Otolith Laboratory Technician

Location: Seattle, WA, USA

The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) is seeking to hire an Otolith Laboratory Technician. The Otolith Laboratory Technician is responsible for all activities related to determining Pacific halibut ages from otoliths. The work location is IPHC headquarters in Seattle, Washington.

The IPHC is a public international organization and as such will consider applicants regardless of nationality. Non-US Citizens will be required to obtain a G4 VISA for work in the USA, with the assistance of the Secretariat.

Employment date: 1 June 2025, or as soon as possible.
Duration: Temporary full-time (2 years), with the possibility of renewal.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Duties

• Performs all functions related to determining Pacific halibut ages from otoliths, including production age reading; quality control age reading; otolith selection, storage, and archiving; and age data entry into databases;
• Assists in the coordination of age reading assignments and annual objectives in collaboration with Otolith Laboratory Technician (Snr) and otolith laboratory services team members;
• Coordinates with the FRDSB Manager, Otolith Laboratory Technician (Snr), the Port Operations Coordinator, Setline Survey Coordinator (FISS), and other Secretariat members as needed to ensure otolith samples are received and processed according to sampling protocols and methods;
• Incumbent is responsible for ensuring all hazardous chemicals used in the otolith laboratory are properly labeled, utilized, stored, and disposed of. Incumbent coordinates with IPHC laboratory technician and safety officer to ensure Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all hazardous chemicals used by otolith services are available and current;
• Incumbent may be required to attend IPHC meetings, and domestic agency meetings, as needed. Incumbent may be required to prepare and give presentations related to otolith collection, aging or related research;
• Comply fully with all IPHC policies, including but not limited to the Business Ethics and Conduct, and to declare any actual or potential perceived conflicts of interest;
• Secretariat staff are prohibited from holding or being the beneficiary for any interest in the Pacific halibut industry.

Secondary Duties

• Provides instruction for IPHC interns on otolith laboratory related tasks;
• While the majority of work for this position is typically performed in an office environment, the work requires some physical exertion, such as periods of standing; walking over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities; or recurring lifting of moderately heavy items, such as fish measuring cradles, research gear, and record boxes;
• This position may involve work in a storage facility and workshop environment involving moderate physical activity;
• As in all positions at the IPHC, perform other duties as assigned as part of a small and flexible organisation.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, biology, or allied field (higher degree an advantage);
• Five (5) or more years of practical experience in fish otolith ageing methods;
• Proven ability to effectively communicate in written and oral formats to varied audiences;
• Proven ability to work cooperatively and professionally with people with diverse backgrounds, responsibilities, and positions on issues;
• Proven computer skills for documenting, tracking and querying data;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary: This position is rated as an IPHC-GS-7/8. The position is expected to be offered within the range of US$62,778 and $73,242 in the first year. Subject to satisfactory performance, step increases may be awarded annually, beginning at the end of the first year.

Benefits: The IPHC offers a highly competitive and generous benefits scheme. Benefits include but are not limited the following:

• 100% employer paid medical coverage option and dental insurance for employee and eligible dependents;
• 100% employer paid life insurance, AD&D, Group Specified Disease, Group Accident, short- and long-term disability for the employee;
• Employer funded health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). Employees must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) to participate;
• 403(b) savings program with a 7% base salary contribution by the employer commencing on the first date of employment, and up to 5% matching in addition to the 7% after 6 months of continuous employment;
• A valid U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) is required to participate in benefits programs.

Relocation Expenses: The IPHC may provide transportation (most direct and economical means from your designated home location to and from your duty station, as well as applicable Per Diem allowance (lodging, meals, and incidentals) in accordance with relevant IPHC travel policies.

APPLICATION

Deadline: The post is open until filled; however, the first review of applications will occur on 15 May 2025.

Applications must be submitted through the IPHC website at https://www.iphc.int/opportunities/. For your application to be considered eligible, you must submit: 1) a succinct (1 page maximum) cover letter stating your overall claims to the position against the minimum requirements; and 2) a curriculum vitae.

A satisfactory background check is a condition of employment.

For more information about this position, please email Secretariat@iphc.int and cite Position Reference Number 2025-003.

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