Fish and Wildlife Technician ; PCN

Overview

This permanent seasonal Fish and Wildlife Technician 3 position is located in Ketchikan, Alaska, at the Hugh Smith Lake field camp. The role runs approximately mid-April to early June and involves fieldwork supporting coho and sockeye salmon research with a focus on juvenile out migration tagging and data collection. The position reports as crew lead for the Hugh Smith Lake coho salmon smolt tagging crew and includes coordinating inseason field logistics, camp upkeep, and supervising a two-person team.

Location and project information may be found through Southeast Alaska research resources related to Hugh Smith Lake. The department seeks a diverse, inclusive workforce with a strong safety culture and a commitment to valuing employees at all levels.

• Capture, coded-wire tag (CWT) juvenile coho and sockeye salmon during out migration.
• Install and maintain a smolt weir; operate small outboard boats and rafts; assist with data entry and management.
• Coordinate inseason field logistics and oversee accurate data collection and reporting to project managers.
• Lead and supervise a two-person crew; ensure field operations run smoothly and safely.
• Maintain a seasonal field camp, including upkeep and logistical support.

Work is remote and field-based at Hugh Smith Lake, approximately 40 miles from Ketchikan, reachable by float plane. Fieldwork lasts about two months and requires flexibility, weekend work, and potential overtime. The site is in Misty Fjords National Monument and bear country.

• Remote camp living for extended periods (up to eight weeks).
• Bear country with mandatory firearms for safety in field settings.
• Exposure to inclement weather and remote travel by boat or skiff; housing may be bunkhouses, vessels, or tents.

• Ability to live and work in remote Alaskan conditions, outdoors, and in close quarters with coworkers.
• Experience in capture and collection of biological data and application of coded-wire tags in juvenile salmon.
• Experience entering and managing biological data sets.
• Basic knowledge of hand and power tools.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.

• Valid driver's license required; must be able to legally carry and effectively use firearms in field settings.
• First Aid/CPR certification; department training provided if not already certified.
• High school graduation or equivalent; substitutions and combinations of education and experience per the job specs (see official description for details).

• Substitutions:
  An additional six months of relevant work experience may substitute for high school graduation; a Bachelor of Science in fisheries, wildlife, or habitat protection may substitute for up to two years of technical experience.
• Other pathways include one year of technical laboratory/field experience in related areas or equivalent professional roles (e.g., commercial fishing, guiding, trapping, subsistence hunting/fishing).

If selected, provide two professional references with current contact information at interview. A cover letter is not required. Complete application and supplemental questions will determine eligibility for interview.

The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer. This posting includes standard notices about ADA accommodations and contact channels for accessibility needs.

Note:

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Multiple vacancies may exist; the applicant pool may be used for future openings for up to 90 days. Questions regarding application submission or system operation should be directed to the Workplace Alaska support channels as published in the original posting.