International Pacific Halibut Commission

Location: Seattle, WA, USA

The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) is seeking to hire an Otolith Technician (Ageing). The Otolith Technician (Ageing) is responsible for all activities related to determining Pacific halibut ages from otoliths. The work location is IPHC headquarters in Seattle, Washington.

The IPHC is a public international organization and as such will consider applicants regardless of nationality. Non-US citizens will be required to obtain a G4 Visa for work in the USA, with the assistance of the Secretariat.

Employment date: 1 August 2026, or as soon as possible.

Duration: This is a full-time position with an initial appointment of two (2) years, with the possibility of renewal by mutual consent. Given the importance of consistent age determination to the IPHC's stock assessment program, continuity within the Otolith Ageing Services is highly valued. As part of ongoing succession planning, the IPHC encourages applications from individuals interested in developing long-term expertise and assuming increasing responsibilities within the organization.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Primary duties

1. Performs all functions related to determining Pacific halibut ages from otoliths, including production age reading; quality control age reading; otolith selection storage, and archiving; and age data entry into databases.
2. Assists in the coordination of age reading assignments and annual objectives in collaboration with Senior Otolith Laboratory Technician (Ageing) and Otolith Ageing Services (AOS) team members.
3. Coordinates with the FRDSB Manager, Senior Otolith Laboratory Technician (Ageing), the Port Operations Coordinator, Setline Survey Coordinator (FISS), and other Secretariat members as needed to ensure otolith samples are received and processed according to sampling protocols and methods.
4. Ensures the proper labeling, use, storage, and disposal of all hazardous chemicals used in the otolith laboratory. Coordinates with the Biological Laboratory Technician and safety officer to ensure that Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all hazardous chemicals used by otolith ageing services are available and current.
5. Attends IPHC and domestic agency meetings, as needed. Prepares and delivers presentations related to otolith collection, aging, and related research.
6. Complies with all IPHC policies, including but not limited to Business Ethics and Conduct, and declares any real, apparent, or potential conflicts of interest.
7. Secretariat staff are prohibited from holding or being the beneficiary for any interest in the Pacific halibut industry.

Secondary duties

1. Provides instruction for IPHC interns on otolith ageing related tasks.
2. Oversees a student volunteer program assisting with AI-based age determination.
3. While the majority of work for this position is performed in an office environment, the position may involve work in storage and workshop environments and requires occasional physical activity, including standing, walking, and lifting moderately heavy items, such as record boxes.
4. Perform other duties as assigned as part of a small, flexible and collaborative organisation.

Potential for advancement

1. The IPHC places a high value on continuity within its age determination program. As part of ongoing succession planning for the Otolith Ageing Services, this position offers opportunities to develop advanced expertise and assume increasing responsibilities over time, including those associated with the Senior Otolith Ageing Technician position.
2. The IPHC encourages and supports employee growth through professional development, including skill-building courses, workshops, and training opportunities.
3. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in the evaluation and development of AI-based age determination methods, working at the forefront of efforts to modernize fish age estimation through emerging technologies.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1. Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, biology, or related field;
2. Knowledge of fish age determination methods using otoliths;
3. Proven ability to communicate effectively in written and oral formats with a variety of audiences;
4. Proven ability to work cooperatively and professionally with people with diverse backgrounds and with differing responsibilities and perspectives;
5. Proven computer skills for documenting, tracking and querying data;
6. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Practical experience in fish age determination using otoliths or other ageing structures is highly desirable. However, candidates with a strong interest in fish ageing, demonstrated attention to detail, and a willingness to develop specialized skills through training are encouraged to apply.

SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary: This position is classified at the IPHC-GS-8 level. The starting salary is expected to be between US$64,537 and US$75,292, depending on qualifications and experience. Subject to satisfactory performance, step increases may be awarded annually, beginning after the first year of employment.

Benefits: The IPHC offers a highly competitive and generous benefits package. Benefits include, but are not limited to, the following:

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

Relocation expenses: The IPHC may provide reimbursement for eligible relocation expenses from the employee's designated home location, subject to prior approval.

APPLICATION

Deadline: The post is open until filled; however, the first review of applications will occur on 29 June 2026.

Applications must be submitted through the IPHC website at https://www.iphc.int/opportunities/. To be considered, applicants must submit: 1) a succinct (1 page maximum) cover letter outlining their qualifications for the position and addressing the minimum requirements; and 2) a curriculum vitae.

For more information about this position, please email [email protected] and cite Position Reference Number 2026-002.

A satisfactory background check is a condition of employment.