Ocean Career: State of North Carolina Marine Fisheries Biologist

The State of North Carolina is seeking a Marine Fisheries Biologist who will be responsible for the review of development projects in the northern coastal counties, from the Virginia state line, south through Carteret County. The position reviews permit applications for potential impacts to estuarine or marine fish habitat, fish or fisheries, and submits written comments to the appropriate agency. The position will assess site conditions through review of literature, biological data, and resource maps, as well as conducting field investigations. Typical documents to review include applications for Division of Coastal Management (DCM) CAMA major permits, Division of Water Resources (DWR) 401 water quality certifications, US Army Corps of Engineers (COE) public notices and Environmental Impact Statements. Coordination with other state and federal agencies and participation in permit-related meetings, including pre-application and project development team meetings is required. This position will also assist with updating the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan and habitat sections of Fishery Management Plans. The position will occasionally assist with mapping and monitoring of seagrass and shell bottom, along with other implementation actions of the habitat plan. Experience with Microsoft Office is required. This position may involve the use of GIS and small boat operation as part of habitat evaluations.

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Review environmental permit applications and provide comment based on impacts to NCDMF managed species and habitats
  • Review and apply scientific literature to permit reviews
  • Conduct site visits and field investigations to assess environmental conditions within project areas
  • Coordinate with other state and federal agencies and participate in permit related meetings
  • Assist with updating the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan and Fishery Management Plans
  • Assist with conducting annual submerged aquatic vegetation mapping efforts

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 Councilthe 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 Quality for more information. 

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

  • Experience with coastal environmental issues.  
  • Experience with analyzing scientific or technical reports/documents. 
  • Experience with coastal habitats and/or principles of estuarine fish ecology.

Management Preference: 

  • Experience with field assessments or surveys for shellfish and/or coastal wetlands.

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 related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Compensation: $59,752.00 – $104,566.00 annually

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply

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