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Counting Tower Technician

Nuyakuk River, AK, USA

Job Type

Workspace

Starting Salary Range

Seasonal

Field

25.00/hr - Overtime Eligible

Benefits

No Benefits - Seasonal Position

PDF of Job Posting

Application Closing Date

Open until Filled

Job Announcement

BBSRI is looking to hire counting tower technicians for the upcoming 2025 field season at the Nuyakuk River fish counting tower. The tower project will be operated by a crew of 3 technicians to collect passage counts of salmon migrating up the Nuyakuk River to spawn, one of the largest producers of sockeye salmon in the Nushagak drainage.


We are seeking motivated applicants who will embrace the challenge and adventure of living and working in the Alaskan bush, and who have the practical skills to operate the project without constant supervision. Technicians must be able to consistently collect high-quality and reliable data, and maintain communication with project managers to meet project objectives.


Working Conditions

Technicians will spend approximately 3 days in Anchorage and Dillingham receiving training and preparing for the season, and the rest of the season will be spent in a remote field camp. Field camps will be equipped with private living quarters, a shared kitchen/office cabin, solar and gas generated power, full kitchen amenities, and StarLink satellite internet. The average work week will be 8 hours of work per day, 7 days per week, not including camp duties. Typical daily work duties include 16 10-min tower counts (2 per hour), 1 one to two-hour sampling session, and electronic data entry every evening. Crewmembers will alternate between morning, evening and night shifts on a set scheudle throughout the season. Technicians will be expected to carry, install, and uninstall tower components and frequently climb 30' scaffold towers, even in adverse weather conditions. Modes of travel will likely include wheeled and float-equipped small aircraft, and small (14-20’) uncovered watercraft.


Technicians will safely operate skiffs, power tools and chainsaws on an occassional basis, as part of typical work responsibilities. As these are remote field camps, there is significant risk of wildlife interactions, including bear and moose. Training will be provided; however, all crew should be prepared to follow conflict mitigation protocols and use non-lethal and lethal measures if necessary.


Work Schedule: 7 days per week, 6-8 hours per day, 56 hours per week (typically). Overtime eligible. Guaranteed minimum of 8 hours of pay on working and travel days. As this is a field position, no schedule flexibility or leave is permitted during the season, except in case of emergency.

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Duties and Responsibilities

Tower and Camp Responsibilities

- Install, operate, maintain and demobilize a scaffold fish counting tower

- Set up, maintain, and pack up a remote field camp

- Live and work in a remote field camp full-time from mid-June to late July

- Operate, maintain and repair propeller-powered skiffs in a riverine environment

- Perform difficult physical tasks in adverse weather conditions and/or in swift-moving rivers

- Safely and effectively use hand tools, power tools and firearms

- Maintain a detailed inventory of camp and tower equipment

- Work and live in close quarters with fellow crewmembers and project managers

- Work with project managers to resolve protocol, weir operation and logistical issues

- Interact with people of diverse backgrounds in fishing guide camps and remote Alaskan villages


Scientific Data Collection

- Conduct daily fish counts according to a set schedule

- Identify adult Pacific salmon by species as they pass the tower

- Capture live salmon using a beach sein for sampling

- Sample live salmon for age, sex, length and genetic data

- Meet sampling goals as directed by project managers

- Collect and record environmental observations (weather, river stage, temperature, etc.)

- Distinguish all Pacific salmon by species from a 30' tower during day, night and wind/rain

- Safely handle and release live adult salmonids

- Collect high quality scientific data without direct supervision

- Promptly and consistently communicate with project managers throughout the season


Record, Upload and QA/QC Data

- Use paper data sheets and Microsoft Excel to collect accurate and organized data

- Double-check and correct data entries

- Consistently upload a variety of data types on a regular schedule

- Identify and correct issues with counting, sampling and data collection protocols as they arise

Qualifications

Mandatory Prerequisites

Highschool diploma or GED equivalent, including science, laboratory and/or data science coursework.


A valid drivers license and social security number.


Red Cross (or equivalent) First Aid training, to be completed before arrival. Training and certification fees will be refunded by BBSRI.


Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree (or current enrollment in an undergraduate program), preferably in a relevant field (biology, environmental science, ecology, conservation biology, natural resource management, or wildlife management).


Experience in a field research position, collecting biological samples and environmental data.

How To Apply

To Apply send the following documents to Sam Harris (sam@bbsri.org)


A current resume, including academic background, employment history and 2-3 references


A cover letter detailing your interest in the position and any relevant skills/experience

Bristol Bay Science and Research Institute

Box 1464 Dillingham

Alaska  99576

Jordan@BBSRI.org

BBSRI is a 501(c) (3) corporation.

Contributions are tax deductible.

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