Fish Technician Apprenticeship

Job Duration: 1 year

SSSC Status: Hourly

Supervisor: Fish Culturist

Location: Sheldon Jackson Hatchery/Sitka Sound Science Center

Pay Rate: $19.23/hour-40 hours per week

Application Deadline: March 30, 2025

Start Date: June 2025 (1-year position)

Description

The apprentice will be responsible for gaining the knowledge and skills of a fish technician, implementing that knowledge in a working hatchery, and assisting in teaching others the skills you gain. 

As an apprentice at the Sheldon Jackson Hatchery, you will be a valuable addition to the SSSC team. You will be trained in a variety of tasks involved with pacific salmon aquaculture. This will include pink, chum, and coho salmon egg-take, incubation and rearing, and general hatchery maintenance. Other duties will include assisting with aquaculture education programs, supporting internships, operating small boats and other equipment, and maintaining a clean and organized worksite.The SJ hatchery is permitted for 3 million pink and chum salmon eggs and 250,000 coho salmon eggs. 

Qualifications

This is a training position, so experience working in aquaculture is not required. The SSSC values alternative ways of acquiring knowledge and skills and does not have strict educational requirements. The preferred candidate should have a strong interest in science, specifically in fisheries, and the capability of carrying 50lbs for distances up to 100 yards. This position will require the employee to be working outside in various weather conditions (rain, snow, wind, etc). A minimum age of 21 years old and a valid driver’s license is required to operate equipment necessary for the job. 

Background

The Sitka Sound Science Center (SSSC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with the mission to increase the understanding and awareness of terrestrial, marine, and aquatic ecosystems of coastal Alaska through education and research. SSSC is made up of a team of people who enjoy collaborating across disciplines, thinking big and following through, and finding new ways to connect our community with the world around us.

Inclusion and equity are core values of the Sitka Sound Science Center. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for students, researchers, and staff. We believe every member of our staff and visitor to our facility enriches our diversity by sharing a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and discover solutions. We encourage you to pursue your interests, develop your potential, and bring your full self to work.

Additional Information

Airfare to and from Sitka will be provided by SSSC at the start and conclusion of your apprenticeship. SSSC will assist in finding housing.

The Sitka Sound Science Center is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.

If you are interested, please send the following information: (1) Letter of purpose describing interests and/or qualifications relevant to this position; (2) a professional resume describing experience and/or education; (3) the names and contact information (including email addresses) for at least two references that are familiar with your work experience and performance; (4) Evidence of a valid U.S. driver’s license

All inquiries and materials should be directed to Bill Coltharp and Haley Jenkins via the following emails: 

-Bill Coltharp, Aquaculture Director: wcoltharp@sitkascience.org

-Haley Jenkins, Fish Culturist: hjenkins@sitkascience.org