Marine Debris Field Lead

Job Duration: Approx. June 15 – September 15 (no more than 8 weeks total)

SSSC Status: seasonal, contract, no benefits

Supervisor: Research Coordinator

Pay Rate: $185/day + $2,000 food stipend

Description

Project Summary:

The Sitka Sound Science Center is seeking a Field Technician for a summer marine debris cleanup Lead restoration project. This job involves cleaning marine debris from the coastline between Point Kakul and Necker Bay near Sitka, Alaska, and using intertidal transect surveys and other methods to assess its impact on nearshore and intertidal ecosystems. Recovered debris will be categorized and weighed in Sitka. The position offers a unique summer fieldwork opportunity conducting coastal cleanups and intertidal surveys on remote outer coast beaches in Southeast Alaska.

Working Conditions: 

The position is paid on a daily rate, with hours that are irregular and tide dependent. A stipend to defray living expenses will be provided. Cleanup operations will vary based on tide schedules, weather conditions, and project needs, which will include early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Crew members will spend time outdoors and in remote areas under challenging conditions. This includes working in the rain, in areas frequented by bears and bugs, and with limited time off.

During fieldwork days, crew members will be isolated in remote coastal locations of Baranof and Kruzof Islands. To access the sites, the Sitka Sound Science Center will provide transportation by skiff or dinghy from a chartered small vessel. Work will require crew members to be outside, carry heavy garbage bags (50+ lbs), walk across uneven beach surfaces including boulders and logs, dismount boats in varying swell conditions, and exposure to inclement weather and cold water. Crews will receive ample training prior to fieldwork, including first aid and CPR, boating safety, and bear aware training. Crew members will have intellectual and technical support from an experienced team of SSSC staff but will be responsible for successfully meeting project criteria in terms of collected debris weights, mileage covered, and surveys. Project oversight will be provided by Zofia Danielson, SSSC Research Coordinator. 

Tasks

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Field Lead will be leading a crew of four technicians into the field and will work closely with the Project Manager to clean beaches according to project criteria and conduct intertidal fieldwork efforts. 

As part of the marine debris cleanup team, the Field Lead will have all responsibilities of Field Technicians, as well as being the point of contact for SSSC staff, holding daily field and safety briefings, and maintaining a daily log. 

As part of the marine debris cleanup team, the Field Lead will:

• Safely and efficiently remove marine debris, including plastics, metal, fishing gear, and other waste, from beaches inside the project area. Unload marine debris from small vessel and move to storage site prior to sorting.
• Conduct intertidal transect surveys at designated sites, and other field campaigns including tagging marine debris, sampling substrate, etc.
• Sort and weigh marine debris by material type at a designated area for documentation and reporting to monitor restoration progress. Transport debris to transfer stations, recycling centers, or scrapyards using SSSC vehicles, or package it for backhaul. On weather days when cleanups cannot be performed, the crew will focus on sorting debris.
• Follow safety protocols to mitigate risks associated with debris removal and fieldwork in remote locations.
• Provide careful documentation of area covered during marine debris cleanups and surveys for reporting using GPSs, photos, and stakes/anchors for report requirements.
• Clean and organize gear and tools.

Qualifications

SSSC considers equivalent combinations of experience and education for certain jobs. All candidates who believe they possess equivalent experience and education are encouraged to apply.

• You must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license.
• You are a team player, with strong communication and collaboration skills.
• You have flexibility to work early mornings, long days, and weekends during the project’s duration.
• You enjoy being in remote places and have backcountry travel experience.
• You can perform strenuous physical activities in outdoor, remote environments for extended periods in inclement weather.
• You are familiar with Southeast Alaska’s intertidal organisms, ecosystems, and communities
• You are familiar with scientific methods and data collection or are interested in learning these skills.
• You pay close attention to detail. You can accurately document and report debris removal data and other project information to meet project goals.

Desired Skills:

• Experience leading field crews in remote environments
• Experience conducting transect, UPC, or swath surveys.
• Previous marine debris cleanup experience.
• Certifications in WFA, WFR, WEMT, or First Aid/CPR.
• Skills in handling skiffs and dinghies, knot-tying, and outboard maintenance.

Background

The Sitka Sound Science Center (SSSC) is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit research and educational organization. Our mission is to improve the understanding and awareness of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of Coastal Alaska through scientific research and science education. As part of this mission, we maintain a broad portfolio of research projects, host and support visiting scientists in their work, and integrate our research into a variety of educational programs. SSSC is made up of a team of people who enjoy collaborating across disciplines, thinking big and following through, and finding new ways to connect our community with the world around us.

Inclusion and equity are core values of the Sitka Sound Science Center. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for students, researchers, and staff. We believe every member of our staff and visitor to our facility enriches our diversity by sharing a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and discover solutions. We welcome the unique contributions each person brings through their education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity or expression, nation of origin, age, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, ancestry, and beliefs.