Kodiak Regional Aquaculture Association (KRAA) has an opening for an experienced fish technician. This full time, seasonal position is located in Kodiak, Alaska and operates out of the company’s headquarters. KRAA is a large and diverse non-profit salmon enhancement corporation. KRAA operates two Pacific salmon hatcheries and conducts numerous salmon research and monitoring projects on Kodiak and Afognak Islands.

Duties: Under the supervision of the Research and Monitoring Manager, this position is responsible for assisting and participating in all aspects of field investigations by applying sound science to perform salmon research, enhancement, and rehabilitation projects. This position requires the ability to work in support of lab and remote field camp projects by collecting biological data from smolt and adult populations and water quality data for hatchery effluent compliance monitoring. Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to follow strict sampling protocols are keys to success in this position. The Fish Tech will also learn how to age salmon scales and hatchery otolith mark codes. Will require extended living in remote locations in brown bear country and biting insects with frequent travel via boat, small plane, and helicopter.

1. Assists the hatchery effluent monitoring program including sample collection, labware cleaning, and laboratory analysis.
2. Assists the salmon (fry and adult) otolith evaluation program including field extractions from carcasses, sample preparation, and reading otoliths for hatchery mark codes using compound microscopes.
3. Assists scale reading of smolt and adult salmon scales with microfiche reader.
4. Assists with construction and maintenance of field camps, weirs, and inclined plane smolt traps.
5. Maintains accurate and legible records of field observations and enters data into spreadsheets.
6. Assists with inventorying and purchasing supplies.
7. Operates and maintains tools, off-road vehicles, boats, outboard motors, firearms.
8. Assists with other projects as necessary (fishery/cost recovery monitoring, hatchery egg-takes).
9. May be required to live at remote field locations for up to 4 consecutive weeks, but mostly 1-to-2-week intervals.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a natural resource’s field OR advanced technician experience working directly on related essential duties with increasing levels of responsibility. Experience in the use and maintenance of scientific sampling equipment, computer skills with MS Office software, effective oral/written communication skills, ability to manage numerous tasks simultaneously, and ability to work objectively in inclement weather and dynamic schedules are necessary for this position. Ability to learn otolith and scale reading with microscopes, and demonstrated experience will benefit the applicant. Basic First Aid/CPR certification required. Must be able to meet the physical requirements of this position including carrying heavy equipment (50 lb.) while backcountry hiking and wading in cold water streams up to 4 miles per day.

Wages/Benefits: This position is based in Kodiak, Alaska and is full-time, seasonal, hourly, and overtime eligible. The hiring range wage is $17.50 – $19.00 (DOE) based on a 37.5-hour work week. Irregular work schedules including nights and weekends can be expected based on project need.  KRAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

START DATE: Open until filled.

Qualified applicants should provide a cover letter and resume, with three professional references to:

Trent Dodson
Production and Operations Manager
trent.dodson@kraa.org

and

Tina Fairbanks
Executive Director
kraa@kraa.org