Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Lead Fisherman

Average Salary: *$85,789

* Average annual salary includes overtime, penalty pay estimate, room and meal allowance estimate, and base salary.

Base Salary (excluding OT estimate, Retention Bonus, Penalty Pay estimate, & COMSUB estimate): $58,200 to $62,099

 

EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES

DUTIES

The Lead Fisherman is considered an all-around seaman whose duties are many and varied. Duties include, but not limited to: Responsibility for serving as a working leader; the continued maintenance and operational readiness of all deck department assigned as well as tools and specialized gear; and for performing general maintenance, repair, sanitation and upkeep of material, equipment and deck department areas. Incumbent must be fully familiar with all approved safety procedures involving the movement, stowage, loading and discharge of cargo/equipment. Incumbent will be able to operate material handling equipment, power/air tools and be able to go aloft.

The Lead Fisherman will perform all operations connected to launching and recovering, life rafts, RHIB, small boats, etc. The incumbent must be able to take command of a life raft crew during an emergency. Incumbent must know the particulars of life raft/RHIB construction, names of essential parts and required equipment, as well as the function and operation of various types of davits, cranes, and nautical terms and commands used in connection with launching RHIBs, life rafts, small boats, etc. Responsible for learning the location and use of emergency, lifesaving, damage control and safety equipment, and become proficient in use of same, while ensuring the initial and continued training of all other deck department members. Responsible for knowing assigned duties at all drills as prescribed in the ships station bill.

As a Watchstander underway, the incumbent must perform lookout duties in a vigilant manner, reporting all ships, lights, land, fog, floating objects, etc. As a helmsman, the Lead Fisherman must be able to steer a steady course, understand navigational terms relating to heading and steering, and properly execute all rudder and helm orders. When assigned as security watch, the Lead Fisherman will make rounds of the vessel as designated by the standing orders. When assigned as the gangway watch, stands an alert watch. The incumbent shall request all persons boarding to show proper identification and allow no unauthorized personnel to board the vessel. Maintains the gangway and visitors log.

Serves as a working leader, responsible for all fishing and deck work assigned which includes, routine and experimental fishing operations; construction, assembly, and repair of fishing gear; deployment of wide variety of fishing gear and associated scientific equipment. Operates anchor windlass and all winches and lift equipment including boats, cargo and fishing gear handling. Facilitate deck connections, operations for chief scientist and per project instructions. Load and unload vessel equipment and supplies, by hand or using hoisting equipment. Put fishing equipment into the water and anchor or tow equipment, according to the fishing method used.

The Lead Fisherman will serve as Small Boat Coxswain and conduct training on Fast Rescue Boats, and maintain the small boats in accordance with USCG and NOAA rules and regulations.

 

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

LICENSING AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Able Seaman Special, Limited, or Unlimited endorsement on the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential.
  2. Current STCW certificate II/4 Able Seaman, Rating Forming Part of Navigation Watch (RFPNW) Able Seaman.
  3. Must possess a United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with Medical Certificate.
  4. Must be NOAA Small Boat Coxswain Qualified or equivalent.
  5. Must have one (1) year experience as Skilled Fisherman or equivalent.

 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

As a conditional of employment, your position will be a Mixed Tour position. Mixed Tour of duty is a combination of full time, part time and intermittent work schedules which allows the best utilization of resources based on the work requirements of the organization. You will be required to sign a Mixed Tour Agreement.

Once selected, you may be sent to any vessel nationwide. There is no guarantee that you will be assigned to any particular vessel or geographic location, however, your duty location will be determined by your home of record or ship’s home port. Duty locations are Norfolk, VA; Charleston, SC; Woods Hole, MA; Pascagoula, MS; Newport, OR; Kodiak, AK; Ketchikan, AK; San Diego, CA; Honolulu, HI; Newport, RI; New Castle, NH.
 

- Must be suitable for Federal employment. (Pass pre-employment drug test, security and physical examination).
- Salary will be determined by locality and class of vessel.
- A two year Trial period may be required.
- Applicant must be able to obtain and hold a US Passport.
- Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable www.sss.gov
- Applicant must be a United States citizen of at least 18 years of age.
- Must be suitable for Federal employment. (Pass pre-employment drug test, security and physical examination).
- PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Physical requirements in accordance with OMAO Medical Policy. USCG Medical Clearance examinations are required to include a pre-placement examination(s) as a condition of employment per OMAO policy. All Mariners must meet immunization requirements. Position is subject to Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Transportation (DOT) randomized drug testing.
- SECURITY REQUIREMENTS: Employee must obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance for the Survey Technician position. Position is designated as a Safety-Sensitive.
- Attend and successfully complete all mandatory training courses. Be ready, willing, and able to physically perform the duties of this position. Be ready, willing, and able to work in a shipboard environment and wear protective equipment.
 

NOTE: The tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to report to any of the scheduled appointments - fails the physical examination, fails the drug test, suitability or unable to obtain the required security clearance.

 

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Applicants who meet the minimum eligibility requirements described above will be further evaluated. Documented knowledge, skills, and abilities, education, training, and awards contained in the application package and resume will be reviewed and rated to determine the degree to which applicants possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below that are essential to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position for which applications are being considered.

  1. Knowledge and ability to operate, maintain, train crewmembers on Fast Rescue Boats, RHIB Boats, lifeboats and recovery procedures.
  2. Knowledge of shipboard safety, including lifesaving and firefighting equipment, methods and techniques.
  3. Knowledge and skill in operating material handling equipment, winches, forklifts, booms, davits, etc.
  4. Ability to plan, organize and direct the work of others, to include fishing operations, i.e. trawling, repair of fishing gear and deployment of scientific equipment.
  5. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.


 

DISCLAIMER

NOAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
All applicants meeting minimum qualifications will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
 

United States