What are the responsibilities and job description for the Marine Biologist/Fisheries Observer position at Saltwater Inc.?
The Ocean is calling…and we want YOU to join our mission in monitoring the health of our oceans to ensure their longevity for future generations.
We understand the unique qualifications this position requires and are fully committed to rewarding the right candidates.
As a world-wide leader in both observer coverage and electronic monitoring, your future is potentially limitless with Saltwater Inc.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Saltwater was founded in 1988 on the belief that the health of fisheries and oceans is one of the critical issues of our time.
We were one of the first companies certified to provide fishery observers when U.S. fishery observer programs were first established. Over the years our commitment to our mission – and our people – has enabled us to attract and retain top talent.
It’s the people who make Saltwater the company it is. We are always looking for people who are smart, creative and adventurous team members. We hire team-oriented people who like to work hard, take on big challenges and get things done. People who care about the ocean and the marine environment, and people who want to do things in life that matter.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, NOAA ProTech-Fisheries Contractor and Certified Women Owned Small Business.
Training is provided and will be held in Newport, OR in February 2025.
West Coast Observer Jobs:
Observers in the West Coast program work aboard commercial fishing boats collecting biological data on target and bycatch. They monitor marine mammal and sea bird interactions with fishing gear and, check vessel deliveries to verify species identification and weights. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) uses this information to set fishing quotas and monitor the health of fish stocks.
Boats in the West Coast fleet range in size from 18-foot longliners to over 70-foot trawlers. Working conditions vary widely and some vessels may not have bathrooms or showers.
Observers must be flexible, resourceful, able to work long hours, and strong enough to do some heavy lifting (up to 80 pounds). The workday is determined by the vessel’s fishing schedule and NMFS sampling protocols, and can range from 5-15 hours a day. Trips last from 1 to 5 days and multiple back-to-back deployments are common. As with all our observer jobs, we encourage — and reward — repeat contracts.
For more details on the program and observer requirements, see the summary on right or visit the official WCGOP site.
When not onboard vessels, observers live in selected ports along the West Coast of the United States, from Washington to California. We are currently seeking positions in:
- Astoria, OR
- Newport, OR
- Coos Bay, OR
Observer Duties
- Provide independent catch estimates of target species and bycatch.
- Sample species composition.
- Provide fish ID and measurements.
- Collect biological samples.
- Monitor marine mammal and bird interactions.
- Document fishing activity (set times, positions, gear performance, etc.).
- Record and report all data to NMFS.
- Comply with all regulatory requirements.
- Carry out assigned special projects.
Catch Monitor Duties
- Confirm Species Sorting and Weighs.
- Sample prohibited Species
- Provide fish ID
- Collect biological samples.
- Record and report all data to PSMFC.
- Comply with all regulatory requirements.
- Carry out assigned special projects.
Minimum Qualifications: General observer requirements, plus:
- Bachelors of Science in a biological science or limnology; or Valid NMFS certification; or; Prior experience as a fisheries observer approved by ADF&G.
- One statistics course and one math course.
- College course using dichotomous (taxonomic) keys.
A CPR and First Aid certification. Training: Observer training is an intensive 3.5-week course offered by NMFS at various times throughout the year in Newport, OR. Candidates must pass this training to be eligible for a contract with Saltwater. How to Apply Click the link below to fill out our online application form.
https://fs22.formsite.com/Saltwaterinc/form1/index.html
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Contract
Pay: $1,700.00 - $6,000.00 per month
Expected hours: 1 – 60 per week
Schedule:
- Evenings as needed
- On call
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person
Salary : $1,700 - $6,000
