Supervising Fisheries Biologist

The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is seeking an individual with expertise in marine and anadromous fisheries monitoring, research, assessment and management to supervise the Marine Species Assessment and Monitoring Program (MSAMP) as a Supervising Fisheries Biologist and to oversee marine research vessel operations in the Fisheries Division. The MSAMP consists of the Long Island Sound Trawl Survey, Tributary Resources (Sturgeon and American shad), Near Shore Survey and the R/V John Dempsey Research Vessel. These projects collect fisheries data and provide those data for coastal species stock assessments and support for those activities.

The person selected for this position will be supervising seven or more professional staff (5 Fisheries Biologists and up to 2 Research Vessel Captains) and numerous seasonal resource assistants and may also represent Connecticut on committees of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and New England Fishery Management Council

This position is 35 hours per week, typically first shift, but hours may vary according to out of office or out of state meeting needs, or due to weather-related emergency conditions.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• NEW: Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.

Our state has a lot to offer - from fun activities for all ages, to great food and shopping, to beautiful state parks and forests, to our diverse cultures and rich history. Connecticut is a great place to live! Learn more about Connecticut here.

ABOUT THE MARINE SPECIES ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING PROGRAM

The Long Island Sound Trawl Survey is a vital tool Marine Fisheries staff use to measure the abundance and distribution of finfish, squid and other macro-invertebrates (lobster, crabs, horseshoe crabs, whelks) in Long Island Sound, independent of commercial or recreational fishing. By comparing Trawl Survey data with current fishery data (landings, catch/effort, seasonal patterns) each species' harvest can be weighed against its abundance, providing a gauge to determine whether harvest limit targets are being met. The Trawl Survey also provides a measure of recruitment strength (abundance of young fish) entering the population each year, as well as detailed characterization of the size and age composition of several species entering the sound.

Trawl Survey results are broadly used to support both local and coast-wide fishery management and, increasingly, to gauge the ecological health of the Sound. Frequent users of Survey results include the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils, National Marine Fisheries Service, Environmental Protection Agency, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers, State of New York, numerous university researchers, environmental groups and environmental consulting companies.

The Sturgeon Project aids in the protection of the state's only endangered fish species, shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon. Staff collect information on numbers, locations, movements and behavior of Connecticut River shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon. Data obtained from ongoing sturgeon studies have proven invaluable to Fisheries Division staff who provide advisory comment to DEEP Bureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse staff when reviewing proposals to conduct projects that could be deleterious to the sturgeon population such as bridge demolition or dredging. Additional research and examination of the limiting factors defining each concentration area are necessary to fully protect the remaining population and enhance the probability that the species will still exist in the next century.

The Near Shore Survey is a new survey for the Fisheries Division and is still in the pilot phase. It seeks to characterize the fisheries resources of Long Island Sound in the shallow area between the shore and approximately 30 feet deep, using a variety of gears.

The R/V John Dempsey is a 50 foot long, aluminum, monohull research vessel. It is powered by a single 500 horsepower diesel engine. The vessel supports both the Bureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse’s Long Island Sound Water Quality Monitoring Program and the Fisheries Division’s Long Island Sound Trawl Survey.

ABOUT US

At the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), we are dedicated to conserving, improving and protecting our natural resources and the environment- and increasing the availability of cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy. 

Connecticut’s system of state parks and forests, state boat launches, and waterways, provide many opportunities for outdoor recreation for residents and visitors alike. These range from camping and fishing to hiking, boating, and picnicking. 

The Bureaus of Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources lead the agency’s outdoor recreation efforts by acquiring and managing lands with an eye toward providing public use that is compatible with long term protection of natural resources.