Dear ECOLOG, The Prince William Sound Science Center (PWSSC; www.pwssc.org), a non-profit research and education institution located in Cordova, Alaska, is accepting applications for a Biological Technician or Research Assistant. The successful candidate will assist with both field and laboratory studies of Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) as part of the Herring Research and Monitoring program, as well as Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha and O. keta) as part of the stream component of the Hatchery-Wild Salmon Interactions program. The work involves laboratory analysis related to the energetics of herring and other forage fishes, sample management, data entry, database management, and logistical planning for both herring and salmon field seasons. Some data analysis and report writing for both projects is also desired. Opportunity exists to participate in fieldwork for the Hatchery-Wild Salmon Interactions program during the late winter and summer of 2015. Fieldwork may require more than 8 hours per day, or 40 hours per week of work. However, laboratory work will be conducted as a regular 40 hour work week. This is a full-time, exempt position and is dependent on available funding. Currently, two years of support is available.
Background The mission of PWSSC is to improve understanding of the physical and biological mechanisms affecting diversity, productivity and ecosystem function in Prince William Sound (PWS), the Copper River watershed, and northern Gulf of Alaska through research and education. PWS is located in the northeast corner of the Pacific at 60° N and includes an intricate network of maritime glaciers, rainforests, offshore islands, barrier islands, wetlands, and freshwater and marine systems. The region has 4900 km of shoreline and is surrounded by the Chugach Mountains that reach to 4,300 m and contains the most extensive system of tidewater glaciers in North America. Most of the land area is in, or adjacent to, the Chugach National Forest. Of the five PWS communities, only Valdez and Whittier have highway access to the main road system. Access to Cordova is by boat or plane. The Alaska Marine Highway system serves the community, in addition to an airport that receives daily commercial airline traffic. Commercial salmon fisheries are the cornerstones of our local economy. PWS is also important for subsistence and sport fisheries of these and other species. Responsibilities Herring Research and Monitoring Program The Herring Condition Monitoring project collects juvenile herring samples during an oceanographic cruise in PWS that is expected to take place in mid-November each year. Collection of samples in the spring takes place through a collaborative effort with local fishermen. Collected fish will be measured in the field and stored for laboratory analyses both at the PWSSC and at an outside laboratory. Bomb calorimetry will be performed on juvenile herring at the PWSSC. Herring samples will also be prepared for stable isotope analyses that will be conducted by the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. Hatchery-Wild Salmon Interactions Program The stream component of the Hatchery-Wild Interactions program seeks to assess straying rates of hatchery-produced pink and chum salmon throughout PWS based on otolith analysis. In addition, the project aims to understand effects of hatchery versus wild production of pink salmon on fitness in terms of survival. The project also collects samples for genetic stock structure analyses of pink salmon in the region. The majority of the project’s work is conducted during the late summer field season between July and September. Additional, fieldwork may be conducted during late winter to sample alevin. The project may require some data analysis, as well as assistance with report writing and logistical planning for the intense summer field season that involves approximately 15 seasonal technicians. Both projects will require the Technician/Research Assistant to work aboard research vessels of varying sizes, as well as in field conditions that may involve extreme weather, hiking in difficult terrain in bear country, and working in fast-moving rivers and creeks, as well as the intertidal zone. Experience at sea and/or experience conducting fisheries/wildlife field research, as well as a familiarity with energetic laboratory analyses such as bomb calorimetry and stable isotopes are also required. The successful candidate will maintain a high level of integrity for data quality, and be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Excellent communication skills are required, not only for working with PWSSC team members, but also in terms of report writing. A positive, goal oriented, and flexible attitude is essential. Qualifications Education Bachelor’s degree (minimum, Biological Technician) or Master’s degree (preferred, Research Assistant) in Biology or a related field, i.e., marine science, ecology or environmental studies. Required skills • Field or oceanographic research experience. • Relevant laboratory experience. • Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills. • Attention to accuracy and detail. • Unwavering enthusiasm for science, as well as a strong sense of teamwork, cooperation, and flexibility. • Ability to work in difficult field conditions such as rain, cold, wind, snow, hiking in difficult terrain. • Willingness to work long hours when on field assignments. • Ability to multi-task various aspects of the projects, i.e., equipment ordering, field logistics, data entry, sample progress, data QA, etc. • Skilled at communicating effectively with a wide variety of people and at various organizational levels. • Knowledge of basic computing programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. • Experience in ecological data analysis highly desirable. • Ability to obtain CPR/First Aid certification. • Willingness to participate in bear and firearm safety training. • Valid driver’s license. Supervisor Dr. Kristen B. Gorman, Research Ecologist Hours Full-time Salary and Benefits Salary commensurate with experience (expected range between $2816 – $3696/monthly). Benefits include health insurance, paid time off and worker’s compensation insurance. Option to participate in a pension plan and an elective cafeteria plan for health care expenses. Preferred Start Date October 2014 To Apply Please send a resume or curriculum vitae, contact information for three professional references, and a cover letter that describes your research interests and relevant work experience. Be sure to detail how your experience meets the required skills for this position. In addition, please provide a description of any previous training you have received in terms of wilderness first aid/CPR; boat, flight, or gun safety; and laboratory safety. Application materials should be sent to Kristen Gorman at kgorman[at]pwssc.org. Review of applications will begin on 25 September 2014. Position open until filled. Any questions regarding the position or hiring process should be directed to Kristen Gorman. Thank you for your interest in the Prince William Sound Science Center.
