Fishery Biologist ; PCN

This position is open to Alaska Residents only. Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.

This position will coordinate logistics for the Prince William Sound and Copper River field camps, assist in achieving project goals related to management of salmon fisheries, salmon enumeration, and data entry into databases. It will also assist with fixed-wing aerial surveys, fish ticket QA/QC, and sonar size apportionment. The position runs from May 1 to September 14.

The Division of Commercial Fisheries strives for a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and well-being are paramount, and employees at all levels promote a culture where everyone is valued, treated equitably, and treated respectfully.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s mission is to manage, protect, maintain, and improve the fish, game, and aquatic plant resources of Alaska. Primary goals are to ensure sustainable yield and to manage resources for the economy and well-being of the people of the state.

This position collects daily escapement numbers that area managers use to guide fishing openings and closures. Data collected help provide sustainable and efficient fishing opportunities.

This role provides experience with commercial fisheries stock assessment projects: resistance board and picket weirs, catch and escapement sampling, ARIS sonar, and more. You will learn logistical challenges across broad geographic regions and develop administrative skills such as budget management, hiring, procurement, report writing, data management, and analysis. Overtime and state benefits are included.

Position is stationed in Cordova. Schedule is variable, with weekends, nights, and overtime. The incumbent will travel frequently to remote field camps by float plane or boat. Assist with catch sampling in fish processing facilities. Spend time in office performing daily data entry, fish ticket QA/QC, sonar size apportionment, and procurement for field camps. Occasionally fly small fixed-wing aerial surveys.

A valid driver’s license is required.

• Working knowledge of remote Alaskan fisheries assessment projects, including installation, maintenance, removal, and coordination of logistics with fish weirs and/or sonar enumeration operations.
• Knowledge of Pacific salmon biology and ability to identify ocean bright Pacific salmon.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for audiences ranging from local fishery groups to scientific communities.
• Strong organizational and data management experience; familiarity with data entry, querying, error checking, and creating pivot tables, charts, and graphs in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to learn new applications and databases.
• Some positions may require specialized training in hydroacoustics, microscopic analysis, underwater research, or fish habitat restoration or enhancement.

This position requires use or possession of a firearm or ammunition. If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you may not hold this position. Please do NOT apply if you have such a conviction.

Minimum requirement:
Bachelor’s degree in biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, fisheries science, or natural resource management. Equivalent credit substitution: at least 24 semester hours in biology or related field (16 upper division), plus at least 12 semester hours in chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, geology, hydrology, or GIS. For foreign education, provide validated equivalency evidence.

Applicants must provide employer name, job title, dates of employment, and full/part-time status. The resume is not an alternative to completing the application.

State of Alaska complies with ADA. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations can contact or  in Juneau. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.

Example duties can be found here:

Todd Johnson, Fishery Biologist 3

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