Not a remote or hybrid position. This role requires 100% onsite work in Cordova, Alaska.

Who We Are

• The Native Village of Eyak (NVE) is a federally recognized Tribal government based in Cordova, Alaska—a remote, roadless community nestled between the eastern Chugach Mountains and the waters of Prince William Sound.
• Our ancestral homelands have long served as a traditional gathering place for the Eyak, Aleut, Tlingit, and Athabascan peoples and span more than 55 million acres of land and sea, encompassing the Copper River Delta and the Northern Gulf of Alaska. This territory reflects the deep, enduring connection our people have to the land and waters that have sustained us for generations.
• NVE is governed by a seven-member elected Council, which upholds our Constitution and Bylaws. The Council provides strategic leadership and direction to the Administrative Executive Director and Health Executive Director to implement projects and programs in alignment with a strategic plan.
• The Ilanka Community Health Center is a primary care outpatient clinic serving the Cordova community. As both an Indian Health Service facility and a Community Health Center, Ilanka offers affordable, high-quality care through contract health services and sliding fee scales. In addition to medical services, Ilanka also provides behavioral health support.
• Mission: Dedicated to exercising our sovereignty to enhance the well-being of our people, culture, and homelands.
• Vision: To cultivate a resilient and thriving community where our people are healthy and empowered, our culture is alive, and we honor our lands and waters. Through our relationships, education, healing, and leadership, we uphold our sovereignty and empower current and future generations to sustain our way of life.
• Core Values: Humility, Accountability, Integrity, Kinship, Respect
• Traditional Values: God, Loyalty, Humor, Cooperation, Teaching, Cultural Pride, Sharing, Discipline, Language, Respect

Essential Notices

• Most positions require or strongly prefer on-site work in Cordova to ensure the highest quality of services for our Tribal Members. Remote work may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the role, and may require regular travel to Cordova.
  
  
• NVE is an e-Verify employer and encourages all qualified applicants to apply.
  
  
• In accordance with P.L. 93-638, preference in hiring practices are given to Alaska Native, American Indian, and Native American applicants.
  
  
• We are committed to equity, access, and inclusion in our hiring process. If you need assistance applying, please contact our HR team at HR@eyak-nsn.gov

About This Role

FISHERIES TECHNICIAN (II or III)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Fisheries Technician role is a seasonal position within the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) supporting salmon research and population monitoring projects in remote Alaskan field settings. This role works under established protocols to collect high-quality biological data used for state, federal, and Tribal fisheries management. The position requires extended remote field assignments, off-grid living, and physically demanding outdoor work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1.      Advanced Scientific Field Research & Biological Data Collection

1.1.   Collect accurate and reliable fisheries data in accordance with established scientific protocols.

1.2.   Support salmon research and population monitoring projects, including mark-recapture, radiotelemetry, and weir-based studies.

1.3.   Apply PIT tags, esophageal radio tags, and collect biometric, genetic, and fat content samples from salmon.

1.4.   Identify adult Pacific salmonids to species at all life stages encountered during sampling.

1.5.   Maintain accurate field notes, datasheets, and electronic records.

2.      Specialized Fisheries Equipment & Capture Operations

2.1.   Operate research fishwheels, fish traps, and weirs for capturing, tagging, and enumerating adult salmon.

2.2.   Assess, document, and report on field and environmental conditions relevant to fisheries operations.

3.      Vessel Operation & Remote Field Navigation

3.1.   Safely navigate power boats and vessels on rivers and marine waters, including swift water conditions.

3.2.   Operate boats independently or while fully laden with personnel, gear, and equipment.

3.3.   Determine and maintain safe points of access and egress to remote field sites.

4.      Remote Camp Operations, Maintenance & Technical Support

4.1.   Live and work continuously at remote Alaskan field camps for up to three months.

4.2.   Assist with camp mobilization and demobilization activities.

4.3.   Perform routine maintenance of remote field camps, including buildings, boats, fish traps, and equipment.

4.4.   Identify repair needs and assist with mechanical, electrical, and structural maintenance tasks.

4.5.   Safely operate power tools and hand tools in support of field operations.

5.      Logistics, Safety & Risk Management

5.1.   Provide logistical support, including helicopter sling loading and supply procurement.

5.2.   Participate in safety briefings and adhere to established safety and communication protocols.

5.3.   Carry and safely handle firearms as a wildlife deterrent, in accordance with policy and training.

6.      Community Engagement & Team Collaboration

6.1.   Assist with Tribal Youth education activities and Tribal Elder field site visits.

6.2.   Work effectively both independently and as part of a small field team.

7.      Administrative, Policy Compliance & General Support

7.1.   Adhere to tobacco-, drug-, and alcohol-free camp requirements.

7.2.   Support basic office or data-related tasks as required.

7.3.   Perform other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF ALL STAFF  

·        Works safely in accordance with OSHA regulations and company safety policies.

·        Immediately reports unsafe conditions, hazards, or injuries to HR or the designated safety contact.

