November 5, 2024

State of Rhode Island

Jamestown

DEPUTY CHIEF OF MARINE FISHERIES (DEM)

Class Definition

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Within the Department of Environmental Management, to be responsible for the planning, administration and direction of statewide programs for shellfish and marine fisheries management and conservation; to plan, organize and supervise various programs, projects and research activities involving shellfish, crustaceans, finfish, and the marine environment for the protection, development and effective utilization of these resources; and to do related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the administrative direction of the Chief of Marine Fisheries with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative; work is reviewed through conferences and reports for results obtained and for conformance with established policies and objectives.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Plans, coordinates, supervises and reviews the work of professional, technical, and clerical staff.

Illustrative Examples of Work Performed

Within the Department of Environmental Management, to be responsible for the planning, administration and direction of a statewide program of shellfish and marine fisheries management and conservation.

To plan, organize and supervise various programs, projects and research activities involving shellfish, crustacean, finfish, and the marine environment for the protection, development and effective utilization of these resources.

To plan and direct the work of assistants engaged in surveys and/or studies related to marine sport and commercial fishery resources, population concentrations, mortalities, predators and other physical, chemical and biological factors affecting the management and utilization of these resources.

To recommend management programs to stabilize and enhance natural populations of marine fish, shellfish and crustaceans to effect maximum sustainable yield.

To plan and supervise a shellfish management program through the establishment of shellfish management areas and transplanting of shellfish from polluted areas.

To be responsible for the collection, interpretation and evaluation of statistical data and information obtained from surveys and studies, and to make recommendations to superiors.

To consult and advise various private, state and federal officials and organizations in the marine fishery conservation field.

To direct a public relations and educational program to promote a better understanding of the management initiatives and objectives of the division regarding marine programs.

To prepare plans and implement programs for the development of marine fishing areas.

To represent the state at local, regional and national meetings dealing with natural resource and marine fisheries conservation subjects.

To prepare regular and special reports and an annual budget as required for the operation of the marine section of the division.

To serve on management boards and to provide comment on behalf of the program, advise, and vote on behalf of the Department on marine fisheries topics through the interstate and federal fisheries management system, including but not limited to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the New England Fisheries Management Council, and the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council.

To oversee and participate in the research goals of the Department that aid in better management of Rhode Island's marine resources, both independently and through collaboration with other entities, including but not limited to the Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Institute.

To coordinate, participate, and/or plan emergency response plans in collaboration with other state and federal entities as it pertains to marine resources and assets of the marine fisheries program.

To manage trained fisheries staff in the performance of high-level statistical and mathematical analysis as well as in complicated and difficult scientific field work.

To seek out and manage multiple grants to conduct critical marine fisheries research to the benefit of the state and its marine fishing industry, and to recommend and draft various projects which may be eligible for federal grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and other appropriate federal agencies.

To provide guidance and direction to field supervisors involving the implementation and operation of such projects, and to make periodic field inspections and evaluations of the results and effectiveness of such grant-in-aid projects.

To work closely with law enforcement personnel in the preparation of fishery regulations and in matters relating to the management and conservation of fishery resources.

To advise superiors and members of the General Assembly on matters concerning marine fisheries and the environment, and to assist in the preparation of policies, procedures, and recommendations for legislation affecting marine fisheries management and resources.

To cooperate and consult with various state and federal officials, organizations, and agencies in the field of marine fisheries and conservation, and to assist in the development of interstate plans for the general conservation and management of marine fisheries resources.

To oversee the collection of processing materials such as permit applications, licensing and vessel declaration programs, technical reports, and environmental impact statements for technical adequacy, subject matter coverage, and conformance to policies and recommendations.

To testify as an expert witness on behalf of the Department.

To do related work as required.

Required Qualifications for Appointment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES

A thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of marine fishery and shellfish management and the ability to apply such knowledge in planning, directing and administering a statewide marine fish, crustacean, and shellfish resource management program; a working knowledge of marine fish, crustacean, and shellfish resource management programs; a working knowledge of the life history, anatomy, classification, physiology and ecology of the marine fish, crustaceans, shellfish, and flora of the marine environment common to Rhode Island; a working knowledge of the state marine fishery laws and the ability to interpret and apply such laws; the ability to plan, coordinate, direct and evaluate the work of subordinates in the conduct of conservation resource programs and the ability to implement sound management programs for the effective utilization of the state's resources; the ability to recommend and draft projects which may be eligible for federal grants; the ability to supervise and train subordinate staff members for the marine fisheries program; the ability to handle fiscal matters, prepare annual marine fisheries programs; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with federal and state agencies and officials, academic institutions, and with the public; a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate division policies and practices regarding marine fisheries issues; and related capacities and abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education: Such as may have been gained through: Possession of a Master's degree with specialization in Fishery Biology, Marine Biology, Biological Oceanography or Marine Science.

Experience: Such as may have been gained through: employment in a supervisory and/or administrative position involving the management and conservation of marine fishery programs. Or, any combination of education or experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.