**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.

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.

It’s 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.

Saltwater Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, parental status, veteran status, or disability status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace culture to attract the best talent and allow each member of our team to achieve their full potential and maximum productivity. Furthermore, Saltwater Inc. highly encourages individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply for positions for which they are qualified and to notify us if there are any needs for accommodation throughout the application process and/or upon hire.

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
Alaska Crab- Nov 28^th – 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”.