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Data Management Specialist 2 - Natural Science - West Coast Groundfish Observer Program (WCGOP) Debriefer
Data Science
Hammond, Warrenton, OR, USA
Posted on Sep 11, 2026
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting candidates to fill the role of a Data Management Specialist 2. This is a full-time, full-year, benefits eligible position based in Hammond, Oregon. The projected start date for this role is November 1st, 2026.
Position/Project Specifics:
West Coast Groundfish Observer Program (WCGOP) Debriefer. The West Coast Groundfish Observer Program's (WCGOP) primary goal is to collect information on the discard of west coast groundfish from commercial fishing vessels. This information is used to assess the total mortality of a variety of groundfish species. WCGOP debriefers are vital to the success of the WCGOP.
Debriefers train, provide support, and act as mentors to observers. They are also a key component in the data QA/QC process.
General Job Description: Act as a debriefer for the WCGOP. Debriefers support observers with sampling questions and review the data collected by observers in the field, ensuring that data have been correctly collected and entered into the program's database. Debriefers are responsible for evaluating observer performance with regards to sampling methodologies, calculations, correct form completion, meeting deadlines, data entry, problem solving, species ID, communication, etc.
Debriefing: Act as a debriefer for Catch Share and Non Catch Share observers that are part of the WCGOP. Data QA/QC: 1) Check Observer sampling protocols and data forms for every trip completed. 2) Effectively organize, track, and ship biological specimens collected by assigned observers 3)Write detailed evaluations to provide feedback to observers. 4) Conduct periodic sit-down debriefings with observers, as required by the program. 5) Perform corrections/updates to archived observer data as needed. 6) Check data entry for key punch errors. 7) Contribute to discussions and decision making, related to the updating of sampling protocols, including the creation and updating of sampling materials (e.g., manuals, data forms).
Observer training: Assist in the training of new observers and the development of training curriculum and materials. This may include creating lesson plans, practicals, lectures, homework assignments and training aides. May be responsible for giving presentations and lectures.
Essential Functions: (The functions listed below are characteristic of the type and level of work associated with this group and pay band. They are not all-inclusive. Individual positions may perform some or all, as well as other similar work.)
At the lower end of the range, employees:
• Compile project data into standardized electronic data formats. This includes accessing filed information and verifying its accuracy and completeness, performing data entry, electronic data transfer, editing, and error checking.
• Extract relevant data which may be presented in many different text and numeric formats, reports, tables, graphics, or figures.
• • Maintain local versions of datasets in accordance with established regional database exchange formats and standards.
• Maintain a local archive of current and historical reports and documents. Coordinate the regular transfer of reference materials to archives and libraries.
• Train technical and general users in the use of database applications through individual instruction and/or group presentations.
• Create queries, summaries, and/or maps in response to requests for customized data.
• Prepare and manipulate various data and graphic outputs for use in reports, presentations and internet applications, using standardized retrieval scripts.
At the upper end of the range, employees:
• Develop and implement databases and libraries. Includes acquiring new data as well as taking previously created or historical databases or spreadsheets and integrating them. Data sources vary in format including database, spreadsheet, and survey data sets. Custom interfaces may be required.
• Produce written research and statistical reports (including graphs, tables, maps, and text), data sets, and data summaries using a variety of analytical techniques and software tools. This involves the use, modification, and development of database retrieval scripts.
• Document data handling and reporting to ensure consistency and validity of data between and within sites. Files may come from sources that use different computer hardware, software systems/protocols, and different communication packages.
• Maintain and update data catalogs, data catalog directories, and metadata.
• Perform system maintenance and backups. This includes routine database checkpoints, checkpoint verification, tuning, data-process merges, and user account management. Restore files when required.
• Perform Help Desk functions, responding to on-line user inquiries about access to the database and data retrievals, the execution of query scripts, and standard report programs.
• Participate in technical user groups to determine future data needs and the programs that will fulfill them.
• Coordinate the development of standards and exchange formats for the efficient movement of data between participants.
Knowledge Required by the Position:
The employee must have knowledge of:
• Fisheries Observer Programs and data collection protocols for WCGOP observers.
• Personal computers and software packages and applications for databases, spreadsheets, and word processing
• Data management concepts, principles, and methods
• Quality assurance principles
• Technical documentation methods and procedures
• Statistical analysis
• The organization’s data assets
sufficient to: input data; structure information retrievals; edit, combine and manipulate data; and/or provide reports for users. This knowledge allows the employee to assess or interpret the significance of the results and relate that to the overall objective of the assignment.
Additional Mandatory/Desirable Knowledge and Skills:
• Adobe In-Design(Desirable)
• MS Access (Desirable)
• MS Excel (Mandatory)
• MS Word (Mandatory)
• Oral communication skills (Mandatory)
• Writing technical documentation (Desirable)
• Conflict Management Skills (Desirable)
Supervisory Controls:
Work is assigned in terms of project goals, objectives, priorities, and, at times, specific tasks. At the lower end of the range, the employee will exercise initiative in solving common technical and procedural problems. Unusual issues are referred to the supervisor or higher-graded employee for consultation or review.
At the upper end of the range, the employee plans and carries out assignments with independence, guided by experience and knowledge to complete the objective. He/she seeks assistance only on the most unusual issues. Sufficiency of planning and execution, and accuracy of the data produced are normally accepted without detailed review, even for customized assignments.
Guidelines:
Guidelines include PSMFC standards and policies; project work plans; data submission protocol documents; established database structures, data definitions, and data standards; and various hardware and software manuals.
At the lower end of the range, the guidelines are clear and provide little room for deviation, except as provided in documented precedents or suggestions for alternative data entry and retrieval strategies. New or revised job requirements or requests for data that cannot be processed within the existing guidelines are discussed with the supervisor or higher level employee.
At the higher end of the range, the employee reviews each work request and selects and interprets complex guidelines to achieve the desired end product.
Complexity:
At the lower end of the range, the employee decides what to do by identifying the data content and information structure needed for each processing request and selecting the appropriate routine to set up and format each job.
At the higher end of the range, data will be in any number of formats, some computerized and some not. Computerized data may not be in a form that matches user needs exactly and therefore requires translation into a common format. Data may be missing or in a format that requires conversion to defined standards.
Scope and Effect:
A high quality, consistent set of data is necessary for effective policy setting, planning, management and research. Data must be provided in an efficient and timely manner, and in a format that meets the needs of users.
Personal Contacts:
Contacts are with employees in PSMFC; federal, state, or tribal agencies; university researchers, private/non-profit organizations, industry members, computer professionals, and the general public.
Purpose of Contacts:
The purpose of the contacts is to exchange and transfer ideas and information. Coordination, planning, and mutual support are important aspects of the contacts.
Physical Demands:
The work is generally sedentary, although there may be some nominal walking or standing for short periods of time, or carrying of light loads of papers, books, reports, sampling gear, training supplies, etc. that require only moderate physical ability and physical stress.
The work may entail lifting while at sea aboard commercial fishing vessels, research vessels, or chartered survey vessels.
Work Environment:
The works area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. The work involves the common risks or discomforts typical of office, meeting rooms, libraries, and the like.
The position may require going to sea aboard commercial fishing vessels with spartan working and living conditions.
Additional Mandatory/Desirable Knowledge and Skills
- MS Access
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe PageMaker
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe FrameMaker
- MS Excel
- MS Word
- MS SQL
- oral communication skills
- writing technical documentation
PSMFC will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. PSMFC will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Such action shall include, but not be limited to the following: Employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship. We maintain a drug-free workplace.