10/27/2022
Saltwater is Hiring!
**This position is in 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.
Saltwater Inc. is currently hiring Fisheries Observers for the Alaska Shellfish Program.
Training will start November 28th and will be conducted by ADF&G Staff.
The position:
Alaska crab observers gather data onboard commercial crab boats out of ports in the Bering Sea.
of ports along the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea. Most assignments are based out of Dutch
Harbor, St. Paul, King Cove, and Akutan, AK.
Working as an Alaska shellfish observer is a unique job that takes place in some of the most
remote, beautiful, and pristine places on earth. It’s a job that provides opportunities to gain
unparalleled field experience, and to contribute to something big – supporting the future health
of some of the world’s greatest fisheries.
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 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 stateroom with up to 4 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.
General Observer Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree or higher in one of the natural sciences (biology, fisheries, natural
resources, wildlife biology, limnology, etc.)
• College Course using Dichotomous Keys
• One math and one statistics course.
• Not prone to chronic or debilitating seasickness.
• Physically able to carry out the duties of an observer.
• Successful completion of the appropriate observer training course.
• Excellent people skills.
• Ability to adapt to change, manage stress, and live in confined quarters.
• Capacity to work independently yet follow technical instructions.
• Capacity to maintain objectivity and the appearance of objectivity.
• Ability to adapt to changes in sea assignments of extended and uncertain duration.
Observer Duties:
• Collect crab shell measurements
• Carry out crab ID and sexing
• Sample and report by-catch
• Collect information on daily fishing effort and activity
• Radio reports to ADF&G
• Identify threatened birds, fish, and corals
Training: Nov 28th – Dec 16th
Further information on these positions can be found on our website
https://www.saltwaterinc.com/job-openings/alaska-shellfish-crab-observer-jobs/ To apply simply
click on “apply today”.
