Fishery Biologist ; Tagging Crew Lead - PCN

Fishery Biologist 1 (Tagging Crew Lead)

Location: Fairbanks, Alaska

Under the general supervision of a Fishery Biologist 2, this position will play a crew lead role with tagging studies in the Yukon River Area and may assist with other research projects as needed. The incumbent will be involved with operational planning, crew training, fieldwork, logistics, and the installation and removal of telemetry monitoring infrastructure. Additional responsibilities include data entry, QA/QC, report writing and editing for Yukon River Area research projects.

Comfort with traveling by skiff and small aircraft is required.

The Alaska Department of Fish & Game strives for a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and well‑being are paramount. Employees at all levels promote a culture where everyone is valued, treated equitably and with respect.

The Division of Commercial Fisheries manages subsistence, commercial, and personal use fisheries in the interest of the economy and the well‑being of the state’s citizens, consistent with the sustained yield principle and the public regulatory process.

This unique position is an integral part of the Yukon River salmon research team. The incumbent will use safe handling methods for the capture, sampling, tagging, and live release of adult salmon. Data will be maintained in a digital database and reported to the Project Leader and related staff daily. The role may also include aerial tracking surveys, remote equipment installation, and data analysis.

Working from a Fairbanks duty station, the incumbent will prepare for fieldwork in the spring, assist with equipment procurement and logistical planning, and then travel to field sites across the Yukon River drainage. During the field season, the incumbent will be stationed primarily at the upper Yukon River field camp for June and July, camping in a tent with food purchased by the state.

Post‑season, the incumbent will return to Fairbanks for QA/QC and may assist with remote tower work and aerial surveys.

• Living and working out of a remote field camp located off the road system for an extended period of time.

• Experience in safe capture, radio tagging, and live release of adult salmonids.
• Experience completing time‑sensitive data entry, QA/QC, and summarization of results. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and report writing.
• Experience conducting work in remote parts of Alaska, including field operations, logistics, and supervision of crews.
• Experience communicating with field crews and relaying information to diverse audiences, including the public, state, federal, and non‑governmental agencies.
• Experience with databases and programming, including Microsoft Excel & Access and R.

• CPR/First Aid Training
• Wildlife Safety Training (3‑year effective period)

A valid driver’s license is required.

This position may require possession of firearms or ammunition. Candidates with a misdemeanor domestic‑violence offense must not apply.

The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, are encouraged to contact the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations or call the appropriate hotline for assistance.