[Hiring] Bycatch Analyst @Azura Consulting

Role Description

Azura is seeking a Bycatch Analyst to support the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) Protected Species Division (PSD) which conducts research on protected species (cetaceans, pinnipeds, sea birds, marine turtles, and anadromous fish) that live or migrate off the coast of the northeastern United States (U.S.). This work requires professional knowledge of protected species and habitats and environmental compliance requirements related policies, such as the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA).

Having high attention to detail and the ability to manage short project timelines are critical skills for this position. Potential candidates must also possess the ability to manage a project to its completion. Applicants must be able to operate independently, manage their own work schedule, and dedicate blocks of time for uninterrupted focus, while effectively working and communicating with collaborators to meet project objectives.

Place of Performance and Work Schedule:

• The preferred place of performance is the Woods Hole, Massachusetts area or a remote location within the U.S.
• During workdays, candidates must be able to respond to all communications within 24 hours and conduct calls and meetings as necessary during normal business hours.
• Work is full-time (40 hours per week, Monday through Friday) and expected to last one year with the possibility of extension.
• The estimated start date is October 1, 2026 (pending security investigation).
• Travel is anticipated to occur one to two times per year.
• This position is not open to visa sponsorship or relocation assistance.

Qualifications

• Education and/or experience in the application of statistical methods to the biological sciences, with an advanced degree (e.g., Master’s) in fisheries, marine biology, statistics, or a related field preferred.
• Three to five years of relevant professional experience demonstrating the competencies described above, preferably in fisheries, marine science, or a related field.
• Ability to independently plan, organize, and carry out work projects within schedule and budgetary constraints.
• Experience using statistical analysis software (e.g., R) and working with existing codebases.
• Ability to identify and resolve issues in R code and implement extensions or enhancements.
• Ability to effectively present findings to audiences with varying technical backgrounds.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.
• Eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Candidate must be able to obtain a Public Trust Clearance which requires passing a thorough background check.

Requirements

• Prepare standard annual bycatch estimates of all species of small cetaceans and pinnipeds encountered in U.S. Atlantic gillnets and bottom trawls (and potentially other gear types) by using existing code and importing new data annually, including preparation of annual Center Reference Documents documenting the estimates and methods, and providing these analyses for incorporation into the annual marine mammal Stock Assessment Report.
• Prepare periodic estimates of sea turtle interactions with different gear types and prepare Center Reference Documents reporting the estimates and methods.
• Perform extensive auditing of fisheries data to support bycatch estimation.
• Conduct bycatch and other analyses needed to inform the Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Team (HPTRT) and present findings to the Team.
• Prepare annual gillnet observer allocation in close coordination with the Northeast Fisheries Observer Program (NEFOP).
• Provide bycatch information for the annual State of the Ecosystem reports.
• Maintain awareness of observer activity and advise on reallocation of gillnet observers, if appropriate.
• Contribute to sturgeon bycatch analysis and support Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) sturgeon stock assessment bycatch data requests.
• Contribute to seabird bycatch hotspot analysis and support NEFSC-FWS seabird data requests.

Benefits

• Rate: $37.13/hour
• Competitive benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401k with employer match; life and disability insurance; and paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and company-observed holidays.

Application Instructions

Click the link above or at the bottom of the page to apply. The application will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. If you want to provide more information for any of your responses, please use the Applicant Comment section to elaborate. You will need to provide 2 to 4 references with contact information (name, email, and phone number).

Application Review: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by October 7, 2026. Applications received after this date may still be considered.

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter - 1 page that specifies the position to which you are applying; your earliest available start date; and your level of knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as they pertain to the key responsibilities and desired strengths of this position. Label this file as Lastname-Firstname_Cover Letter_Bycatch Analyst.
• Resume/CV - 3 pages or less targeted specifically towards the duties and qualifications of this position. Label this file as Lastname-Firstname_Resume (OR CV) _Bycatch Analyst.

Thank you for applying. Azura Consulting LLC (Azura) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. We strongly encourage all qualified persons to apply for this position.

Review Process

This recruitment process can take several weeks. Once we narrow the applicants, we conduct virtual interviews with chosen applicants and make a final selection. The chosen candidate then undergoes a federal background investigation which often takes 6 to 16 weeks; the candidate either passes or fails based on NOAA's regulations. Contingent upon satisfactory completion of this investigation and United States work authorization verification, Azura will formally offer the position to the preferred applicant. If the applicant fails this investigation, the next applicant who meets the position's criteria will be contacted. Azura will notify all other applicants if they are not chosen for the position.

Please be advised that applicants will not receive an email confirmation upon submission. Azura kindly requests that candidates refrain from contacting the company to inquire about the status of their application. All applications will be reviewed and considered. Azura reserves the right to close job postings at any time once a sufficient number of qualified applicants has been identified.