Fishery Biologist ; Kuskokwim River Sonar Project Lead - PCN

Job Description

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries is recruiting for a Fishery Biologist 2 (Kuskokwim River Sonar Project Lead) located in Anchorage, Alaska. This position is open to Alaska Residents only. Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.

This position’s primary duty is to lead all aspects of a large‑scale sonar project that assesses salmon abundance. Key responsibilities include planning, developing, implementing, supervising, and conducting field research, as well as evaluating, synthesizing, and reporting salmon abundance data. Budget management is an important component of this position.

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 well‑being are paramount, and employees at all levels promote a culture where everyone is valued, treated equitably, and respected.

This is an opportunity to conduct fisheries research that has direct application to the sustainable management of a unique and wild salmon fishery. The 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. Stakeholders are actively engaged in fisheries research and management activities.

This position will be part of a dedicated team of researchers actively engaged in meaningful research in the Kuskokwim Area.

During the summer months, the incumbent will travel to a remote field camp near Bethel, where the daily work environment will include traveling and working using open skiffs, working long, often irregular, hours, and exposure to inclement weather. Outside of the summer months, the incumbent will have office space in Anchorage, where the daily work environment will be predominantly office‑based with regular work hours.

• Experience conducting salmon research in remote locations using sonar methodology.
• Experience using statistical methods to summarize large biological datasets.
• Experience leading field studies and supervisory authority.
• Experience authoring and reviewing technical reports.
• Experience managing project budgets.

A valid driver’s license is required. Must be able to legally carry and effectively use firearms. First Aid/CPR training will be provided by the department at no cost to the employee.

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, fisheries science, or natural resource management; AND one year of professional experience as a biologist or fish culturist (e.g., Fishery Biologist 1, Fish Culturist 1, Wildlife Biologist 1, or Habitat Biologist 1 with the State of Alaska or equal).

• At least 24 semester hours in biology or a related field, of which 16 are upper‑division, plus at least 12 semester hours in chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, geology, hydrology, or GIS.
• A master’s degree in a related field will substitute for the required year of professional experience.

Required Documents

• Cover letter
• Educational transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable)

At interview, please provide:

• A list of 3 professional references with current contact information.

Cover letter should highlight your KSA as they pertain to the desired KSAs listed. Do not exceed 1 typed page, single spaced, 12‑point Times New Roman. Attach the cover letter to your application.

Answer the supplemental questions in complete sentences. These answers will serve as a writing sample.

Position requires possession of a firearm. Individuals convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense are disqualified.

Verify education in the application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Provide employer’s name, job title, dates, and full‑time/part‑time status as required.

The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation may call or  in Juneau. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.

Sean Larson, Kuskokwim Area Research Biologist
907‑267‑2174
Sean.larson