Marine Science Researchers - Batangas-Mindoro, Makati, Palawan, Pangasinan and Zambales
Background
The Fish Right Program is the flagship fisheries program of the United States Government in the Philippines. It is designed to promote sustainable fisheries management and fisheries-based economic growth. The program supports national and local partners to improve governance, scientific basis, market systems, and private sector engagement across the Philippines’ western exclusive economic zone.
Main Role
In coordination with the other Fish Right Marine Science Researchers, the Senior Fisheries Advisor, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, and other Philippine and US researchers and advisers, the Marine Science Researcher will be responsible for conducting Fish Right research (collecting data, summarizing, analyzing, and writing-up reports) on the following topics in the western EEZ of the Philippines (Fisheries Management Areas 5 and 6):
- Change through time in round scad (Decapterus) and tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis, Thunnus albacares) population abundance and distribution
- Change in number, distribution, fi shing behavior, and profitability of fishers targeting round scad and tuna beyond municipal waters
- Change in vessel activity and maritime safety through time
- Change in coastal habitats
Responsibilities
The Researcher will work closely with commercial fishers, seafood traders and processors, and fisher organizations to (a) explain the potential benefits of the research, (b) get fisher participation in the research, (c) collect, store, and analyze data, and (d) share back the results and potential use(s) of the research.
The Researcher will work with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (including the National Stock Assessment Program), the Philippine Coast Guard, and local governments to (a) explain the potential benefits of the research, (b) organize and analyze available data, and (c) share back the results and potential use(s) of the research.
The Researcher will collaborate with other Philippine and US scientist partners, and various relevant staff of Fish Right including documenting and reporting back to Fish Right any suggestions/requests from research participants and stakeholders and providing monthly reports on research progress.
Other relevant duties as assigned by the Fish Right Senior Fisheries Advisor.
Reports to: Fish Right Senior Fisheries Advisor and BFAR National Stock Assessment Program Assistant Project Leader
Station: Batangas-Mindoro, Makati, Palawan, Pangasinan and Zambales
Level of Effort: Full-Time
Position availability: As soon as possible, and renewable potentially until December 2028.
This search is open until all positions are filled.
Qualifications and Desired Work Experience
- Ability to independently conduct fi eld research with minimal supervision
- Bachelor's degree in any fi eld relevant to research topics
- Experience in fi shing, especially commercial fishing, the identification of fishes, fi shing gears, and fi shing vessels would be an added advantage. Experience working with Philippine commercial fishers is an advantage
- Completion of coursework in a graduate degree with interest in pursuing the above research as part of his/her graduate thesis would be an added advantage and benefit
- Strong proficiency in computer spreadsheets. Proficiency in R software, GIS, remote sensing, and any programming language would be added advantages
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and record-keeping
- Strong communication and facilitation skills, able to work with government, fishers, and international partners
- Proficiency in verbal and written English and Filipino is required, fluency in an additional language local to the workstation would be an additional advantage
- Ability to write clear and concise reports
- Self-motivated and results driven, proactive, reliable, and adaptable
- Citizen and resident of the Philippines
How to Apply
Recruitment will remain open until all positions have been filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.