Seasonal Port Sampler in Ketchikan, Alaska at Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association, Inc.

Department: Research and Evaluation

FLSA Exempt 29 CFR 784.100 Sec 13(a) (5): Exempt Hourly

The Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (SSRAA) has an opening for a seasonal port sampler in Ketchikan, Alaska.

This position will focus on the collection of biological data from chum salmon at the local fish processing plants. Tasks involved include but are not limited to: the extraction of otoliths, the collection of sex and weight samples, accurately recording data for individual sample sets, and following appropriate lab protocol for processing otoliths. This position provides and excellent opportunity to gain hands on fisheries research experience while contributing to salmon research and hatchery evaluation programs in Southeast Alaska. Starting pay is $19.90/hr or greater DOE. This position is full time and requires a flexible schedule, with some evening, weekend, and on-call work required. This position has the potential to fulfill a university internship requirement. Employment dates can be negotiated to accommodate a college schedule. SSRAA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants may direct questions to Stephanie Warnement at stephw@ssraa.org. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

The position is available immediately and is expected to continue through approximately August 28th. Qualified employees may have the opportunity to continue working through November on additional fisheries research projects.

Summary of Position: Performs all aspects of port sampling for otoliths to include extraction, cleaning, and mounting. Some Coded wire tag (CWT) sampling and pathology sampling may also be involved. May also work on the CWT crew.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Perform otolith extraction at a variety of sites
• Maintain accurate written records of individual sample sets
• Follow appropriate lab protocol for processing otoliths
• Mark juvenile salmon by clipping adipose fin
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills & Abilities Required:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be reliable and punctual
• Must be organized
• Must be dependable
• Ability to work independently for extended periods
• Able to work in cold, wet, noisy environments
• Must possess a valid driver license
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs

Preferable, but not required skills and experience:

• Pursuing a degree in fisheries or biology
• Experience in scientific sample collection
• Previous work history in this or related field
• Experience with otolith extraction
• Experience coded wire tagging

Core Competencies:

• Must be able to multi-task
• Must be able to recognize critical components of a process and adapt as needed
• Ability to work as a team and be a problem solver
• Maintain confidentiality when appropriate

Reporting to this position: none

Physical demands: Often work in cold, wet conditions. Ability to lift 50 pounds and do highly repetitive physical and mental activities. Requires a high level of dexterity using forceps, scissors, and sharp knives.

Work environment: Must be able to travel between cold storage facilities and out to hatchery sites if needed. Must comply with fish processing standards for safety and hygiene. Processing plants are often loud, cold and wet, with potentially dangerous equipment. Must be able to recognize and respond to workplace hazards. The job requires a flexible schedule based on fish deliveries and the operating hours of individual cold storage facilities. Hours vary week to week and may include evenings, weekends, and occasional on-call shifts.

SSRAA is a growing organization changing as needed to best address its goals. Any description of work is a picture of the major responsibilities of a position at a given point in time. Jobs are dynamic and assignments/priorities may change. This position description is not intended or implied to be an employment contract but is a communication tool to explain the responsibilities, advertise the job, and identify performance measures and potential training needs. SSRAA is an at-will employer.