Research Associate

Remote from: USA
Salary, yearly, USD: 24,000
Department: Education & E-learning
Employment type: Part Time,
Job posted: 12 Jun 2026
Apply before: 12 Jul 2026
Experience level: Entry-Level
Junior
Views / Applies: 24 / 8

About ECS

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AI Summary

This part-time remote Research Associate position supports NOAA Fisheries' Social Sciences Branch by conducting field interviews with commercial fishing crews in Northeast ports. The role involves travel to fishing communities, data entry, and literature reviews. Candidates need a BA in environmental or social sciences and strong communication and time management skills. The hourly pay is $23-$24, equating to approximately $24,000 annually for part-time hours. This is a temporary role through September with potential extension.

Role DNA

Job Complexity

Easy Hard

Pace & Pressure

Relaxed Fast-paced

Autonomy Level

Guided Full Ownership

Communication Load

Independent Highly Collaborative

AI Insight The job requires a bachelor's degree and involves fieldwork, interviews, and data management, but tasks are structured with team support, making it moderately challenging.

Salary Analysis

AI Insight The offered salary of $23-$24 per hour for part-time work equates to roughly $24,000 annually, which is below the typical full-time range for Research Associate roles ($40,000-$65,000). However, given its part-time nature and remote flexibility, the compensation is reasonable.

Key Skills

Research Fieldwork Data Collection Interviewing Marine Science Social Science Time Management Communication Travel

Cover Letter Sample

I am excited to apply for the Research Associate position with Everforth ECS supporting NOAA Fisheries. With a Bachelor's in Marine Affairs and experience in social science research, I am well-prepared to conduct field interviews and manage data for the Crew Survey.

My background includes working with diverse teams and communicating scientific information to various audiences. I am highly organized and adaptable, able to handle changing priorities and travel requirements.

I am particularly drawn to this role because it directly supports sustainable fisheries management and healthy fishing communities. I look forward to contributing to your team's important work.

Possible Interview Questions

Describe your experience conducting field interviews or surveys with diverse populations.

In my previous role, I conducted interviews with small-scale fishermen in coastal communities, which required building rapport and adapting questions to local contexts. I managed scheduling and data recording efficiently.

How do you handle tight deadlines and changing priorities during fieldwork?

I prioritize tasks by urgency and maintain flexible plans. For instance, during a previous project, I adjusted interview schedules on short notice due to weather, ensuring data collection goals were met.

Explain your proficiency with data entry and management. What tools do you use?

I am skilled in Excel and have used platforms like SurveyMonkey and Qualtrics for data collection. I ensure accuracy by double-checking entries and following standard protocols.

Why are you interested in supporting NOAA Fisheries' mission?

I am passionate about sustainable fisheries and the well-being of fishing communities. This role allows me to apply my social science skills to inform management decisions directly.

Describe a time you worked independently on a complex task. How did you stay organized?

For my thesis, I independently designed and executed a survey of coastal stakeholders. I used a project management app to track milestones and set daily goals to stay on schedule.

Everforth ECS seeks a part-time, remote Research Associate to support the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). This is a part-time opportunity through September 29th, unless funding is approved for the next fiscal year.

The Social Sciences Branch (SSB) of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) supports sustainable fisheries management decisions through the application of social science tools and research. The Branch provides timely scientific advice, collects data, and conducts research to support NOAA Fisheries’ mission and improve future management advice for healthy fishing communities. The successful candidate will.

This position will provide support to the Social Sciences Branch (SSB). They will contribute to NOAA Fisheries’ scientific objectives and priorities by conducting survey interviews with commercial fishing vessel crews and hired captains as part of the team implementing the SSB’s Social and Economic Survey of Hired Captains and Crews in Northeast Commercial Fisheries (Crew Survey).

Tasks to be Performed:

The specific tasks to be performed are as follows:

Conducting fieldwork for the Crew Survey, which includes traveling to commercial fishing ports in the Northeast region to intercept crews for interviews.
Assist in data entry and management of data after collecting survey responses.

General duties may also include literature reviews, synthesis of social science information and gap analyses, and attending meetings and workshops on an as needed basis.

Travel Requirements:

Travel required for fieldwork to collect data in various fishing communities potentially from ME to NC, lasting up to 10 days per trip. Potential additional travel to attend meetings and workshops.
Planning for travel will occur in consultation with the Crew Survey team after hiring/onboarding to ensure coverage of the entire region, but the expectation will be approximately 2-3 week-long trips to ME/NH/MA and NY/NJ with additional local day trips to ports in as needed.

Hourly range: $23.00 – $24.00

Tasks to be performed will not require access to NEFSC network resources so Government furnished laptop and use of tablets will be not provided.

Qualifications

B.A. or B.S. degree program in environmental, social, or interdisciplinary sciences, e.g., Marine Affairs, Marine Conservation, Marine Policy and Management or other relevant for the above tasks.
Demonstrated proficiency for the following skill sets:

Cooperating with diverse project teams to develop, improve, and achieve project goals.
Communication both verbally and using written materials (including visual presentations) with a variety of audiences including technical, scientific, and the general public.
Independent worker with strong time management skills.
Adaptability to quickly changing priorities and strict timelines.