Biological Sampling Program Manager

Title: Biological Sampling Program Manager

State Role Title: Scientist Manager I

Hiring Range: $57,733 – $70,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Marine Resources Commission

Location: main location

Agency Website: www.mrc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Agency is seeking a professional to lead the design, implementation, and operation of fisheries biological sampling and data-collection programs essential to science-based management of Virginia’s marine resources. This position oversees statewide biological and effort data collection systems, manages the acoustic telemetry array program, and conducts statistical analyses to inform fishery management actions. The role requires strong technical expertise, supervisory experience, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with commercial, recreational, academic, and inter-agency partners to support the Agency’s mission and regulatory responsibilities.

• Manage and enhance statewide biological surveys and harvest data collection programs, including the Biological Sampling Program, the Protected Species Observer Program, and Access-Point Angler Intercept Survey, ensuring representative sampling across species, seasons, gears, markets, and geographic regions.
• Oversee the work of in-office and remote staff engaged in biological sampling, data collection, and data processing; provide clear expectations, regular performance feedback, and required training.
• Maintain biological databases and ensure rigorous quality assurance and quality control for all biological, effort, and telemetry datasets.
• Administer the Marine Sportfish Collection Project, including grant compliance, purchasing, and fiscal accountability.
• Manage the acoustic telemetry array program, including gear deployment, retrieval, maintenance, data collection, QA/QC, and inter-agency coordination under grant requirements.
• Analyze commercial and recreational fisheries data using statistical software; prepare reports on life history metrics, biological sampling results, and species evaluations.
• Verify accuracy and completeness of biological data; conduct final data edits and quality checks.
• Contribute to state, regional, and interstate technical committees by providing analyses, summaries, and staff recommendations on fisheries issues.
• Prepare updates to annual species-specific compliance reports and other management documents.
• Serve as a liaison with commercial harvesters, seafood buyers, and recreational fishing sites to maintain access for biological sampling.

Minimum Qualifications

•Comprehensive knowledge of marine species, fishery management techniques, and the economics and applied practices of the seafood industry within its regulatory framework.
•Comprehensive knowledge of biological database management, including but not limited to animal morphometrics, data validation, and analysis for management purposes.
•Demonstrated training and experience leading and managing a diverse workforce, including program supervision experience and experience providing oversight to both mid-level managers and entry-level staff.
•Demonstrated experience to develop and implement workforce plans; train, mentor, and support staff; structure operations for efficiency; and direct teams to achieve goals in a timely, accurate, and productive manner.
•Excellent oral and written communication skills.
•Completion of a Statement of Economic Interest is required upon hire and annually thereafter, in accordance with the Code of Virginia § 2.2-3118.2.

Additional Considerations

•Experience conducting or designing fisheries dependent biological surveys, as well as supervising field staff in the execution of those surveys.
•Experience with acoustic telemetry equipment and software, and a clear understanding of data custody and best management practices.
•Graduation from a college or university with major course work in marine science, fisheries or related field.
•Specific experience working with or within the management processes of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, or similar fisheries management body at the regional or federal level.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

This position requires physical ability to lift up to 20 lbs.; pushing and pulling; standing, sitting, reaching, walking, bending, stooping, and climbing.

State application Required.

Contact Information

Name: Malinda Cross

Phone: 757-247-2216

Email: HR@MRC.Virginia.GOV

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.