Becoming an FMA Observer

Observer candidates are recruited and hired by independent FMA-permitted observer provider companies. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife biology, or a related field of biology or natural resource management. Observers must be capable of performing strenuous physical labor, and working independently without direct supervision under stressful conditions. For a complete list of candidate requirements, see FMA qualifications.

If you are hired, your observer provider will sponsor you to attend a 3-week observer training course to prepare you for the position. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be certified as a groundfish observer.

The FMA Division conducts training and briefing (refresher training for experienced observers) in Seattle, at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center, and through the North Pacific Fisheries Observer Training Center at the University of Alaska, Anchorage. Training class dates are posted quarterly and changes are posted as they occur. Training and briefing requirements and expiration rules were updated March 1, 2005.

If you have any questions, or if these schedules will not meet your needs, please contact Jennifer Ferdinand.