Weir Technician

Bristol Bay Science and Research Institute; Alaska; On-site; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training provided

Opportunity to work in scenic remote area

Overtime eligible

Job summary

A research institute in Alaska is seeking fish weir technicians for the 2026 field season at the Nushagak River weirs. This position involves working in a remote Alaskan field camp, collecting vital data for salmon conservation efforts. Candidates should have practical skills, a background in biology or environmental sciences, and the ability to operate in challenging conditions. Embrace the adventure of life in the Alaskan bush and contribute to meaningful research.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, with relevant science coursework.
• Valid driver's license and social security number.
• First Aid training before arrival.

Responsibilities

• Install and operate a fixed tripod fish weir.
• Collect daily fish passage counts and environmental observations.
• Maintain communication with project managers throughout the season.

Skills

Data collection

Field research

Communication

Physical endurance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Power tools

Jet-powered skiffs

Job description

BBSRI is looking to hire fish weir technicians for the upcoming 2026 field season at the Nushagak River weirs. This position provides the opportunity to spend a summer in a remote Alaskan field camp and explore the untouched beauty of coastal Southwest Alaska while studying some of the largest salmon runs in the world. Collect meaningful data that will help in the conservation of the declining Nushagak Chinook stock and build skills for a career in fisheries or marine biology.

We are seeking motivated applicants who will embrace the challenge and adventure of living and working in the Alaskan bush, and who have the practical skills to operate the project without constant supervision. Technicians must be able to consistently collect high-quality and reliable data, and maintain communication with project managers to meet project objectives.

Working Conditions

Technicians will spend approximately 3 days in Anchorage and Dillingham receiving training and preparing for the season, and the rest of the season will be spent in remote field camps. Field camps will be equipped with private living quarters, a shared kitchen/office structure, solar and gas generated power, full kitchen amenities, and StarLink satellite internet. The average work week will be 8 hours of work per day, 7 days per week, not including camp duties. Typical daily work duties include 3 to 4 one-hour passage counts, weir cleaning and inspections, 1 one to two-hour sampling session, and electronic data entry every evening. Technicians will be expected to carry, install, and uninstall heavy weir components in fast-moving water up to 4.5’ deep, and in adverse weather conditions. Modes of travel will likely include wheeled and float-equipped small aircraft, and small (20’) uncovered watercraft.

Technicians will safely operate jet-powered skiffs, power tools and chainsaws on a frequent basis, as part of typical work responsibilities. As these are remote field camps, there is significant risk of wildlife interactions, including bear and moose. Training will be provided; however, all crew should be prepared to follow conflict mitigation protocols and use non-lethal and lethal measures if necessary.

Work Schedule

7 days per week, 6-8 hours per day, 56 hours per week (typically). Overtime eligible. Guaranteed minimum of 8 hours of pay on working and travel days. As this is a field position, no schedule flexibility or leave is permitted during the season, except in case of emergency.

Duties and Responsibilities

Weir and Camp Responsibilities

• Install, operate, maintain and demobilize a fixed tripod fish weir
• Set up, maintain, and tear down a remote field camp
• Live and work in a remote field camp full-time from late June to mid-August
• Operate, maintain and repair propeller and jet-powered skiffs in a riverine environment
• Perform difficult physical tasks in adverse weather conditions and/or in swift-moving rivers
• Safely and effectively use hand tools, power tools and firearms
• Maintain a detailed inventory of camp and weir equipment
• Work and live in close quarters with fellow crewmembers and project managers
• Work with project managers to resolve protocol, weir operation and logistical issues
• Interact with people of diverse backgrounds in fishing guide camps and remote Alaskan villages

Scientific Data Collection

• Conduct daily fish passage counts according to a set schedule
• Identify adult Pacific salmon by species as they pass through the weir
• Sample adult Chinook, chum and sockeye salmon for age, sex, length and genetic data
• Meet daily, weekly and season sampling goals
• Collect and record environmental observations (weather, river stage, temperature, etc.)
• Distinguish all Pacific salmon by sex and species
• Safely handle and release live adult salmonids
• Collect high quality scientific data without direct supervision
• Promptly and consistently communicate with project managers throughout the season

Record, Upload and QA/QC Data

• Use paper data sheets and Microsoft Excel to collect accurate and organized data
• Double-check and correct data entries
• Consistently upload a variety of data types on a regular schedule
• Identify and correct issues with counting, sampling and data collection protocols as they arise

Qualifications

Mandatory Prerequisites

• Highschool diploma or GED equivalent, including science, laboratory and/or data science coursework.
• A valid drivers license and social security number.
• Red Cross (or equivalent) First Aid training, to be completed before arrival. Training and certification fees will be refunded by BBSRI.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or current enrollment in an undergraduate program), preferably in a relevant field (biology, environmental science, ecology, conservation biology, natural resource management, or wildlife management).
• Experience in a field research position, collecting biological samples and environmental data.

How To Apply

To Apply send the following documents to Sam Harris ([e-mail] )

A current resume, including academic background, employment history and 2-3 references

A cover letter detailing your interest in the position and any relevant skills/experience