Fish and Wildlife Technician ; Tagging Crew Lead - PCN

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

This position serves as a crew lead for fish tagging studies throughout the Kuskokwim Area. Under general supervision of a Fisheries Biologist 2, the incumbent is responsible for leading technical field staff and participating in the deployment of radio transmitters and the collection of biological data as part of large‑scale salmon research and monitoring initiatives while ensuring the safety of self and crew.

Additional duties include proper data management, construction of stationary tag tracking infrastructure, maintenance of the field camp and equipment, and routine boating operations. This position requires the ability to effectively communicate with crew members and project leads daily to meet project goals and objectives.

The mission of the Division of Commercial Fisheries is to manage subsistence, commercial, and personal use fisheries in the interest of the economy and general well‑being of the citizens of the state, consistent with the sustained yield principle, and subject to allocations through public regulatory processes.

The Alaska Department of Fish & Game strives for a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and wellbeing are paramount and employees at all levels promote a culture where everyone is valued, treated equitably, and treated respectfully.

This is an opportunity to conduct fisheries research that has direct application to the sustainable management of a unique and wild salmon fishery. Kuskokwim Area fisheries are characterized by a large traditional subsistence base, small‑scale commercial fisheries, and complex multi‑species salmon migratory patterns within the Kuskokwim River and smaller coastal drainages. Kuskokwim Area stakeholders are actively engaged in and management activities.

This position will assist with leading critical tagging operations to better inform management decisions within the fishery. There may be opportunities assist with concurrent fisheries research programs, including weir and sonar projects, within the region.

This position is stationed at the Anchorage ADF&G office; however, field work is based out of Bethel, AK, where state housing is provided for the duration of tagging operations (June to mid‑July). Bunkhouse amenities include communal kitchen and living spaces and on‑site laundry. Tagging operations are conducted daily using drift gillnets from a 20ft riverboat. Progress and data collections must be reported to the Fisheries Biologist 2 daily to determine plans for the following day.

At the beginning and end of each tagging season, tracking infrastructure will need to be assembled and removed, respectively, at multiple sites across the drainage.

Working in the field may involve exposure to biting insects, wildlife and inclement weather conditions.

• Travel to and from Bethel, AK will be provided by the program during change of duty station. While in Bethel, lodging will be provided at the state‑owned bunkhouse. A limited food budget will cover groceries during tagging operations.
• Duties of this position may require the incumbent to work long hours, sometimes at night, up to seven days per week. Frequent travel by boat is required.
• This position requires living and working in a wide range of inclement weather and in and around water for extended periods of time. This position also requires a range of physical flexibility and the ability to regularly lift, pull, push, and carry heavy objects occasionally weighing up to 100lbs.

We are interested in candidates who possess some or all of the following position specific competencies:

• Experience using drift gillnets to capture and collect biological data from adult salmon.
• Knowledge and experience entering and managing biological datasets.
• Experience living and working in remote…