Marine Debris Restoration Project Cleanup Crew Member

Job Duration: Approx. June 10 - July 19 (Exact dates will be determined based on crew availability. Additional opportunities for one-day trips as weather permits may also be an option outside this window from May through September, but are not a required commitment or guaranteed.)

SSSC Status: Seasonal, contract

Supervisor: Research Director / Managing Scientist

Pay Rate: $145/day + $2,000 food stipend (Housing is available dependent on availability at the SSSC bunkhouse. Accommodation costs are the responsibility of the employee.)

Final date to receive applications: February 27th, 2026

Project

Summary:

The Sitka Sound Science Center isseeking

Cleanup Crew Members for a summer marine debris cleanupandrestoration projectnear Sitka, Alaska.

Thispositioninvolves removingmarine debris fromremotecoastlinesbetween Point Kakul and Necker Bay, andusingintertidal transect surveys and other methods to evaluate itsimpacts of marine debrison nearshore and intertidal ecosystems. Recovered debris willbroughtbackto Sitka where it willbe categorized and weighed.

Thispositioninvolvesextensive hands-on fieldwork, including costal cleanups and intertidal surveys, and contributes directly to ongoing research on marine debrisimpactsin Southeast Alaska.

Working Conditions:

The position is compensated at a daily rate, requires completion of a timesheet, and is paidin accordance withthe SSSC payroll schedule.

Cleanup operations will vary based on tide schedules, weather conditions, and project needs, whichwillinclude early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Crew membersshould be prepared forlong field days and limited time off during active cleanup periods.

Fieldwork occurs in remote coastal locationsadjacent to Baranof Island. Transportation to and from field sites will be on acharteredvesselwith indoor seating and heating, with boattime averagingapproximately
45minutes to one hour eachwaydepending on site and conditions.

To access the sites, beach cleaners will hop off the vessel directly onto thebeach, oruse a dinghy to paddle to shore.

Crew members will work outdoors in challenging conditions, including frequent rain, cold temperatures, uneven terrain, and exposure to bugs and wildlife. Work will involve:

• Carrying heavy garbage bags (50+lbs)
• Walking across uneven beach surfaces, including boulders and logs
• Boarding and disembarking boats in varying swell conditions
• Exposure tocold waterand inclement weather

Brownbearsare present in manyfield areas.

Safetyis a top priority, and crew members willreceivetraining beforeheading outinto the field.

While crew members will have intellectual and technical support from an experienced team of SSSCstaff, theyareresponsible for successfully meeting project criteria in terms of collected debris weights,mileage covered, and surveys. Project oversight will be provided by SSSCManaging Scientist.

Equipment & Training

SSSC will provide all required work gear, including but not limited to:

• Waterproof bibs
• Knives
• Additionalfield safety equipment as needed

Crew members will also receive required training, including:

• Bear safety training
• First aid training
• Cold watersafety training

Duties & Responsibilities:

As part of the marine debris cleanup team, field technicians will:

• Safely and efficiently remove marine debris, including plastics, metal, fishing gear, and other waste, from beaches inside the project area. Unload marine debris from smallvesseland move to storage site prior to sorting.
• Conduct intertidal transect surveys at designated sites, and other field campaigns including tagging marine debris, sampling substrate, etc.
• Sort and weigh marine debris by material type at a designated area for documentation and reporting to monitor restoration progress. Transport debris to transfer stations, recycling centers, or scrapyards using SSSC vehicles, or package it for backhaul. On weather days when cleanups cannot be performed, the crew will focus on sorting debris.
• Follow safety protocols to mitigate risks associated with debris removal and fieldwork in remote locations.
• Provide careful documentation ofareacovered during marine debris cleanups and surveys…