Title:                       Fisheries Technician
Location:                Deer Lake (REMOTE, near Sitka, AK)
Start Date:             July 2026.
Closing Date:         Until filled.
Compensation:      $17-21/hour DOE, room & board at camp, communal housing in Sitka.

General Overview:
Deer Lake is a field-based coho rearing project operated by Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (NSRAA), providing increased fishing opportunities for the common property fisheries of Northern Southeast Alaska. Deer Lake has typically been in the top 5 contributors of coho to the S.E. Alaska troll fleet. Current production at the lake is ~2.8 million fingerlings. The remote field camp at Deer Lake is composed of a treehouse cabin at Deer Lake and a float house anchored in salt water in Mist Cove adjacent to Chatham Strait. Both accommodations have modern (albeit rustic) amenities. An overview of the Deer Lake project can be viewed here.

NSRAA is a private non-profit regional aquaculture association headquartered in Sitka, AK operating four ocean-ranching Pacific salmon hatcheries in Southeast Alaska, raising Chinook coho, and chum salmon. To support these hatcheries and programs, NSRAA also has a Research and Evaluation (R&E) department of biologists and otolith/fish pathology lab.  Additional opportunities to assist other NSRAA hatcheries and the R&E department with research projects such as Chinook spawning, chum and pink salmon spawner surveys, coded-wire tagging juvenile coho and Chinook, and other activities can be expected throughout the year.

NSRAA’s mission is to provide additional fishing opportunities for all user groups in Southeast Alaska, including commercial, sport, and subsistence fishers.  Nestled in the heart of the Tongass National Forest, this job offers a rewarding and unique maritime lifestyle with abundant outdoor recreation and learning opportunities, new life skills, and wild seafood harvest opportunity that is second to none. 

Duties & Responsibilities:
The Deer Lake technician position will work under the direction of the project leader and assistant project leader and will share responsibility for the oversight and performance of any and all aspects of fish culture and project operations. This position will require the operation of hatchery-related equipment: generators, water pumps, chainsaws, power tools, hand tools, brush cutters, snow blowers, fish counters, fish pumps, and other associated apparatus. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an understanding of the projects various aspects, including smolt weir installation and operation, trail maintenance, work float construction, engine maintenance and repair, and many other non-science related jobs. Candidates must be willing to divide their time between ~2-5 weeks working at Deer Lake and ~1 week in Sitka. Chartered float plane flights between Sitka and Deer Lake are paid for with project funds. While in Sitka between field trips, employees are provided housing and are asked to spend a few hours preparing food and supplies for their return trip to camp; otherwise, time in Sitka is typically spent at the employee`s discretion.

Qualifications:
The preferred candidate will have a strong scientific background and be capable of accurate data collection and recording methods, basic equipment operation (pressure washers, water pumps, chainsaws, etc.), basic carpentry skills, and have a willingness to do any chore necessary. A BS in fisheries or a related field is preferred. Candidates must be willing and able to live and work cooperatively in tight quarters while creating a positive environment among other staff in a remote setting; good communication skills are essential. Additionally, sound physical fitness is necessary due to the physical component of project work (i.e., ability to carry 50 lbs. for distances up to 100 yards or regularly hike ½ mile over steep terrain carrying loads of at least 40 lbs.). Demonstrated experience handling small boats is preferred, along with a willingness to develop a working knowledge of knots and rigging.