Marine Biologist/Fisheries Observer - Alaska

The Ocean is calling and we want YOU to join our mission in monitoring the health of our oceans to ensure their longevity for future generations.

We understand the unique qualifications this position requires and are fully committed to rewarding the right candidates.

As a world-wide leader in both observer coverage and electronic monitoring, your future is potentially limitless with Saltwater Inc.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Saltwater was founded in 1988 on the belief that the health of fisheries and oceans is one of the critical issues of our time.
We were one of the first companies certified to provide observers when U.S. fishery observer programs were first established. Over the years our commitment to our mission and our people have enabled us to attract and retain top talent. Its the people who make Saltwater the company it is. We are always looking for people who are smart, creative and adventurous. We hire team-oriented people who like to work hard, take on big challenges and get things done. People who care about the ocean. And people who want to do things in life that matter.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, NOAA ProTech-Fisheries Contractor and Certified Women Owned Small Business.

The position:
Fishery observers work on fishing vessels and onshore at processing plants collecting catch data and biological samples, and documenting interactions with protected species.
Working as a fishery observer is a unique job that takes place in some of the most remote, beautiful and pristine places on earth. Its a job that provides opportunities to gain unparalleled field experience, and to contribute to something big supporting the future health of some of the worlds greatest fisheries. But being a fishery observer is not for everyone. It is an extremely challenging job. Observing is a physically and psychologically demanding job that can include exposure to cold, wet weather, cramped quarters, and rough seas. Phone and internet access is typically not available, or only very limited, making it difficult to communicate with family or friends while at sea. The rhythm of fishing often requires long, odd work hours with shifts ranging from 5 to 15 hours a day. Observers typically share a bunkroom with up to 6 crew members, and rarely get a full, uninterrupted night of sleep. Seasickness is common, and vessels are rarely smoke free. On top of that, shipboard life can also be stressful since the goals, priorities and backgrounds of the crew and the observer can be very different.

The most important trait Saltwater looks for in an observer is maturity, which includes common sense, patience, thinking before acting, and the ability to listen and understand people with different viewpoints. Possessing a flexible attitude and adaptability are critical, and our most successful observers are hardworking, tactful, self-confident, and good communicators

Observer Duties:
- Provide independent catch estimates
- Sample species composition
- Collect biological sample
- Monitor for marine mammal and bird interactions
- Document fishing activity
- Record and report all data to NMFS
- Carry out special project

Incentives for eligible observers:
- Annual bonus
- Assignment requests
- Money Purchase Pension Plan
- Gear reimbursement
- Lead pay
- Insurance reimbursement

Minimum requirements:
- Bachelor of Science in a biological science
- One statistics course and one math course.
- College course using dichotomous (taxonomic) keys.
- U.S. citizenship.

Contact: Jennifer LeBeau jennifer.lebeau@saltwaterinc.com