·        Attends all mandatory special events, meetings, and trainings.

·        Assists with special events, meetings, and trainings as necessary.

·        Maintains confidentiality at all times.

·        Maintains awareness and sensitivity to various cultures.

·        Embodies Tribal values throughout all work.

·        Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL SUPERVISORY DUTIES

Applicable only to Fisheries Technician III (Supervisory). Not applicable to Fisheries Technician II or Fisheries Technician III (Non-Supervisory)

·        Provide guidance, coaching, and support to employees to ensure performance and development.

·        Assign, monitor, and review work to meet quality and productivity standards.

·        Conduct performance evaluations and address performance or conduct issues promptly.

·        Enforce company policies, procedures, and workplace safety standards.

·        Promote a positive, inclusive, and professional work environment.

·        Serve as the primary point of contact for employee questions, concerns, and problem resolution.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required.

KNOWLEDGE

• Principles of fisheries biology and biological research methods. • The Scientific Method with emphasis on field-based data collection and analysis. • Safe operation and maintenance of boats, generators, and field equipment. • Use of fish capture, tagging, and telemetry techniques. • Remote field camp operations and safety protocols. • Workplace safety, firearm safety, and wildlife deterrence practices.

SKILLS

• Accurate biological sampling and data collection. • Operation of power boats in riverine and marine environments. • Use of power tools and hand tools for maintenance and repairs. • Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting and basic repair. • Effective verbal communication and teamwork in small groups. • Data quality control and recordkeeping.

ABILITIES

• Work long hours outdoors in inclement weather and difficult terrain. • Live and work harmoniously in a small, remote, alcohol/drug/tobacco-free camp environment. • Lift, carry, and handle heavy objects and large fish repeatedly. • Operate boats safely under challenging conditions, independently or with crew. • Adapt to limited privacy, minimal communication, and changing field conditions. • Follow detailed protocols and take direction from supervisors.

COMPUTER SKILLS

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). • Experience with email, internet browsing, and electronic data entry. • Familiarity with GIS software and data management systems preferred. • Ability to use computers and electronic equipment in remote field settings.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

This section outlines the education, training, and experience required for a candidate to be successful in this role, as well as any preferred qualifications that make a candidate stronger. The listed preferred qualifications are helpful to be more successful in the role but not mandatory.

·        REQUIRED EDUCATION: BS or BA in a scientific field OR current college student with a declared science-related major and a minimum of two (2) years of completed coursework. Relevant experience may be substituted for education.

·        REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE: Minimum of three (3) months of remote field research, sampling, and data collection experience. Boat operation experience. At least two years (seasonal or full-time) experience in the biological sciences.

·        REQUIRED CERTIFICATES / CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES: Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain an insurable driving record in accordance with the company’s auto insurance policy requirements. Ability to safely carry and use firearms as a wildlife deterrent (training provided or required prior to field deployment).

·        PREFERRED EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree or higher in fisheries biology, wildlife biology, natural resources, or a related field.

·        PREFERRED WORK EXPERIENCE: Three (3) or more months working at remote Alaskan field sites. –Experience building, maintaining, and operating fish wheels or fish weirs. Experience with sonar fish enumeration, telemetry, tagging, and biometric sampling. Experience safely capturing and handling large adult fish. – Professional experience working in remote Alaskan environments. – Experience working with Alaska Native Tribes and knowledge of subsistence resources.

·        PREFERRED CERTIFICATES / CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES: Boater safety certification, first aid/CPR, wilderness first aid, or similar certifications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the essential functions of this position, the following will be required of employees:

·        Regularly lifts and carries 75 lbs. over rough terrain over extended periods of time.

·        Typically lifts, moves, bends, and walks and uses continuous physical activity to complete work.

·        Typically uses hands, eyes, and muscle coordination to operate boats and power and hand tools. 

·        Typically uses balance, eyesight, and fine motor skills to coordinate and complete work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the essential functions of this position, employees may be exposed to the following conditions:

• Work in a variety of outdoor weather conditions, including snow, rain, wind, and direct sun, often with rapidly changing conditions.
• Periods of work in remote field camps, sometimes for extended durations (up to 4 months), with limited access to amenities.
• Exposure to uneven, slippery, or unstable terrain, including rivers, lakes, shorelines, and tundra.
• Potential hazards from operating and maintaining power tools and other field equipment.
• Potential hazards from handling traps, nets, or other collection gear used to capture fish or wildlife.
• Work in areas inhabited by large predators (e.g., bears, wolves), requiring adherence to established wildlife safety protocols.
• Exposure to biting insects and other wildlife.

Other Requirements: Required to submit to a background check and follow the NVE Tribe’s drug policies.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer

The Native Village of Eyak has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Native Village of Eyak reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Native Village of Eyak may deem appropriate. Your signature below signifies that you understand the duties, expectations, and contents of this job description.

Preference for NVE Tribal members is in effect for this position.