Fisheries Technician

Job Title: Fisheries Technician
Schedule: Up to 40 hours a week – ability to set your own schedule to complete the sample
collection. Seasonal, June 10th – August 17th
Reports to: Ecologist
Location: Glennallen, Alaska with fieldwork from Mentasta to Chitina, Alaska.
Pay Rate: $20.00 / hr

Job Description
The Fisheries Technician will serve as a member of a two-person crew that will collect age, sex, and length data from samples of the sockeye salmon harvest in the Glennallen Subdistrict of the Copper River subsistence fishery. Sampling will take place between Slana and Chitina bridge and involves extensive interaction with the public and working outdoors regardless of weather conditions. The Fisheries Technician will also collect samples for disease testing from sockeye and chinook salmon including but not limited to blood and organ samples from the Glennallen and Chitina Subdistrict of the Copper River. The Fisheries Technician will be responsible for collecting the set number of samples each week from each location. They will be responsible for reaching out to fishwheel owners and dipnetters
to collect samples and communicate in a professional and respectful manner.
This position will be staffed from June 10th through August 17th.

Responsibilities

• Regular interaction with subsistence, rural, and sports fishermen to sample their harvested salmon in a culturally sensitive manner
• Setting a regular schedule for meeting with subsistence, rural, and sports fisherman for sample collection
• Collection of salmon otoliths, scales, and other biological information by following detailed sampling procedures
• Must meet weekly sample collection quota
• Answering questions regarding the sampling project and fishing regulations asked by fishermen
• Biweekly (or as needed) travel to Anchorage, Alaska (189 miles one-way) for sample drop off at laboratory

Skills

• Must be organized and able to handle large data sets
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets
• Able to communicate effectively and convey sampling information
• Able to follow detailed sampling protocols
• Able to maintain a sterile environment while working in the field
• Able to conduct biological sampling of fish
• Able to identify Alaskan salmon and basic fish biology
• Must be punctual and able to meet at scheduled times
• Ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds, education, and cultural knowledge
• Ability to work in inclement weather
• Proven ability to work independently out of direct contact with your supervisor
• Experience living in close quarters with others in a cooperative and helpful manner

Qualifications

• Must be 18 or older by June 10, 2024
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must pass a background check
• Must be a team player
• Experience and knowledge of Alaska Native cultures is highly desirable

Canvas tents can be provided for housing behind the office building if needed. Work vehicle is provided.

NOTE: Hiring preference will be given to Ahtna Tribal citizens.