Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association (CIAA) has three (3) openings for Fisheries Technicians I-Hatchery working under the Trail Lakes Hatchery 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:

These are full-time, temporary, non-exempt positions working under the direction of an Assistant Hatchery Manager, or as assigned, to assist CIAA in completing salmon enhancement projects in a safe, professional, and cost effective manner. These position performs a variety of responsibilities including, but not limited to:

• Performs a variety of hatchery duties in the areas of egg take, incubation, rearing, and harvest.
• Operates tools, off-road vehicles, boats, outboard motors, sampling gear, and other equipment.
• Assists with all hatchery related tasks and activities as directed.
• Required to live on site for up to nine months.
• Maintains accurate and legible records of field observations.

These position openings are specifically for the following project:

Bear Creek Weir, located on the road system, in Seward, Alaska.

• Three (3) Fisheries Technicians I-Hatchery, Trail Lakes Hatchery:
  • One (1) position May 1–October 15, 2025
  • One (1) position May 15–August 15, 2025
  • One (1) position May 15–July 15, 2025
• Monitors the salmon smolt outmigration, which may include evening work rotations. Identifies smolt by species, enumerates, and samples for a variety of biological data. Familiarity with salmon smolt identification, otolith extraction, and AWL procedures is a plus.
• Monitors adult sockeye and coho escapement and collects biological samples.
• Harvests adult sockeye at the weir to aid in CIAA cost recovery efforts.
• Assists with sockeye and coho brood collection and egg take.
• Assists with maintenance of the weir and its equipment.
• Transfer to the Tutka Bay Lagoon Hatchery at the end of Trail Lakes Hatchery employment may be possible depending on fish returns.

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. Have a willingness to do any chore necessary working within the hatchery environment.  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. Employees living in communal housing must demonstrate the ability to live and work cooperatively and maintain cleanliness.

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-Hatchery may be eligible for a pay increase. Communal housing in a bunkhouse setting may be provided, as well as groceries.

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. In your cover letter, clearly indicate which position timeframe(s) you are applying for: A, B, and/or C. You are encouraged to apply for as many as you want. Contact Ryan Schuman, Trail Lakes Hatchery Manager, with questions: rschuman@ciaanet.org or 907-288-3688.