Overview

Azura is seeking a full-time, remote Fishery Management Specialist (HMS–Data Science) to support the NOAA Fisheries Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Division. This position supports national management of Atlantic HMS—including tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish—through development and maintenance of analytical data programs, implementation of statistical and database tools (e.g., R, SQL, Oracle), and support for key initiatives such as the Individual Bluefin Quota (IBQ) Program, Fisheries of the United States reporting, and fishery landings and catch updates.

Background

Azura is seeking a Fishery Management Specialist to support the NOAA Fisheries Office of Sustainable Fisheries (OSF). OSF supports consideration and resolution of national domestic policy issues, provides support to the regional fishery management councils (councils), manages fisheries for Atlantic highly migratory species, and works with federal partners to ensure the safety of seafood sold in the United States. OSF is a headquarters office and works closely with the five NOAA Fisheries regional offices and six science centers and in partnership with the councils, interstate marine fishery commissions, and states to ensure U.S. fisheries are sustainably managed. OSF also engages the fishing industry (both commercial and recreational) seafood dealers, environmental groups, other federal agencies, and academia to ensure sustainable fisheries and sustainable economies and healthy and nutritious shellfish and finfish.

The Fishery Management Specialist will support OSF’s Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Division which manages fisheries for Atlantic HMS, including tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish in the U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico), and Caribbean waters. The candidate will support a range of data-focused initiatives, including the Individual Bluefin Quota (IBQ) Program, contributions to the Fisheries of the United States report, and preparation of fishery landings and catch updates.

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 curiosity and ability to find solutions and resolve issues based on available resources and also have strong client and team communication skills. Applicants must be able to operate independently, manage their own work schedule, and dedicate blocks of time for uninterrupted focus.

Place of Performance and Work Schedule

Work is expected to be performed at a remote location within the United States. Work is full-time (40 hours per week, Monday through Friday) and expected to last one year with the possibility of an extension. During standard workdays, candidates must maintain core availability between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Candidates are expected to respond to communications within 24 hours and participate in calls and meetings as needed during normal business hours. Beyond the communication requirements, work hours are extremely flexible. Some travel to in-person meetings (1-2 trips/year) may be required. This position is not open to visa sponsorship or relocation assistance.

Anticipated Start Date

April 27, 2026., or later. Start date is contingent upon successful completion of required security processing.

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay: $26.75/hour
• Competitive benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance and life and disability insurance. You will be eligible for a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match and will receive paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and company-observed holidays.

Duties

The employee will perform a variety of tasks related to the position. Specific tasks may include the following:

• Develop, enhance, and maintain monitoring and analytical data programs to meet organizational needs, security standards, and timeliness requirements.
• Design and implement analytical projects using a variety of statistical and programming tools (e.g., R, Oracle, SQL).
• Coordinate with internal staff, partner agencies, and external stakeholders to modify, adapt, and improve existing data applications and analytical methods.
• Enter, manage, and validate datasets using database and data management software.
• Verify and prepare datasets for integration into databases and other information systems.
• Prepare data files, tabulations, and standard and non-standard data products for internal and public distribution.
• Research and respond to inquiries related to data estimates, methodologies, and statistical analyses.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major field of study in mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science, or a closely related discipline appropriate to the position.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, particularly in managing complex data and documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to shifting requirements, and meet strict deadlines in a dynamic regulatory environment.
• Authorization to work in the United States and ability to comply with federal I-9 employment eligibility requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust Clearance (requires successful completion of a federal background investigation).
• Ability to begin work immediately upon receipt of Public Trust Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with commercial and/or recreational fisheries management processes, including regulatory and monitoring frameworks.

About Azura

Azura is a woman-owned small business headquartered in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. We offer 'big city' resources with 'small town' customer service. Our primary consulting services are focused on natural resources, professional writing and editing, and educational outreach and communication. Please see our website above for more information.