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Saltwater Inc.

  • 733 N St, Remote Alaska, Alaska
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North Pacific Observer

What We Believe

Do work that matters.

We believe that our mission – to collect and provide high-quality information – is vital to the health of our oceans and fisheries.

Think big. Start small. Do it now.

To make a difference, we need to think big. Then start small – experimenting, investigating, testing. And do it now. That’s how things get done.

Be Creative. And be practical.

We strive to find new, better, more efficient ways to get things done. And while it’s sometimes tempting to go for the flashy approach, we always try to let practical lead.

Try harder.

For us, there is no “good enough.” Our clients and observers depend on us to be there 24/7 to solve problems and provide the highest quality information in the most efficient way possible.

Learn from everyone.

We get to work with all kinds of people – fishermen, observers, research scientists, data analysts, software developers, fishery managers, marine technicians, and accountants. We’ve learned that they all have important knowledge and ideas to share.

Work should be challenging, meaningful, and fun.

Our work is full of big challenges and interesting people. We love what we do and the people we work with. The combination makes our work rewarding and enjoyable.

Industry

min experience

salary range

$1 - $210 / day

Additional Job Details

International Applicants Allowed?
No
Work Visa Sponsoring Available
No

Job Overview

North Pacific observers collect biological data while living aboard commercial fishing vessels working in the North Pacific Ocean and eastern Bering Sea. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) uses this information for in-season fishery management and to establish sustainable fishing quotas for future fishing seasons. The North Pacific is a highly productive ecosystem which is home to enormous fish resources as well as a host of wildlife including many whale species, Steller sea lions, sea otters, seals and an amazing selection of seabirds. Observer data is critical to ensuring the sustainability of the valuable marine resources.

Observers work on boats that range in size from 60-foot longliners to 600-foot processing factories. Working conditions on fishing boats vary widely but all are almost always challenging in Alaska, where cold, wet weather is the norm. Biologists typically work out on an open deck, often for hours at a time, or for long periods of time in factories. Observers must be flexible and resourceful in establishing a sampling station and sampling methods, and capable of heavy lifting. Observers determine their own workday depending on the vessel’s fishing schedule and NMFS’ sampling protocols. Sampling and paperwork often require observers to work long and odd hours, seven days a week. Shifts range from 5 to 15 hours a day, and it’s rare to sleep uninterrupted for eight hours. Trip lengths vary from as little as a few days to as long as 30 days or, very rarely, 8 weeks at sea. Observer contracts are typically for 90 days and can be renewed indefinitely. We encourage — and reward — repeat contracts.

Observer Duties

  • Provide independent catch estimates.
  • Sample catches for species composition and size.
  • Collect biological samples.
  • Monitor marine mammal and bird interactions with fishing gear.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

  • 30 semester hours in applicable biological sciences.
  • 5 college-level credits in math and statistics.
  • College course using dichotomous (taxonomic) keys.
  • U.S. citizenship.
  • Drug Test (pre-screen & random tests).

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous experience as an observer.
  • Experience in scientific data collection and data entry beyond college.
  • Previous experience on boats.
  • Valid and current passport.

Training

To be eligible to work as a North Pacific observer, candidates must attend and pass an intensive 3-week class. NMFS conducts training in Seattle at various times throughout the year. Saltwater selects candidates from qualified applicants, and pays for their time, meals, and room and board during training.

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