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Spotlight on Employment: fisheries observation
While jobs are tight in the current recession, there are still opportunities, especially for those willing to relocate to where the jobs are. Consider opportunities in Alaska or the Pacific Islands for $4,000 to $5,000 per month.
Fisheries Observers are dedicated people with a bachelor's degrees in biology or environmental science that work independently to collect biological information while aboard commercial fishing vessels or at fish processing plants on the Alaska coast or Pacific Islands. The purpose of fisheries observing is to gather information regarding fish species, size of catches, fishing locations and interactions between boats or fishing equipment and marine mammals and seabirds. This information is used by state and federal governmental agencies to manage commercial fisheries in the North and South Pacific. Observers are employed by private companies that have contracts with the federal government and are deployed on voyages that can last for up to three months at a time. Given the seriousness and independent nature of these jobs, observers make a salary of $4000 - $5000 per month, depending on the company of employment. This job is great training for any recent graduates who are looking for field experience to boost their resume or improve a graduate school application.
Working as a Fisheries Observer is demanding both physically and mentally. Observers must be able to lift up to 80 pounds, climb up and down ladders and maneuver slippery decks. On some vessels, fishing occurs 24 hours a day which does not allow the observer to adhere to normal sleeping patterns. As with any jobs that occur on ocean bound vessels, sea sickness can occur. Despite the demands of the job, observers are able to travel to some of the remotest areas of Alaska and scenic areas of the Pacific Islands making this the perfect position for the truly adventurous! Along with education in biology or environmental science, good people skills and a positive attitude are important characteristics of successful applicants as observers live amongst the fishing crew in cramped quarters.
To work as a fisheries observer, you must be hired by an “Observer Provider”, which is a private company that has been approved by the federal government to train and provide qualified fisheries observers. These companies train all observers through an intensive three week training program in Seattle, Washington, Anchorage, Alaska or Honolulu, Hawaii. Training includes species identification, fishing regulations, safety while at sea, basics of fisheries management and life as an observer. All observers are required to attend all training sessions and pass all necessary exams and are paid a stipend during the training weeks. Along with tests regarding fisheries policy, observers must prove their ability to don an immersion suit in under one minute, enter water in an immersion suit and climb into a floating life raft.
Contact the following Observer Provider companies if you are want more information or are interested in applying:
Alaskan Observers, Inc., (206) 283-7310, www.alaskanobservers.com
NWO, Inc., (425) 673-6445, www.nwoinc.com
Saltwater Inc., (907) 276-3241, www.saltwaterinc.com
TechSea International, (206) 285-1408, www.TechSea.com
The Career Development Center offers assistance with all facets of career planning, including résumé, cover letters, interviewing, and locating internships. Students can reach a career advisor at careerdc@pacificu.edu or stop by Chapman Hall for assistance.
Posted by Career Development Center (careerdevelopmentctr@pacificu.edu) on Oct 15, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Edited by Alana Kansaku-Sarmiento (kans2166@pacificu.edu) on Oct 18, 2009 at 5:52 PM
