Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association (CIAA) has one (1) opening for a Fisheries Technician I-Field working under the Special Projects program. Successful candidates are responsible for all travel costs associated with getting to and from Kenai, Alaska, at the beginning and end of the hiring period. If flying, CIAA recommends purchasing flexible tickets because length of employment is dependent upon the task assigned and fish population dynamics.

Job description:

This is a full-time, temporary, non-exempt position working under the direction of the Biologist to assist CIAA in completing salmon enhancement projects in a safe, professional, and cost effective manner. This position performs a variety of responsibilities including, but not limited to:

• Maintains remote field camps in a safe and livable condition.
• Operates tools, off-road vehicles, boats, outboard motors, sampling gear, and other equipment.
• Assists in the transportation, set up, operation and retrieval of field equipment.
• Assists with salmon population improvement projects by conducting smolt migration counts, adult escapement counts, egg takes, weather observations, limnological sampling, habitat improvement, hatchery related tasks and other activities as directed.
• Maintains accurate and legible records of field observations.

This position opening is specifically for the following project:

Whiskey, Hewitt, and Shell lakes northern pike suppression and Shell Lake salmon enumeration

• One (1) Fisheries Technician I - Field to work May 19–September 12, 2025
• This Fisheries Technician position will work with an Intern under a grant-funded project to harvest northern pike from Whiskey, Hewitt, and Shell lakes, all remote sites.
• The crew will also conduct surveys for the invasive waterweed Elodea and conduct smolt and adult salmon enumeration at Shell Lake.
• Familiarity with renewable energy systems is a plus but not required.

Qualifications:

Must be able to live in remote locations, work outdoors in inclement weather and in harmony with fellow employees, operate fishery and water quality sampling gear, and have a working knowledge of basic construction techniques. The use of hand tools, outboard motor and small skiff operation, and outdoor skills are required. Should be familiar with adult and juvenile fish identification, sampling and data recording techniques, firearms and firearm safety, and have the ability to keep neat and accurate records. Sound physical fitness is necessary due to the physical component of project work, i.e., ability to lift, carry, push or pull up to 50 lbs and/or regularly hike ½ mile over varied terrain. Current CPR and First Aid certifications are required.

If you believe you meet the qualifications and you are looking for a fun, challenging, and rewarding job in a stunning location in Alaska, then CIAA encourages you to apply. CIAA is an equal opportunity employer.

Compensation:

$13.65 per hour, overtime eligible. Returning Fisheries Technicians I may be eligible for a pay increase. Rustic housing and groceries are provided.

To apply:

Applicants must submit an application (found at https://www.ciaanet.org/jobs/). A cover letter, resume, and three professional references must be attached to the application.

Contact Lisa Ka’aihue, Special Projects Manager, with questions: lisak@ciaanet.org.