For all of you who want to join him and dont know what he will be doing here.
Its sound purdy interesting..Good Luck Bro
Groundfish Observer Positions
Groundfish observers gather biological data onboard commercial fishing boats operating off the scenic coast of Alaska.
While onboard vessels observers identify crab, scallop, fish species, collect and record data on sex, lengths, monitor regulatory compliance, document location and amount of each species caught. This information is used by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to manage the commercial fisheries in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska.
Working conditions onboard fishing boats vary widely but are almost always strenuous. The boats range in size from 60-foot longliners to 600-foot processing factories with trips lasting 1 to 45 days at sea. Biologists often work out on an open deck and may spend hours at a time in cold or wet weather. Observers must be flexible and resourceful in establishing a “sampling station” and sampling methods. Sampling and paperwork require observers to work long and odd hours, seven days a week. Observers determine their own workday depending on the vessel’s fishing schedule and NMFS sampling protocols. They often work 5 to 15 hours a day and rarely sleep uninterrupted for eight hours. Sampling may require lifting heavy baskets of fish (up to 80 pounds) throughout
the day.
Observer Sampling on catcher boat.
An observer sampling onboard a catcher boat.
Adapting to life onboard a boat requires certain flexibility and an ability to get along with different types of people. Accommodations onboard range from spartan to almost plush but observers typically live in close quarters with one to six crewmembers. Both men and women share toilet facilities. Vessels are rarely a smoke free environment.
Alaska waters are known for being rough and seasickness is a possibility. We recommend that observers be prepared with seasick medicine either over-the-counter or prescription medications prior to their deployment. Furthermore we suggest you leave port with at least two different medications.
Observer sampling on Vessel.
Observer Sampling on Vessel
Because the objectives of the observer and the crew are different, shipboard life can be stressful. The most important trait we look for in an observer is maturity, which includes adaptability, common sense, tolerance, patience, the ability to listen and understand people with different viewpoints, and thinking before acting. A flexible attitude and ability to adjust to whatever comes is very important to be able to “rough it” and adapt to the established routine onboard a fishing vessel. Successful observers are tactful, self confident, and good communicators.
Observers will be deployed out of ports along the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea. Most of the work is based in Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, King Cove, and Akutan.
Observer with sampling equipment
Observer with sampling equipment
Duties:
* Independent catch estimates
* Species composition sampling
* Fish ID and various measurements
* Collection of biological samples
* Monitor for marine mammal and bird interactions
* Documentation of fishing activity (set times, positions, gear performance, etc.)
* Record and report all data to NMFS
* Regulatory compliance
* Daily recording and reporting all data to NMFS
* Various assigned special projects (stomach collection, tagging projects)
Training:
Groundfish training classes is an intensive 3 week course, Monday through Friday and are offered by NMFS at various times throughout the year in Seattle and Anchorage. Please see the current Training Schedule.
Transcripts for observer candidates must be submitted to NMFS before the class begins, which means Saltwater needs them even earlier. Act now. Please see how do I apply.
Requirements:
* Bachelor’s degree or higher in one of the natural sciences (such as biology, fisheries, natural resources, wildlife biology, etc.).
* 30 semester hours in applicable biological sciences.
* A college level course each in math and statistics (minimum of 5 credit hours combined).
* A college level course with use of dichotomous (taxonomic) keys.
* Computer experience.
* U.S. citizenship
* Not be incapacitated by chronic or debilitating seasickness.
* Physically able to carry out the duties of an observer.
* Excellent people skills.
* Able to be flexible.
* Ability to live in confined quarters.
* Tolerate stress.
* Successfully pass the observer training course.
* Work independently, yet follow technical instructions.
* Ability to work as a team member.
* Maintain objectivity and the appearance of objectivity.
* Be prepared for sudden sea assignments of extended and uncertain duration.
Preferred Experience (please list this experience on your resume):
* Previous ocean experience aboard boats.
* Previous experience in scientific data collection, and data entry.
* Previous experience as a marine mammal or fisheries observer.
