Alaska Shellfish Observer Jobs
Now Hiring for the 2026-2027 Fishing Season
Saltwater Inc is actively hiring candidates to train as an Alaska Crab Observer
Alaska crab observers collect biological data while living onboard commercial fishing vessels working in the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska.
The shellfish fisheries in Alaska are managed by quotas, which are set by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). They use observer data to monitor crab populations, set catch limits, and monitor interactions with protected seabirds, marine mammals, and corals. Crab Observers are likely to witness a wide array of specimens at sea, including starfish, halibut, Pacific cod, sponges, octopus, and more. Observer data is critical to ensuring that these fisheries remain sustainable and healthy.
The majority of the vessels in the crab fleet are catcher vessels that range in size from 80-130 feet. Conditions can vary widely — but all deployments require observers to be flexible, resourceful, and have the ability to work long hours with heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds). The workday is determined by the vessel’s fishing schedule and can range from 5-15 hours a day, with most of the assignments based out of Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Typical trip lengths are 10-14 days, but can last longer with the possibility of multiple back-to-back deployments.
Observer Duties
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Collect crab shell measurements.
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Carry out crab ID and sexing.
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Sample and report by-catch.
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Collect information on daily fishing effort & activity.
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Radio reports to ADF&G.
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Identify threatened birds, fish and corals.
Preferred Requirements
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Bachelor of Science in a biological science or limnology; or
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Prior experience as a fisheries observer approved by ADF&G.
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30 Credit hours in applied biology.
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One statistics course or one math course.
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Experience using dichotomous (taxonomic) keys.
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Eligible to work in the U.S.
Interested Applicants who do not meet our preferred experience can potentially leverage their at-sea experience and will be strongly considered for these positions. Please see below:
Minimum Qualifications
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Basic Education + Sea Experience
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High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED), AND
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At least 180 sea days of successful offshore or research vessel service in Alaskan waters, North Pacific Ocean, or North Atlantic Ocean, consisting of multi-day deployments (multi-week voyages preferred, AND
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Demonstrated ability to perform effectively under physically and mentally demanding sea conditions
OR:
Some College + Sea Experience
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Successful completion of at least 30 semester credit hours (or equivalent) of college-level coursework from an accredited institution AND
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At least 30 sea days of cumulative offshore or research vessel service in Alaskan waters, North Pacific Ocean, or North Atlantic Ocean, consisting of multi-day deployments (multi-week voyages preferred) AND
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Demonstrated ability to perform effectively under physically and mentally demanding sea conditions
Training
ADF&G conducts training courses in Kodiak, Alaska and candidates must pass an intensive 3-week class with a score of 90% or better. Training Dates are: September 14 – October 2, 2026.
Contracts
The Alaska Crab Fishing season opens on October 15, 2026 and runs through May 31, 2027. Upon training completion, successful candidates will fly to Dutch Harbor, Alaska in preparation for the October 15 season opener, and must commit to a minimum of 180 days at sea during the fishing season.
