Job description

Job Description

Position: Fisheries Technician
Reports to: Kevin Fraley, Fisheries Ecologist
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Country Program/Sector: Arctic Beringia
Position Type: Temporary Full-time
Internal liaison: Martin Robards, Arctic Beringia Director; Carrie Haddad, Arctic Beringia Business Manager; Woodruff Laputka,’ Arctic Beringia Communications Specialist
Expected travel: To and from fieldwork locations in Northwest Alaska (2 main 10+ day trips) and several road system multi-day trips, from the Fairbanks, Alaska area

Organization Background:
The Wildlife Conservation Society (“WCS”) is a New York not-for-profit corporation founded by statute in 1895 as the New York Zoological Society. WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through research, science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. That mission is achieved through our global conservation programs (WCS currently oversees a portfolio of more than 500 conservation projects in 65 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and North America, and the oceans between them) and through the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks–the Bronx Zoo; the New York Aquarium; and the Central Park, Queens, and Prospect Park Zoos (the City Zoos)

Arctic Beringia Program Overview:
The Arctic Beringia region hosts vast intact tundra landscapes and seascapes with robust assemblages of free-ranging native species such as walrus and caribou, supports vibrant mixed economies for indigenous communities, and is valued by diverse stakeholders across the globe. We use the best available science and indigenous knowledge, along with expertise in trans-boundary policy, to work with diverse communities, indigenous groups, agencies and other partners to understand and protect wild places and wildlife, including their role in local food security.

WCS Arctic Beringia is now seeking an experienced individual with a background in fisheries fieldwork and research to assist in implementation of fisheries fieldwork in Western Alaska.

Job Summary:
During the months of June, July and August of 2023, the technician will assist with field research supporting the study of fish ecology in lagoon ecosystems of Northwest Alaska (near Kotzebue) and freshwater streams and lakes along the Dalton Highway. Arctic lagoons represent important habitat for a diversity of fish species and sustain a vital subsistence fishery for coastal villages. Despite their ecological and cultural importance, very little research has been conducted on the fish communities in western Arctic lagoons. The technician will contribute to research which investigates key ecological features of fish communities in Arctic lagoons including: 1) seasonal fish community composition, 2) abundance and ecology of basal prey taxa, and possibly 3) fish movements and life history. Additionally, the technician will assist with fieldwork assessing heavy metal contaminant loads in subsistence and sport fishes along the Dalton Highway.

The crew (crew leader, one technician, and possibly one other WCS or NPS employee) will stay in tents when conducting two ~12-day fieldwork stints in Northwest Alaska and several 3-4-day trips along the Dalton Highway. Field conditions will be wet, cold, windy, and very buggy. Field location is extremely remote and crew members will not have access to local communities. When not in the field, the technician will be based at the WCS office in downtown Fairbanks. Successful applicants will be required to secure their own housing between field deployments in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Major Responsibilities:
Organize, prepare, test, and help move gear in advance of field deployment

Perform field data collection including: water quality parameters, fish ecology, benthic tow samples.

Fish community sampling methods will include fyke nets, gill nets, beach seines, minnow trapping, kick netting, angling, and possibly electrofishing.

Operate field equipment including: small motor vessels, all-terrain vehicles, sonde multiparameter probe, zooplankton sampling equipment.

Various office, lab, field, and outreach tasks in Fairbanks outside of remote fieldwork deployments.

Organize, conduct maintenance, repair, and help move gear after fieldwork deployment

Applicants must be able to consistently exercise discretion and judgment, and make decisions while working independently. Applicants must be enthusiastic, in excellent physical condition and willing to work for long hours in difficult field conditions. Applicants must be comfortable working in bear country. The ability to work independently and follow all safety protocols is vital.

Qualification Requirements

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge in marine and diadromous fish identification

Ability to work in remote field setting with small crew for 5-12 days at a time

Ability to lift heavy objects and put in long, physical days of work

Knowledge and skills for implementing various fisheries techniques

Data management skills

Ability to fly in small aircraft and travel by all-terrain vehicle and light motor vessel

Experience working with Alaska Native or other Indigenous communities

Minimum Requirements:
2 years of post-secondary education in fisheries, ecology, or natural resources

Familiarity with the aquatic fauna of Arctic Alaska

Application Process:
Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications should apply via the link below by March 24, 2023.

WCS is an equal opportunity employer and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.

Salary Range

$17-$21

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