The Marine Resource Education Program (MREP) empowers fishermen and other fisheries users to bring their voice, experience, and perspective into the federal fisheries science and management process. Delivered annually through either two 3-day workshops, or a single 5-day workshop, MREP engages 20-30 fishing industry members with 15-20 fisheries researchers and managers in a neutral setting. Originally developed in New England by members of the fishing industry, MREP ardently maintains its ‘by fishermen, for fishermen’ ethos via industry-based regional steering committees, planning teams, program principals, and session moderators. GMRI administers and facilitates MREP, working alongside these regional partners as well as staff from NOAA Fisheries and the Regional Fishery Management Councils.
The MREP Aquaculture Project Manager will oversee all aspects of GMRI’s role in administering, facilitating, and delivering two aquaculture-focused versions of MREP. The program has two components: a field trip to a region with a diverse aquaculture industry so participants can see and understand the operational side of the sector, and a 4-day management workshop during which participants will learn how aquaculture is managed in federal waters.
Vital to the success of the program are the industry-based steering committee and planning teams for the program that guide program development and ensure program objectivity and relevance. The program manager will collaborate closely with these partners, facilitating the activity of the industry-based steering committee, meeting in person once a year. Smaller planning teams (subsets of the full steering committees) meet virtually throughout the year. Together, the steering committees and planning teams develop program curriculums and workshop agendas, identify presenters, recruit participants, and develop exercises, such as role-plays, interactive activities, and field trips.
The position is based at GMRI in Portland, Maine, and will require travel to attend the field trips, management workshops, and steering committee meetings.
The MREP Aquaculture Project Manager will report to the MREP Director and work closely with GMRI Aquaculture Manager. This position has two years of funding with the potential of additional funding within the Community department.
Qualifications:
GMRI is seeking a seasoned professional who is dedicated to MREP’s mission of building fishermen’s capacity to engage in fisheries science and management and to MREP’s core value of being industry-driven. The aquaculture program manager must embrace wholeheartedly the central role the steering committees, planning teams, program principals, and moderators play in developing and implementing MREP and recognize GMRI’s role is supporting, not leading, that work.
Skills:
- Highly organized: able to manage multiple tasks against multiple deadlines
- Strong communication: maintain close coordination with steering committee and planning team, as well as GMRI MREP and Aquaculture colleagues
- Understanding of federal fisheries management
- Understanding of aquaculture practices and development
- Experience working with members of the fishing industry
- Managing events
- Maintain good humor, even when things go awry
Experience:
- 5+ years’ professional experience in fisheries, aquaculture, or related field
- Facilitating external partners
- Meeting facilitating and/or field tour development
- Experience with MREP a plus
- Project budget management
Compensation: $57,100 – $62,100
