About BBRSDA:

The Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBRSDA) is a state-chartered organization with a mission to market and promote Bristol Bay seafood, improve fishery-related infrastructure, and raise product quality. BBRSDA also conducts market and industry research, administers funding grants, and supports educational and product development activities. Sustainability is a core pillar of the organization's work, with active programs focused on protecting critical fish habitat, supporting fishery research, and collaborating with managers and stakeholders to ensure the long-term health of the Bristol Bay fishery.

Position Overview: This position supports a cutting-edge pilot project using Drones and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to count sockeye salmon in the Wood River. The technician will work closely with project leads from the University of Washington (UW) and industry partners to test automated "drone-in-a-box" technology and conduct salmon surveys.  The position will work as part of a team in the field and in the laboratory, completing tasks as assigned.

Key Responsibilities:

• Field Operations: Assist with the setup and daily operation of drone equipment and Starlink satellite systems at a remote site on the Wood River.
• Visual Observer (VO): Serve as a Visual Observer during drone flights to ensure airspace safety and regulatory compliance.
• Logistics & Camp Life: Live and work at a remote field camp (cabin/bunkhouse) near the survey site. Assist with camp maintenance and logistics. Shift duration could be anywhere from 6 to 10 hours a day.  Work intensity varies (estimated 4-5 hours of intensive work)  7 Days a Week when the Fish are running.  Overtime will be at the supervisor's discretion and determined daily.
• Data Collection: Assist with organizing image data and maintaining field logs.
• Transportation: Travel by skiff between the field sites and the UW Fisheries Research Institute (FRI) camp in Aleknagik.

Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Valid Driver’s License preferred.
• Comfortable living and working in remote field conditions (bear country).
• Ability to work flexible hours based on weather and fish run timing.
• Interest in fisheries management, technology, or aviation.
• Experience with Small Boats preferred.
• Basic Computer Skills preferred.
• Alaska resident preferred

Training Provided:

• Introduction to commercial drone operations and safety.
• Mentorship toward FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot certification.
• Fisheries data collection methods.

Reports to: Field Manager and Drone Ops