Otolith Technician (Ageing)

Role overview

The International Pacific Halibut Commission is recruiting an Otolith Technician (Ageing) to carry out all work connected with estimating Pacific halibut age from otoliths. The role is based at the organization’s headquarters in Seattle, Washington, USA.

The IPHC is a public international body and welcomes applications from candidates of any nationality. Applicants who are not US citizens will need a G4 visa to work in the United States, with support from the Secretariat.

The intended start date is 1 August 2026, or as soon as possible. This is a full-time appointment for an initial period of two years, with the option to extend it later by mutual agreement. Because stable age determination is important to the IPHC stock assessment program, continuity in the Otolith Ageing Services team is especially valued. The organization is therefore looking for someone interested in building long-term expertise and taking on broader responsibilities over time.

Primary duties

• Carry out all tasks involved in determining Pacific halibut ages from otoliths, including production age reads, quality control reads, sample selection, storage, archiving, and entering age information into databases.
• Help plan age-reading assignments and yearly goals together with the Senior Otolith Laboratory Technician (Ageing) and other Otolith Ageing Services team members.
• Work with the FRDSB Manager, Senior Otolith Laboratory Technician (Ageing), Port Operations Coordinator, Setline Survey Coordinator (FISS), and other Secretariat staff to make sure otolith samples are received and processed in line with sampling protocols and methods.
• Ensure hazardous chemicals in the otolith laboratory are correctly labeled, used, stored, and disposed of, and coordinate with the Biological Laboratory Technician and safety officer so that MSDS documents for all such chemicals remain available and up to date.
• Attend IPHC and domestic agency meetings when needed, and prepare and deliver presentations on otolith collection, aging, and related research.
• Follow all IPHC policies, including Business Ethics and Conduct, and disclose any actual, perceived, or potential conflict of interest.
• Note that Secretariat staff may not hold, or benefit from, any interest in the Pacific halibut industry.

Secondary duties

• Provide guidance to IPHC interns on otolith-ageing tasks.
• Oversee a student volunteer program that supports AI-based age determination work.
• Work may usually be office-based, but can also involve storage and workshop areas and may require occasional physical effort such as standing, walking, and lifting moderately heavy items like record boxes.
• Complete other tasks as assigned within a small, adaptable, and collaborative organization.

Growth and advancement

• The IPHC places strong importance on continuity in its age-determination program, and this role offers room to build advanced expertise and take on greater responsibility over time, including duties associated with the Senior Otolith Ageing Technician position.
• Employee development is supported through professional learning, including courses, workshops, and training opportunities.
• The successful candidate may also take part in evaluating and improving AI-based age-determination methods, contributing to modern fish age estimation efforts that use emerging technology.

Minimum qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in fisheries, biology, or a closely related field is required.
• Working knowledge of fish age-determination methods using otoliths.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for audiences with different backgrounds.
• Ability to work professionally and cooperatively with people from diverse backgrounds and with different roles and viewpoints.
• Good computer skills for recording, tracking, and querying data.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred background

Hands-on experience with fish age determination using otoliths or other ageing structures is considered an advantage. That said, applicants with strong interest in fish ageing, careful attention to detail, and willingness to learn specialized techniques through training are encouraged to apply.

Salary and benefits

This position is classified at IPHC-GS-8. The expected starting pay is between US$64,537 and US$75,292, depending on qualifications and experience. If performance is satisfactory, annual step increases may begin after the first year of employment.

• 100% employer-paid medical coverage option and dental insurance for the employee and eligible dependents.
• 100% employer-paid life insurance, AD&D, Group Specified Disease, Group Accident, and long-term disability insurance for the employee.
• Employer-funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA).
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with a 7% employer contribution from day one, plus up to 5% employer matching.
• A valid U.S. Social Security Number is required to take part in the benefits programs.

Relocation and application details

The organization may reimburse eligible relocation expenses from the employee’s designated home location, subject to prior approval.

Applications remain open until the position is filled, but the first review date is 29 June 2026. Candidates must submit a one-page maximum cover letter explaining their qualifications and how they meet the minimum requirements, along with a curriculum vitae. For additional details, contact the Secretariat and reference Position Reference Number 2026-002.

A satisfactory background check is required as a condition of employment.