Azura is seeking a coordinator/technician to support the maintenance of the small boat fleet and on-demand gear library of the Protected Species Division (PSD) of the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC).

Background

The PSD utilizes small boat platforms to accomplish a variety of mission goals, including on-water data collection for pinnipeds, sea turtles, and cetaceans. Small boat operations include activities such as satellite telemetry tagging, small animal capture, photo-ID, Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) operations, and water sampling. The small boat fleet includes platforms ranging from a 17-foot Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) to 26-feet aluminum-hulled boats. The PSD requires assistance with maintenance and utilization of their small boat fleet, as well as assistance in preparing for and conducting field data collection from these platforms. This position will require familiarity with trailering, operating and maintaining small boats, as well as working with the local vessel operations coordinator (VOC) to facilitate appropriate training and record keeping.

In addition, the PSD works extensively with the New England fishing community to test and operationalize new on-demand fishing equipment. This work involves the organization, hands-on maintenance, and inventory of an extensive on-demand “gear lending library” located in the shared NEFSC Net Loft Warehouse in Pocasset, MA.

Place of Performance and Work Schedule

This position will require the candidate to work on-site at the Woods Hole, MA facility and the Pocasset, MA facility. Some projects may require the candidate to spend time on the water supporting field data collection. Work is full-time (40 hours per week, Monday through Friday) and expected to last approximately one year with the possibility of an extension. During workdays, candidates must be able to respond to all communications within 24 hours and conduct calls and meetings as necessary during normal business hours. Long-distance travel may be required (1-2 trips / year). Visa sponsorship or relocation assistance is not provided; local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Anticipated Start Date

February 15, 2026. Start date is contingent upon successful completion of required security processing.

Compensation and Benefits

• Rate: $34.64-$40.06/hour depending on skills, education, and work experience
• Competitive benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401k with employer match; life and disability insurance; and paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.

Duties

It is anticipated that the work for this position will be split evenly between the two primary tasks: small boat fleet maintenance and on-demand gear library maintenance. Responsibilities will include working with the PSD team to ensure the required maintenance, training, and field data collection activities are well-supported. The coordinator/technician may also assist with branch duties, such as records management, data entry, and data processing, as time allows and as needed.

Small Boat Responsibilities:

• Responsible for maintenance and upkeep of PSD’s small boat fleet, which currently includes 6 boats under 26 feet in length. In accordance with the requirements described in the NOAA Administrative Order 209-125 and the NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual, ensure that assigned small boats are effectively maintained, inspected, and repaired and that reporting and tracking responsibilities are accomplished in a compliant and timely manner such that mission operations can consistently occur on schedule. Duties include preparing boats for winter storage and trailering them to boatyards for servicing as needed. This also includes working with the PSD team to compile documentation and provide support for required acquisition needs.
• Responsible for record keeping related to the small boat fleet, including scheduling calendars, inspection documentation, maintenance logs, boat use logs, etc.
• Field data collection: Assist with the mobilization and demobilization of small boats prior to and following field efforts and assist with fieldwork as needed.
• Become a certified NOAA Small Boat Operator within 3 months of starting the position.
• Coordinate required safety courses for small boat operators, including First Aid/CPR, Fast Rescue Boat, and other training courses as needed. May include becoming certified to teach the NOAA Small Boat Component Course.
• Annual inspections: Conduct annual safety inspections of boats and trailers using required checklists and submit documents to appropriate NOAA personnel.
• Act as the liaison between PSD and NOAA’s Small Boat Program. Duties include ensuring PSD has all required paperwork for each boat within the PSD fleet.

Gear Lending Library Responsibilities:

• Asset Management & Tracking:

• Maintain the extensive "gear lending library" located at the NEFSC Net Loft Warehouse in Pocasset, MA.
• Utilize Smartsheet software to track inventory, assign gear, and manage lending records.
• Perform comprehensive recordkeeping for all shipping and receiving activities.

• Warehouse Operations:

• Coordinate with the Gear Research Team to ensure organized and efficient warehouse operations.
• Execute light forklift operations to support warehouse organization and gear movement.

• Maintenance & Repair:

• Coordinate with the Gear Research Team to perform system maintenance and repairs on on-demand fishing equipment and other assets.

• Logistics & Delivery:

• Drive provided government-owned vehicles (GOVs) to conduct deliveries and transport gear to New England coastal areas as required.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience operating small boats (up to 26 feet in length).
• Extensive experience trailering boats, including launching and retrieval.
• NOAA small boat certified operator, or ability to obtain NOAA small boat operator certification within three (3) months of hire.
• Demonstrated experience with maintenance and repair of outboard engines.
• Demonstrated experience with maintenance and repair of small boat systems (e.g., electrical, fuel, steering).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to successfully complete all training and requirements for operating federal vehicles within two (2) weeks of the start date.
• Strong project management, organizational, and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Willingness and ability to obtain forklift certification.
• Ability to safely lift and carry at least 50 pounds.
• Eligibility to work in the United States.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance, which requires successful completion of a background investigation.

Thank you for applying. Azura Consulting LLC (Azura) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. We strongly encourage all qualified persons to apply for this position.

Review Process

This recruitment process can take several weeks. Once we narrow the applicants, we conduct virtual interviews with chosen applicants and make a final selection. The chosen candidate then undergoes a federal background investigation which often takes 6 to 16 weeks; the candidate either passes or fails based on NOAA's regulations. Contingent upon satisfactory completion of this investigation and United States work authorization verification, Azura will formally offer the position to the preferred applicant. If the applicant fails this investigation, the next applicant who meets the position's criteria will be contacted. Azura will notify all other applicants if they are not chosen for the position.

Please be advised that applicants will not receive an email confirmation upon submission. Azura kindly requests that candidates refrain from contacting the company to inquire about the status of their application. All applications will be reviewed and considered. Azura reserves the right to close job postings at any time once a sufficient number of qualified applicants has been identified.

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 for more information. www.azuraco.com

Brief Summary

Azura Consulting LLC is seeking a Small Boat Coordinator/Gear Library Technician to provide hands-on operational support to the Protected Species Division (PSD) of the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). This full-time, on-site position is based in Woods Hole, MA and Pocasset, MA and supports small boat fleet operations, on-demand fishing gear management, and field data collection for marine species research and conservation efforts. The role is expected to last approximately one year, with the possibility of extension, and requires close coordination with NOAA personnel to ensure compliant, safe, and efficient marine operations.