Marine Debris Restoration Project Field Lead

Job Duration: Approx. June 10 - July 19 (Exact dates will be determined based on crew availability. Additional opportunities for one-day trips as weather permits may also be an option outside this window from May through September, but are not a required commitment or guaranteed.)

SSSC Status: Seasonal, contract

Supervisor: Research Director / Managing Scientist

Location: Sitka, Alaska

Pay Rate: $185/day + $2,000 food stipend (Housing is available dependent on availability at the SSSC bunkhouse. Accommodation costs are the responsibility of the employee.)

Application Deadline: February 27th, 2026

Description

Project Summary:

The Sitka Sound Science Center is seeking a Project Field Lead’ for a summer marine debris cleanup restoration project. This job involves cleaning marine debris from the coastline between Point Kakul and Necker Bay near Sitka, Alaska, and using intertidal transect surveys and other methods to assess its impact on nearshore and intertidal ecosystems. Recovered debris will be categorized and weighed in Sitka. The position offers fieldwork opportunities, including coastal cleanups and intertidal surveys, contributing to a research project on marine debris impacts.

Working Conditions:

The position is compensated at a daily rate, requires completion of a timesheet, and is paid in accordance with the SSSC payroll schedule. Cleanup operations will vary based on tide schedules, weather conditions, and project needs, which will include early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Crew members should be prepared for long field days and limited time off during active cleanup periods.

Fieldwork occurs in remote coastal locations adjacent to Baranof Island. Transportation to and from field sites will be on a chartered vessel with indoor seating and heating, with boat time averaging approximately 45 minutes to one hour each way depending on site and conditions. To access the sites, beach cleaners will hop off the vessel directly onto the beach or use a dinghy to paddle to shore.

Crew members will work outdoors in challenging conditions, including frequent rain, cold temperatures, uneven terrain, and exposure to bugs and wildlife. Work will involve:

Carrying heavy garbage bags (50+ lbs)
Walking across uneven beach surfaces, including boulders and logs
Boarding and disembarking boats in varying swell conditions
Exposure to cold water and inclement weather

Tasks

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Field Lead will be leading a crew of four technicians into the field and will work closely with the Project Manager to clean beaches according to project criteria and conduct intertidal fieldwork efforts.

As part of the marine debris cleanup team, the Field Lead will have all responsibilities of Field Crew Members, as well as being the point of contact for SSSC staff, holding daily field and safety briefings, and maintaining a daily log.

As part of the marine debris cleanup team, the Field Lead will:

Safely and efficiently remove marine debris, including plastics, metal, fishing gear, and other waste, from beaches inside the project area. Unload marine debris from the chartered vessel and move to storage site prior to sorting.
Conduct intertidal transect surveys at designated sites, and other field campaigns including tagging marine debris, sampling substrate, etc.
Sort and weigh marine debris by material type at a designated area for documentation and reporting to monitor restoration progress. Transport debris to transfer stations, recycling centers, or scrapyards using SSSC vehicles, or package it for backhaul. On weather days when cleanups cannot be performed, the crew will focus on sorting debris.
Follow safety protocols to mitigate risks associated with debris removal and fieldwork in remote locations.
Provide careful documentation of areas covered during marine debris cleanups and surveys for reporting using GPSs, photos, and stakes/anchors for report requirements.
Clean and organize gear and tools.

Equipment & Training

SSSC will provide all required work gear, including:

Waterproof bibs
Rain jacket
Xtratuf boots
Knives
Bear spray
Additional field safety equipment as needed

Crew members will also receive required training, including:

Bear safety training
First aid training
Cold water safety training

Qualifications

SSSC considers equivalent combinations of experience and education for certain jobs. All candidates who believe they possess equivalent experience and education are encouraged to apply.

You must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license.
You are a team player, with strong communication and collaboration skills.
You have flexibility to work early mornings, long days, and weekends during the project’s duration.
You enjoy being in remote places and have backcountry travel experience.
You can perform strenuous physical activities in outdoor, remote environments for extended periods in inclement weather.
You are familiar with scientific methods and data collection or are interested in learning these skills.
You pay close attention to detail and are organized. You can accurately document and report debris removal data and other project information to meet project goals.

Desired Skills:

Experience leading field crews in remote environments
Experience conducting transect, UPC, or swath surveys.
Previous marine debris cleanup experience.
Familiarity with Southeast Alaska’s intertidal organisms, ecosystems, and communities
Certifications in WFA, WFR, WEMT, or First Aid/CPR.
Skills in handling skiffs and dinghies, knot-tying, and outboard maintenance.
Familiarity with GPS software such as Gaia, ArcGIS

Background

The Sitka Sound Science Center (SSSC) is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit research and educational organization. Our mission is to improve the understanding and awareness of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of Coastal Alaska through scientific research and science education. As part of this mission, we maintain a broad portfolio of research projects, host and support visiting scientists in their work, and integrate our research into a variety of educational programs. 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.

Respect, acceptance, and caring are core values of the Sitka Sound Science Center. We are passionate about building and sustaining a working and learning environment for students, researchers, and staff from broad and different backgrounds and perspectives. We believe every member of our staff and visitors to our facility enriches our workplace by sharing a range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and discover solutions. We welcome the unique contributions of every individual.

Additional Information

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit:

Resume
Cover letter detailing relevant experience.
2 professional references (name, email address and phone number)

Applications can be sent via email to zdanielson@sitkascience.org with subject line “Marine Debris Cleanup Lead Technician Application – [First Name Last Name]”. More information about SSSC can be found at sitkascience.org.