Stock Assessment Developer Level III

POSITION DESCRIPTION :

Think Tank is seeking a Stock Assessment Developer Level III to support NOAA in conducting stock assessments for 50+ marine finfish and invertebrate stocks. These assessments are essential to providing reliable, science-based advice to fishery management partners and ensuring sustainable fisheries.

The position involves working on both Research Track Assessments -which explore new models, data, and methodologies-and Management Track Assessments , which provide routine, timely updates using vetted methods. The successful candidate will analyze a wide range of fishery-dependent and fishery-independent data, participate in assessment working groups, contribute to peer review processes, and help deliver critical science advice.

Field opportunities are also available, including at-sea survey support, habitat mapping, and biological sample collection.

RESPONSBILITIES :

• Develop stock assessment plans that meet Terms of Reference.
• Present assessment plans to oversight panels and incorporate feedback.
• Analyze fisheries data, including :

Commercial and recreational landings / discards.

• Fishery-independent surveys.
• Biological data (age, growth, reproduction, stock ID, etc.).
• Prepare draft working papers summarizing data, analyses, and model outputs with uncertainty estimates.
• Participate in stock assessment working groups; present results and provide feedback on peer products.
• Present stock assessment results to peer review panels and respond to technical questions.
• Draft final stock assessment reports incorporating peer review recommendations.
• Support delivery of science advice for fisheries management decisions.
• Conduct at-sea survey activities as needed (survey design, HabCam calibration, image processing, biological sample prep and evaluation).

REQUIREMENTS :

• Graduate degree in fisheries science, quantitative ecology, or related field plus 5 years of relevant experience.  Advanced expertise with contemporary stock assessment models.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting fisheries datasets.
• Proficiency with stock assessment models (e.g., VPA, ASAP, Stock Synthesis).
• Experience presenting technical results to diverse audiences.
• Strong project management skills for complex scientific programs.
• Ability to coordinate and lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and visual).
• Ability to work independently with strong time management.
• Adaptability to shifting priorities and new challenges.
• High attention to detail and commitment to scientific rigor.