The Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation organization committed to maximizing the ecological, economic, and societal benefits of healthy estuarine ecosystems with a focus on the Chesapeake Bay. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to advance oyster restoration, oyster aquaculture, and the sustainable management of Chesapeake Bay fisheries resources. We adhere to the values of integrity, dedication, hard work, and respect for diversity, and are committed to putting these values into practice. We work with all stakeholders that have an interest in improving the health of the Chesapeake Bay, restoring its oyster population, and promoting sustainable fisheries.

The Fisheries Program Manager will oversee ORP’s Sustainable Fisheries Program and develop, implement, and manage projects that enhance the growth of Maryland’s oyster aquaculture industry and improve sustainable fishing practices in the Chesapeake Bay. Current opportunities include: supporting ongoing development and implementation of an electronic reporting platform for commercial seafood harvest; working with oyster aquaculture lease holders to develop innovative business tools and best practices; evaluating novel products for oyster aquaculture such as alternate substrates; and coordinating regional derelict fishing gear retrieval efforts.

The Fisheries Program Manager will work closely with ORP’s Coastal Science team and will collaborate with government agencies, other NGO’s, technology providers, and the aquaculture and wild harvest commercial industry to implement and expand upon existing projects. Projects are funded by federal, state, and private partners such as Maryland Department of Natural Resources, US Department of Agriculture, The Nature Conservancy, NOAA, and private foundations. The Fisheries Scientist will support ORP’s contribution to the Maryland Aquaculture Coordinating Council and other regional or national management bodies. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, self-directed, and possess the ability to make sound project decisions. The position requires strong communication, leadership, strategic/critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Extensive experience and familiarity with shellfish aquaculture operations, fisheries science, and project management is required. We are seeking a candidate with experience working with fisheries stakeholders; knowledge of fisheries reporting and regulations; data reporting systems using mobile, web-based and desktop platforms; and expertise in managing and analyzing fisheries and environmental datasets.

Specific job responsibilities include:

  • Project management including oversight of tasks, staff resources, schedules, communication, and deliverables
  • Contract management including budget, communication with funding agency, and vendors
  • Represent ORP on MD Aquaculture Coordinating Council and other management bodies
  • Interact with and brief the ORP Board of Directors on aquaculture and sustainable fisheries initiatives
  • Coordinate stakeholder input meetings and manage industry pilot testing group(s)
  • Conduct regular communication with the commercial fishing and oyster aquaculture industry, e-reporting team, and state agencies. Serve as a key member of the e-reporting team
  • Coordinate with software developers and provide technical input on e-reporting and mobile application platform development
  • Organize, manage, and synthesize fisheries stakeholder input/fisheries data
  • Write technical reports, proposals, contracts, and peer-reviewed publications
  • Support ORP’s existing oyster restoration, monitoring, and sustainable fisheries programs

Essential Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Science or related discipline, or technology or engineering. Master’s or PhD. preferred
  • Extensive project management experience
  • Coordination of data collection tasks, data management, and quality control and assurance
  • Demonstrated experience and competence with statistical analysis and data synthesis (coding expertise in R, Matlab, etc. is a plus)
  • Experience with GIS software (ArcGIS), conventional databases, and geodatabases
  • Experience coordinating and leading field-based sampling
  • Comfortable operating and working from small boats and larger vessels
  • Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills

 Position Details and Benefits:

This is a full-time permanent (40 hours) position with full benefits including health insurance, 401k, and paid time off. Salary is commensurate with experience. The primary work location is in Annapolis, Maryland OR in Cambridge, Maryland. Regular in-state travel to meetings and project locations is required. Work operations are flexible and include a blend of fieldwork, office work, and telework.

For consideration, please send a detailed cover letter and resume to:

Ward Slacum, wslacum@oysterrecovery.org

Attn: Job Opening: Fisheries Program Manager

Applications will be accepted through July 28, 2023