Community Observer - UIC Science

Overview

UIC Science is seeking a Community Observer to support National Science Foundation‑funded Arctic research aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy and/or the R/V Sikuliaq. The Community Observer will participate in a research voyage departing Seattle, Washington, in approximately October and concluding in Seward, Alaska, in approximately November, following a required one‑week training period.

The Community Observer serves as a vital liaison between research teams and North Slope Indigenous communities, providing daily communication regarding vessel operations and research activities occurring in subsistence use areas. This position works closely with UIC Science and Battelle Arctic Research Operations management to address community concerns, facilitate information sharing, and promote cultural awareness and sensitivity among vessel personnel regarding Indigenous subsistence practices and traditions.

Additional responsibilities include serving as a communication link between vessel crews and subsistence hunters while offshore, informing communities and organizations of vessel activities, and monitoring for Arctic marine mammals, including recording sightings as required. The position requires extended periods at sea, a flexible schedule that may include work outside normal business hours, and the ability to work approximately 10 hours per day aboard a moving vessel.

Exposure to challenging weather conditions and seasickness is possible. A valid United States passport is required.

Essential Functions:

The Community Observer will support a research project funded by the National Science Foundation in Alaska waters. Communication responsibilities will include subsistence hunters in proximity to the scheduled research areas, Principal Investigators, Battelle Arctic Research Operations, and vessel crew members.

Specific duties and responsibilities are as follows:

• The overall objective is to scan the horizon and maintain communication between the ship, subsistence hunters and land‑based stations to ensure to the best of their ability that all conflicts between animals, subsistence hunters, and the ship are avoided to minimize a potential negative impact.
• • CO is required to provide daily updates of vessel activities to a list of community and agency stakeholders.
  • CO is required to keep a logbook.
• Vessel logistics can be extremely fluid (e.g., weather, ice conditions, schedule changes, etc.) and Community Observers must be flexible.
• Duties will generally be performed on the bridge of the Sikuliaq.
• It is expected that the Community Observer gain an understanding of shipboard operations and safety, as well as science activities, the tools used for data collection, ultimate data products and its availability to the public as well as the overall goal of the mission. The vessel Chief Scientist will initiate vessel crew introductions and explain mission goal.
• At the end of the cruise, the Community Observer will provide a cruise report.
• Maintain appropriate records and report on activities as assigned under their oversight responsibility. Participate in daily planning meetings if requested.
• Pre‑cruise training and orientation with UIC Science will occur one week prior to vessel departure.
• Attending the July 2026 meeting of the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission may be required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of Inupiaq culture and priorities related to research.
• Experience in subsistence hunting, including whaling and other marine hunting activities.
• Strong oral and written skills to communicate and outreach to Tribal communities, Tribal leadership, agencies, Native Corporations, and other stakeholders regarding the research vessel’s activities.
• Functional knowledge to effectively perform e‑mail management and reporting.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Office, and Adobe programs.
• Team player to develop strong relationships with villages, staff, and researchers.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to travel on a Research Vessel and perform office work.
• Ability to test for and pass a non‑DOT pre‑employment drug screening and must follow all…