Title - Fisheries Observer Gear Technician
Client: NOAA Fisheries
Location: Seattle, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Position Overview
NOAA Fisheries is seeking a Fisheries Observer Gear Technician to support the North Pacific Observer Program’s Fisheries Monitoring and Analysis (FMA) Division in Seattle, WA.
The Gear Technician will be responsible for maintaining, preparing, tracking, packing, and inspecting sampling and safety equipment used by fisheries observers working aboard commercial fishing vessels and at shoreside processing facilities. The position requires hands-on experience with scientific equipment, basic hand and power tools, marine safety equipment, inventory management, and working in a team-oriented environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and repair new and used fisheries sampling and safety equipment to ensure it is safe and ready for deployment.
- Clean, inspect, organize, and maintain observer gear using established procedures and protocols.
- Prepare up to 150 complete gear sets per month for fisheries observers.
- Assemble and prepare immersion suits, Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), strobe lights, whistles, and other marine safety equipment.
- Test hanging scales ranging from 0.5 kg to 35 kg using certified test weights and document test results.
- Repair and maintain sampling equipment, including baskets, scales, measuring devices, and related gear.
- Use basic hand tools and power tools, including drills, grinders, and pressure washers.
- Use lubricants, anti-rust compounds, and other common shop chemicals safely.
- Safely handle sharp equipment such as knives and fishing gaffs.
- Organize sampling equipment on shelves and in baskets for storage and transportation.
- Conduct gear check-out with observers or their employers before deployment and verify that all required equipment is provided.
- Conduct gear check-in following observer deployments and inspect returned equipment for cleanliness, damage, or missing items.
- Document gear assignments, returns, losses, and damaged equipment using the Observer Gear Inventory System (OGIS).
- Package and prepare equipment shipments for NOAA Fisheries field offices in Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, and Anchorage, Alaska.
- Participate in weekly gear team meetings and prioritize work based on deployment and operational needs.
- Maintain an organized and clean gear room, including inventorying available equipment and cleaning work areas.
- Assist with inventory activities to support equipment purchasing decisions.
- Clean gear areas and perform general housekeeping duties, including mopping floors.
- Operate a van on campus to transport equipment and supplies between locations.
- Follow all established safety procedures, gear preparation protocols, and program guidelines.
Required Qualifications & Experience
Candidates should have documented experience in several of the following areas:
- Experience collecting scientific information aboard commercial fishing vessels or shoreside processing facilities.
- Knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of fisheries observers and the equipment required for collecting fisheries data.
- Knowledge of fishery and vessel types associated with federally managed fisheries off the coast of Alaska.
- Experience using basic hand tools to repair scientific equipment, including scales, measuring devices, and fish collection baskets.
- Experience using shop chemicals such as lubricants and anti-rust compounds.
- Experience operating power tools such as pressure washers, drills, and grinders.
- Experience inspecting and handling marine safety equipment, including immersion suits, strobe lights, personal locator beacons, and personal flotation devices.
- Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds and professional experiences.
- Experience working with marine fisheries information programs or other science-based programs.
- Experience organizing and maintaining scientific or technical equipment.
Required Skills & Credentials
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational and attention-to-detail skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to safely lift and repeatedly handle equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
- Valid REAL ID-compliant driver's license.
- Ability to work outdoors and in cold-weather conditions when required.
- Ability to safely operate hand tools, power tools, and equipment.
- Ability to follow written procedures and maintain accurate equipment records.
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