Azura Consulting LLC Gear Research and Modification Technician Pocasset, MA · Full time Company website

Apply for Gear Research and Modification Technician

Azura Consulting LLC (Azura) is a woman-owned small business offering '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. We are a diverse team of expert scientists, professional writers and editors, and informal educators who are passionate about our work and dedicated to our clients' needs and employee satisfaction. Through great attention to detail, and a bit of wit, we provide innovative solutions and high-quality products that empower our clients to meet their consulting needs. 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.

Azura is seeking a gear research and modification technician to research gear modifications on commercial fishing vessels and support the on-demand gear library of the Protected Species Division (PSD) of the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC).

Background

The NEFSC PSD work closely with the commercial fishing industry to reduce the risk of harmful interactions with marine mammals, turtles, and other protected species listed under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Testing gear with fishermen under actual fishing conditions is key to developing modifications that can reduce whale entanglements without significant loss of the targeted catch. The NEFSC PSD has built relationships with fishermen, on-demand system manufacturers, and environmental organizations and are working to further develop safe and feasible fishing methods that do not use static vertical lines in pot/trap and other fishing gears.

 

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, Massachusetts. Currently oriented toward on-demand fishing systems, the PSD anticipates expanding the library to other experimental gear systems engineered to reduce bycatch of protected species. Permitted fishermen and researchers can borrow from the library to test gear in real fishing situations. In return, the borrowers provide PSD with insights into how the gear operates on their vessel, any problems encountered, and suggestions for improving the technologies.

 

Place of Performance and Work Schedule

This position will require the candidate to primarily work on-site at the Pocasset, MA facility and also within the Northeast region from Maine to North Carolina. Some projects may require the candidate to spend time on water supporting field data collection. This position is full-time (40 hours per week, Monday through Friday) and is expected to last approximately 6–11 months, with the potential for extension. The position may also be structured as two part-time positions (20 hours per week each). Occasional evening and weekend work may be required, and work may periodically exceed 40 hours per week. Eligible overtime hours will be compensated in accordance with applicable federal and state labor laws.

 

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 (3+ trips / year). Visa sponsorship or relocation assistance is not provided; local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

Anticipated Start Date

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

Compensation and Benefits

• Rate: $40.06/hour
• Competitive full-time employee benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401k with employer match; life and disability insurance; and paid time off for vacation and sick leave, and federal holidays. Part-time employee benefits include 401k with employer match, paid time off for vacation and sick leave.

Duties

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.

 

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.

 

Construction / 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

• Experience building and maintaining fishing gear and equipment
• 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 with strong communication skills
• 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

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience on fishing vessels
• Experience building and maintaining fishing gear and equipment
• Experience with marine electronics

 

Instructions

• Click the link above or at the bottom of the page to apply.
• The application will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.
• If you want to provide more information for any of your responses, please use the Applicant Comment section to elaborate.
• You will need to provide 2 to 4 references with contact information (name, email, and phone number).
• Application Review: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by June 12, 2026. Applications received after this date may still be considered.
• Required Documents:
• Cover Letter - 1 page that specifies the position to which you are applying; your earliest available start date; and your level of knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as they pertain to the key responsibilities and desired strengths of this position. Label this file as Lastname-Firstname_Cover Letter_Gear Technician.
• Resume/CV - 3 pages or less targeted specifically towards the duties and qualifications of this position. Label this file as Lastname-Firstname_Resume (OR CV)_Gear Technician.

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