Fishery Biologist ; PCN

Position

Fishery Biologist 1 – Seasonal 7‑month (minimum) position located in Homer, Alaska (Region II). This role is open to Alaska residents only. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries is recruiting for a field coordinator for Lower Cook Inlet research projects focused on timely in‑season management of commercial salmon fisheries.

• Use remote video technology to monitor salmon escapement.
• Collect and analyze otoliths to estimate hatchery/wild composition in the catch and escapement.
• Assist with data analysis and reporting.
• Maintain ArcGIS, MS Access, and Oracle databases.
• Lead and train fish and wildlife technicians.
• Operate a skiff in marine environments, sample commercial harvests on fish docks and in processing plants, travel to remote sites and/or survey by floatplane.
• Conduct ground surveys and biological sampling in remote environments, often in close proximity to black and brown bears.
• Work in an office with computers for data entry, editing, analysis, and authoring/co‑authoring reports and operational plans.

The Division of Commercial Fisheries manages subsistence, commercial, and personal use fisheries in the interest of Alaska’s economy and citizens’ well‑being, consistent with the sustained yield principle and public regulatory processes. The Division strives for a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and well‑being are paramount, and all employees promote a culture of respect, equity and inclusion.

The State of Alaska offers medical and retirement benefits to permanent employees. This seasonal position provides an outstanding opportunity to gain expertise in fisheries research, monitoring and analysis methods, including the design, building and maintenance of custom remote video systems, and advanced data analysis with R/R Studio and spatial databases.

The position is located in the Homer field office, with a typical season running from April or May through October or November. Work may involve operating a skiff, sampling commercial harvests, traveling by floatplane, conducting ground surveys in remote environments, and field work in close proximity to black and brown bears.

• Electrical/Mechanical/Video:
  Demonstrated ability to design, build, and troubleshoot/repair complex remote video and 12
  
  VDC electrical systems powered by solar and wind.
• Data Management/Analysis:
  Experience entering, editing and summarizing data in spreadsheets (MS Excel) and databases (MS Access/Oracle). Proficiency with R/R Studio and Arc Map/Arc Pro is desired, as well as knowledge of reproducible research practices.
• Fishery Biology:
  Knowledge of aquatic life concepts, principles and theories. Ability to implement fisheries field projects, work outdoors in poor weather, around bears, in cold flowing waters, operate a skiff in open marine waters, and engineer solutions to technical problems. Attention to safety.
• Written/Oral Communication:
  Ability to communicate technical/scientific information clearly and effectively in writing and orally, and to maintain open dialogue with supervisors, peers, subordinates and the public.
• Other:
  Experience with 12 GA shotguns for bear protection; may be trained as an armorer and/or ADF&G firearms/wildlife safety instructor.

• A valid driver’s license is required.
• First Aid/CRP certification.
• Must be able to legally carry and effectively use firearms.
• Proficient use of 12 GA shotguns for bear protection; may involve training as an armorer and/or firearms instructor, requiring a background investigation.
• Frequent field work: operating and working from outboard powered (40‑200 HP) skiffs in marine environments, flying and surveying in small fixed‑wing aircraft, camping multiple days, walking in and deploying nets in fast‑flowing streams, and carrying packs up to 40 lbs over rough terrain for distances up to 3 miles or more.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, fisheries science or natural resource management.

• At least 24 semester…