2026 IPHC Setline Survey Specialist (Field)

The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) is seeking to hire Setline Survey Specialists for deployment on contracted longline vessels operating in the waters of Canada and the USA. This announcement serves as the notice of these opportunities.The IPHC is a public international organization and as such will consider applicants regardless of nationality or location. Non-US Citizens will be required to obtain a G-4 VISA for work in the USA. Non-Canadian Citizens will be required to obtain a Canadian Work Permit for work in Canada. The IPHC Secretariat will assist in VISA acquisition.OVERVIEW:Under the direction of the Setline Survey Coordinator (SSC) who reports to the Executive Director, the Setline Survey Specialist (Field) positions are responsible for services and support of the International Pacific Halibut Commission’s (IPHC) Fishery-Independent Setline Survey (FISS). The Setline Survey Specialists will undertake organizational services on their assigned IPHC chartered vessel including, but not limited to, catch effort statistics, biological data collection and IPHC Secretariat field support. Setline Survey Specialists (Field) can expect to work from various ports throughout the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, and Alaska.Work aboard on an IPHC Fishery-Independent Setline Survey (FISS) vessel involves collecting and recording length, sex, maturity, and age data from Pacific halibut. Information on other species catch and projects may also be assigned. Setline Survey Specialists (Field) should be able to work on deck in adverse weather conditions while collecting scientific data and lifting large, heavy fish on a moving vessel. Demersal Longline Vessels participating in the FISS are generally 50-90 ft (15-27 m) and have crew sizes ranging from five (5) to seven (7) individuals. Setline Survey Specialists (Field) must remain flexible and maintain effective interpersonal relations under these conditions as they act as a representative of the IPHC Secretariat with external parties in the field (vessel captains/owners, processors, etc.).Employment date: Mid-to late May 2026 (for training), with field deployment at the end of May 2026.Duration: 21-90 days depending on vessel deployment.Major Duties And ResponsibilitiesPrimary DutiesObtains biological samples. The biological data may include Pacific halibut fork length, weights, tissue samples and otoliths for stock assessment and other scientific studies (for example, otolith collection)Follow approved sampling procedures to determine daily priorities and schedule vessel and sampling activities appropriatelyWorks with FISS vessel Captain and IPHC Secretariat at Headquarters to ensure compliance with applicable IPHC Tender SpecificationsObtains detailed fishing records from the vessel Captain’s logbooks and landing record dataMonitors delivery of FISS retained catch and ensures the accuracy of the landing report/fish ticketEdits all collected data for computer entryResponsible for entering all FISS, catch effort data and biological records into the electronic data capture application and mailing end of trip data after each delivery. Issues encountered with electronic data entry and transferring these data may require working with IPHC application developersServe as a representative of the IPHC Secretariat when in port and offloading, and relay information between stakeholders and the IPHC Secretariat while adhering to confidentiality policies and proceduresSecondary DutiesIncumbent is responsible for writing summaries on sampling techniques, reviewed by the HQ Secretariat to ensure random sampling procedures are utilized and to detail daily activities on the vesselResponsible for training other Setline Survey Specialists (Field) on a topic at the pre-season training and as neededSubmit administrative requirements (e.g. timecards, leave, gear and expense requests, etc.) on time using Secretariat utilized software applicationsIncumbent may be involved in other computer entry work or other fishery-related and biological data collection programs for the IPHCTags and releases Pacific halibut and collects associated information as prescribed in the applicable guide(s). As in all positions at the IPHC, the incumbent will assist with mission support services and other organizational duties as assigned. These services and duties may occur on nights and weekends during high demand or to meet organizational requirements and deadlinesComply fully with all IPHC policies, including but not limited to the Business Ethics and Conduct, and to declare any actual or potential perceived conflicts of interest (Secretariat staff are prohibited from holding or being the beneficiary for any interest in the Pacific halibut industry)Carry out other duties as assigned as part of a small and flexible organisationMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s degree in biology, fisheries or related field or equivalent work experience in this same field;Proven ability to effectively collect fisheries data and biological structures, while following random and representative sample collection protocols;The ability to work independently and the organizational skills to balance a shifting workload in a deadline driven work environment;Proven ability to effectively communicate fisheries data and biological structures random and representative collection protocols;Proven ability to work cooperatively and professionally with people with diverse backgrounds, responsibilities, and positions on issues, and who have varying degrees of understanding of fisheries independent work and its impact on fisheries management;Previous experience, or clear ability to collect fisheries independent data and biological structuresDESIREDExperience collecting, editing, and entering data in the fieldExperience with fisheries monitoring, or other wildlife monitoring, especially Pacific halibut is welcomeExperience working with Microsoft Office 365 (i.e. Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Excel, Word, PowerApps)SALARY AND BENEFITS:Salary: This position is rated as an IPHC-GS-9. In 2025 the daily vessel pay rate was US$413- 466 and this will be reviewed in early 2026. Lead Setline Survey Specialists (Field) are paid at the higher rate while non-lead Setline Survey Specialists (Field) are paid at the lower rate. Standby days (non-vessel days, training, travel, etc.) are paid at a lower hourly rate.Benefits: The IPHC offers a suite of benefits to Temporary Full-Time Field staff as described in the current IPHC Employee Manual. These are summarized in the list below. Please note that the benefits described here are subject to change at any tie at the discretion of the IPHC and in accordance with updates to the Employee Manual. *Must have a valid US Social Security Number to participate.Health Insurance through Kaiser Permanente (Platinum Plan) - enrolled on first day of the first full month of employment (employee only)Dental Insurance through Delta DentalBenefits Continuation (COBRA)* (at employees' cost)Health Reimbursement ArrangementTravel expenses: The IPHC will provide transportation (most direct and economical means from your designated home location to your vessel deployment duty station and/or any in-person training that may be required, as well as applicable Per Diem allowance (lodging, meals, and incidentals) in accordance with relevant IPHC travel policies.APPLICATION:Deadline: 16 November 2025. An initial review of applications will occur on 17 November 2025 with the intent of determining if sufficient caliber candidates are available to fill the positions. The position will remain open to source a list of reserve candidates.Applications must be submitted through the IPHC website at https://www.iphc.int/the-commission/opportunities. For your application to be considered eligible, you must submit: 1) a response to the major duties and responsibilities (2 pages maximum); 2) a curriculum vitae; and 3) Transcript(s) for any post-secondary degree(s) earned (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).A satisfactory background check is also a condition of employment.You must hold a valid passport that does not expire before 01 January 2027.The IPHC is a Public International Organization and as such we will consider applicants regardless of nationality. Foreign nationals will be issued with a G4 visa. Relocation costs will be offered.For more information about this position, please email IPHC_PersonnelServices@iphc.int and cite Position Reference Number 2024-006.Powered by JazzHR786weSzGb3