Job Description

Chief, Fisheries Management

The Agency is seeking a Division Head to lead the Fisheries Management Division. This senior leadership role is responsible for advancing the agency's conservation mission, overseeing the development of fishery management plans, and guiding regulatory proposals through the public process. The Division Head also represents the Commonwealth in multi-state, regional, and federal fisheries forums, requiring a balance of technical expertise, leadership, and diplomacy to work effectively with diverse partners and stakeholders.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide executive leadership for the Fisheries Management Division, overseeing the development of fishery management policy and regulatory documents using the best available scientific, economic, biological, and sociological information.
• Lead by example in complying with federal, state, and agency laws and policies, and hold the Division accountable to these standards.
• Advise agency leadership and the Commission on matters related to Virginia's fisheries, including regulation, legislation, and management strategies.
• Represent the Commonwealth, as designated by the Agency Head, in interstate and regional fishery management proceedings with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, Regional Fishery Management Councils, and other federal and regional partners.
• Present and evaluate fishery management plans and staff recommendations for all fishery-related issues before the Commission, ASMFC (Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission), or MAFMC (Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council).
• Provide policy and technical guidance to agency advisory committees, including the Fisheries Management Advisory Committee, Artificial Reef Steering Committee, Crab Management Advisory Committee, Commercial Fishing Advisory Board, Recreational Fishing Advisory Board, and Menhaden Management Advisory Committee.
• Review and prepare responses to inquiries from state agencies, legislators, the Governor's Cabinet, media, and the public regarding fisheries issues, draft reports, issue briefs, and correspondence for agency leadership.
• Recommend expenditures from the Marine Fishery Improvement Fund and Recreational Fisheries Development Fund, ensuring appropriate review, accountability, and compliance with grant and contract obligations.
• Support coordination and peer review of proposed fisheries projects when designated.
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Comprehensive knowledge of marine species, fishery management techniques, and the economics and applied practices of the seafood industry within its regulatory framework.

Demonstrated experience leading and managing a diverse workforce, including supervising multiple work units within a division and providing oversight to both mid-level managers and entry-level staff.

Proven ability to develop and implement workforce plans; train, mentor, and support staff; structure operations for efficiency; and direct teams to achieve goals in a timely, accurate, and productive manner.

Strong record of holding employees accountable for performance and conduct, addressing issues constructively and diplomatically, and fostering a harmonious working environment of professionalism and leadership within and outside Fisheries division.

Demonstrated experience partnering with human resources to ensure policy compliance, performance management, and workforce productivity.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Completion of a Statement of Economic Interest is required upon hire and annually thereafter, in accordance with the Code of Virginia 2.2-3118.2.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS: Familiarity with legislative process.

Graduation from a college or university with major course work in marine science, fisheries or related field.

Proven experience working with or within the management processes of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, or similar fisheries management body at the regional or federal level.

Required to complete a statement of economic interest upon entering the position and thereafter on an annual basis in accordance with the Code of Virginia 2.2-3118.2. Experience working with interjurisdictional and/or Federal cooperative programs, commissions, and councils. Required to hold employees accountable for performance and conduct, addressing issues constructively and diplomatically, and fostering a harmonious working environment of professionalism and leadership. Partner with agency human resources to ensure policy compliance, performance management, and workforce productivity. Note: This position requires physical ability to lift up to 20 lbs; pushing and pulling; standing, sitting, reaching, walking, bending, stooping, and climbing.

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