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The primary mission of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is to provide science-based environmental stewardship for the health and prosperity of all North Carolinians. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the lead stewardship agency for the protection of North Carolina's environmental resources. The organization, which has offices from the mountains to the coast, administers regulatory programs designed to protect air quality, water quality, and the public's health, and works to advance in all-of-the-above energy strategy that fits North Carolina's needs. DEQ also offers technical assistance to businesses, farmers, local governments, and the public and encourages responsible behavior with respect to the environment through education programs provided at DEQ facilities and through the state's school system. DEQ touches the lives of all North Carolinians in many ways to enhance and ensure our quality of life.

This position is Exempt Policymaking and is EXEMPT from certain provisions of the State Human Resources Act (GS 126). This position serves at the pleasure of agency leadership. This position leads a statewide fisheries management division by setting strategic goals and objectives that ensure compliance with state and federal program requirements. The Director of Marine Fisheries is responsible for overseeing the Deputy Director of Operations, the Deputy Director of Fisheries Science and Management, two Executive Assistant for Councils positions and the Marine Patrol Colonel to ensure effective management of statewide marine resources and enforcement operations.

The Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) Director Office is in Morehead City, North Carolina. The position includes conservation and overall management of living marine organisms through research and data collection as modified by relevant social, economic, and biological factors. This is done in the utilization of a variety of methods, including but not limited to regulating harvesting, habitat enhancement, water quality monitoring for molluscan shellfish harvesting, setting of catch limits and seasons, and seafood safety inspections of processing and distribution facilities.

Other key responsibilities include:

• Management and administration of all aspects of DMF Operations and Services with responsibility and accountability for all division operations that are required to fulfill its primary purpose, including all resource-related decisions and policies and oversight of administrative programs associated with a state agency.
• Preparation and submission of the annual DMF budget of over $43.7 million for approval.
• Providing operational and organizational planning to include the development and implementation effective and efficient strategies to ensure DMF accomplishes assigned goals and objectives for the governance of rules resources, the protection and enhancement of coastal fisheries habitat, the development and improvement of the cultivation and harvesting of shellfish, and safeguarding the public health concerning the sale and consumption of shellfish; and the licensing and permitting of commercial fishermen, recreational anglers, and all charter fishing operations, ocean piers, and seafood dealers operating in North Carolina.
• Ensuring state compliance with all applicable federal regulations and laws concerning marine fisheries resource conservation.
• Representing the State of NC on the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, and the Mid Atlantic Fishery Management Council as the State Administrative Commissioner.
• Serves as the senior Department representative to the NC Marine Fisheries Commission. Provides technical support to the Commission. Leads and supervises staff in their conduct of research, monitoring, and statistical analysis to inform rulemaking and management decisions. Directs the preparation and amendment of fisheries management plans for adoption by the Commission, ensuring that regulations are based upon scientific data.

The work schedule for this position may require working beyond normal work schedule to meet the business need.

Recruitment Range: $89,596.00 - $140,050

The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is responsible for the stewardship of the state's marine and estuarine resources. The DMF's jurisdiction encompasses all coastal waters and extends to 3 miles offshore. Agency policies are established by the nine-member Marine Fisheries Commission and the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality. North Carolina is a member of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, and the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.

If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more.

Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in one of the agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and eight years of progressive experience in environmental work including three years in a supervisory capacity; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement: The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.