Deputy Chief, Fisheries Management

Job no:
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Hampton, Virginia
Categories: Applied Sciences and Natural Resources

Title: Deputy Chief, Fisheries Management

State Role Title: Natural Resource Manager III

Hiring Range: $85,000-$100,000

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Marine Resources Commission

Location: main location

Agency Website: www.mrc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Serves as the second highest managerial and policy enacting position for the management and regulation of commercial and recreational fishing for the Commonwealth within the Fisheries Management Division. Works with Chief of Fisheries Management Division and staff to develop bi-state and multi-state species management plans, which balance economic needs, commercial and recreational industry needs, with resource conservation as the most important service of this position. May represent agency on regional or federal teams or committees, as designated by the Commissioner, or the Commissioner's designee.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Assist Chief of Fisheries Management Division in the oversight and management of Division staff on a day-to-day basis, to include operations/activities, development of marine regulatory plans and policy for leadership.
• Oversees fisheries data collection and analysis and promotion and development of recreational and commercial fisheries enhancement.
• Provide leadership, guidance, mentorship, and decision making to assigned Division staff regarding all aspects of the individual programs/projects to achieve all goals and objectives.
• Prepares and assists staff in preparation of monthly fisheries evaluation for Commission plans and technical reports; writes briefings and reports as necessary; works with staff and Chief in development of regulations and amendments.
• Provides staff with in-state, regional and interstate technical and planning guidelines or requirements for inclusion in plan.
• May represent the Fisheries Management Division, and agency, on various regional and federal committees and teams, to include but not limited to those coordinated by the Chesapeake Bay Program, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries (ASMFC) and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC).
• May act as a Commissioner's proxy as necessary, representing the views and decisions of the Commissioner and Administration as directed.
• May represent the Division, and agency, in meeting working with in-state, regional, and federal research institutions and management agencies to fulfill the required technical and planning needs of the Division by utilizing this outside expertise, as directed.
• May present technical proposal, plans, and any associated regulatory proposals from Division and Agency activities to the Commission and its multiple citizen advisory committees when directed.
• Responds to public inquiries regarding laws, regulations and information related to commercial and recreational fishing industries, per agency guidelines.
• Prepares responses to correspondence from citizens or governmental groups, complying and partnering with the agency Communication Director, as requested.
• Interact directly with recreational and commercial fishing industry representatives and the media as outlined by the agency Communication Director/Public Information Officer, as directed.
• Writes proposals or designates to appropriate staff, to obtain federal funds for Division projects when directed, and prepares or review progress and complete reports as required.

Minimum Qualifications
• Program management level experience or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Knowledge of marine species and fisheries management techniques.
• Experience with the interjurisdictional fisheries management process.
• Knowledge of the economics and applied practices of the seafood industry and its regulatory framework.
• Familiarity with legislative process.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to direct personnel and execute positive and professional practices that promote team building.

Additional Considerations

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in marine science, fisheries or related field. Graduate degree preferred.
• Program management level experience or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Must have prior supervisory experience in a strategic management role, with budgetary or data management experience a plus.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

This position requires physical ability to lift up to 20 lbs.; pushing and pulling; standing, sitting, reaching, walking, bending, stooping, and climbing

A Completed STATE APPLICATION is REQUIRED.

Contact Information

Name: Malinda Cross

Phone: 757-247-2216

Email: [email protected]

Advertised: 02 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 13 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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