field research and supervisory position, with administrative duties.  Examples of work:

  a.. Plan and coordinate sample design/research into the Biology of Key Reef species. 
  b.. Estimate and obtain approval of project budgets.
  c.. Supervise and regularly assign technicians and other staff biologists.
  d.. Conduct ecological field and laboratory work.
  e.. Prepare catch/effort analyses; write proposals, progress and final reports.
  f.. Represent DMWR at international, National, and Regional technical meetings where appropriate.
  g.. Liaise closely with department's GIS staff to ensure that all data are GIS compatible.

SPECIFIC DUTY ASSIGNMENT: The Fishery Biologist will be in charge of the entire key reef species program.  The program is divided into three projects:  1) Relative abundance, population dynamics and ecology of the Serranidae; 2) Growth studies on the Serranidae, Scaridae, Acanthuridae, Lutjanidae, Lethrinidae and Mugulidae; 3) Data analysis on the Lutjanidae and Lethrinidae.  The main objective of each project is to: 1) Determine the impact of spearfishing at nighttime on the biomass, relative abundance, length-frequency, seasonality and spawning aggregation of the coral reef species in American Samoa; 2) Conduct growth and age validation studies for the key reef species; 3) Determine the size composition, weight distribution, seasonality and exploitation rate of the key bottomfish species.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY: Knowledge of fisheries management and conservation issues, tropical fisheries, statistical analyses, field survey methods, sampling equipment, computer, and data management.  Ability to communicate orally and in writing.  Must be physically fit and able to work independently under challenging circumstances.  Scuba certification required.  Must be experienced in diver surveys of reef fishes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  M.Sc. or Ph.D. from accredited institution with a major in marine biology, fisheries management or closely related field.

SALARY: $30,000 U.S. per year with a two year contract renewable by mutual consent.  Annual and sick leave accumulate at 8 hours and 4 hours per bi-weekly pay period.  Subsidized housing (80% subsidized) and medical care.

APPLICATION: Application deadline: 20th March 2004.  Send or fax cover letter, resume, name and phone numbers of 3 references, attention: Dr. Douglas Fenner, Chief Biologist, e-mail: dfenner at blueskynet.as