AQUACULTURAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
Aquacultural Development Specialist sits in the competitive class of New Jersey's state civil service, so reaching it runs through testing and an eligible list instead of a straight hire.
The requirements come down to a bachelor's degree and 2 years of relevant experience. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $69,668 to $101,951.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
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See where to apply for this title →Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under direction of the program manager or other supervisory officer within the NJ Department of Agriculture, has charge of various phases of a statewide aquaculture program to implement and expand the artificial propagation and distribution of various species of finfish and shellfish; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
- Develops and executes an effective program under the aquaculture policy framework for the propagation, feeding, care, and distribution of finfish/shellfish.
- May assist with permitting procedures regarding water utilization, discharge, sludge management, and the construction/maintenance of buildings, ponds, tanks, cages, and other structures used in the rearing of finfish/shellfish.
- Works closely with the NJ Aquaculture Association, the oyster industry, and other groups involved with the development of the NJ aquaculture industry; prepares and disseminates technical/scientific information packages to those interested in becoming involved in aquaculture; and works with other state programs in the implementation of the NJ Aquaculture Act.
- Answers routine inquires and informational requests dealing with the technical/scientific aspects of the department's fisheries and aquaculture program and of the NJ and national aquaculture industry.
- Suggests, compiles, and develops items of technical/scientific information to be used in the preparation and production of informational and technology transfer materials.
- Plans, initiates, and encourage development of technology transfer and other informational programs in the aquacultural sciences.
- Provides technical/scientific information on aquaculture production and facilities.
- Participates in the organization of technical/scientific programs which promote or develop a strong aquaculture and commercial fisheries industry.
- Performs work relating to biological research and data analysis.
- Assesses food availability and habitat quality for various finfish/shellfish as well as their population structure and relative abundance.
- Serves as liaison for the department with various state/federal/private groups involved in areas of fisheries and aquaculture to coordinate activities of these diverse groups including the Northeast Regional Aquaculture Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, and others in developing the New Jersey aquaculture and commercial fishing industry.
- Performs all administrative functions required by the department's developing fisheries/aquaculture program including travel arrangements, preparation of routine correspondence, work scheduling and record keeping, and internal budgeting and reporting.
- Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Biology including or supplemented by twelve (12) semester hour credits in courses relating to fisheries management and aquaculture.
Experience
Two (2) years of experience in fisheries biological work, fisheries management, fisheries husbandry, and/or fisheries research.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of and familiarity with basic principles/methods of large-scale fisheries/aquaculture management.
- Knowledge of the signs of the presence of parasites and diseases of fish and of measures used in combating such parasites and diseases.
- Knowledge of administrative and other problems involved in planning/directing a fisheries management program.
- Knowledge of principles of effective writing and oral communication.
- Knowledge of administrative principles and procedures.
- Knowledge of the use of a personal computer.
- Ability to organize administrative/technical fisheries biological and related work and to develop effective work methods for a statewide program of fisheries husbandry.
- Ability to acquire and retain knowledge of the organization of the Department of Agriculture.
- Ability to research, compile, and communicate technical/scientific information on fisheries operations and distribution activities.
- Ability to communicate effectively with members of the fish/seafood industry.
- Ability to represent the department at an appropriate level at meetings, trade shows, seminars, and so forth and to report back to other department personnel
- Ability to utilize the technical literature, personal contacts, and so forth as resources to effectively respond to inquiries, informational requests, and so forth.
- Ability to analyze problems and data and take or recommend action.
- Ability to organize assigned administrative work and develop appropriate work methods.
- Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships within the department and with outside departments and agencies.
- Ability to maintain records and files.
- Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
A Master's Degree in Fisheries Biology/Aquaculture or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of indicated experience.