Shellfish Observer

Holland America-Princess (Holland America Dawson City Inn); Kodiak (AK); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Saltwater Inc. in Alaska is actively hiring candidates to train as an Alaska Crab Observer.

Observers collect biological data while living aboard commercial fishing vessels in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska, with deployments often out of Dutch Harbor and lengthy 10-14 day trips. Training occurs in Kodiak, Alaska, and all positions require flexibility, physical endurance, and the ability to work long hours at sea; the Alaska crab fishing season opens Oct 15, 2026 and runs through May 31, 2027,

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in a biological science or limnology.
• 180 days at sea in Alaskan waters or North Pacific Ocean.
• 30 semester credit hours in biology and related coursework.
• One statistics or mathematics course.
• Experience using taxonomic keys.

Responsibilities

• Collect crab shell measurements.
• Carry out crab ID and sexing.
• Sample and report by-catch.
• Collect information on daily fishing effort and activity.
• Radio reports to ADF&G.
• Identify threatened birds, fish and corals.

Skills

Endurance at sea

Data collection

Education

Bachelor of Science in biological science or limnology

30 semester credit hours in biology

Some college + sea experience

Job description

Saltwater Inc.

Alaska Shellfish Observer Jobs

Saltwater Inc is actively hiring candidates to train as an Alaska Crab Observer.

Alaska crab observers collect biological data while living onboard commercial fishing vessels

working in the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska.

The shellfish fisheries in Alaska are managed by quotas, which are set by the Alaska Department

of Fish and Game (ADF&G). They use observer data to monitor crab populations, set catch

limits, and monitor interactions with protected seabirds, marine mammals, and corals. Crab

Observers are likely to witness a wide array of specimens at sea, including starfish, halibut,

Pacific cod, sponges, octopus, and more. Observer data is critical to ensuring that these fisheries

remain sustainable and healthy.

The majority of the vessels in the crab fleet are catcher vessels that range in size from 80-130

feet. Conditions can vary widely — but all deployments require observers to be flexible,

resourceful, and have the ability to work long hours with heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds). The

workday is determined by the vessel’s fishing schedule and can range from 5-15 hours a day,

with most of the assignments based out of Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Typical trip lengths are 10-14

days, but can last longer with the possibility of multiple back-to-back deployments.

Observer Duties

• Collect crab shell measurements.
• Carry out crab ID and sexing.
• Sample and report by-catch.
• Collect information on daily fishing effort & activity.
• Radio reports to ADF&G.
• Identify threatened birds, fish and corals.

Preferred Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in a biological science or limnology; or
• Prior experience as a fisheries observer approved by ADF&G.
• 30 Credit hours in applied biology.
• One statistics course or one math course.
• Experience using dichotomous (taxonomic) keys.
• Eligible to work in the U.S.

Interested Applicants who do not meet our preferred experience can potentially leverage

their at-sea experience and will be strongly considered for these positions. Please see below:

Minimum Qualifications

• Basic Education + Sea Experience
• High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED),
• AND
• At least 180 sea days of successful offshore or research vessel service in Alaskan waters, North Pacific Ocean, or
• North Atlantic Ocean, consisting of multi-day deployments (multi-week voyages preferred,
• AND
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively under physically and mentally demanding sea conditions
• OR:
• Some College + Sea Experience
• Successful completion of at least 30 semester credit hours (or equivalent) of college-level coursework from an accredited institution
• AND
• At least 30 sea days of cumulative offshore or research vessel service in Alaskan waters, North Pacific Ocean, or
• North Atlantic Ocean, consisting of multi-day deployments (multi-week voyages preferred)
• AND
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively under physically and mentally demanding sea conditions

Training

ADF&G conducts training courses in Kodiak, Alaska and candidates must pass an intensive

3-week class with a score of 90% or better. Training Dates are: September 14 – October 2, 2026.

Contracts

The Alaska Crab Fishing season opens on October 15, 2026 and runs through May 31, 2027.

Upon training completion, successful candidates will fly to Dutch Harbor, Alaska in preparation

for the October 15 season opener, and must commit to a minimum of 180 days at sea during the

fishing season.

Saltwater Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified

applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex,

sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Anchorage, AK

Closing Date 2026-08-31