Fishery Biologist 1 / 2 Flex (Ketchikan Assistant Area Biologist-PCN 114110)



Fishery Biologist 1 / 2 Flex (Ketchikan Assistant Area Biologist-PCN 114110)

Salary

$26.49 - $30.51 Hourly

Location

Ketchikan, AK

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

48616

Department

Fish & Game

Division

Sport Fish

Opening Date

12/19/2024

Closing Date

1/6/2025 5:00 PM Alaska

Division

Sport Fish

Position Open To

All Applicants

Bargaining Unit

Supervisory

Range

14/16

Job Description

This position is open to all Applicants.   




**NOTE: The recruitment period for this vacancy has been broadened and extended to allow for a larger applicant pool.**


The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Sport Fish is recruiting for a Fishery Biologist 1/2 Flex (Ketchikan Assistant Area Biologist) located in Ketchikan!

What you will be doing:

This position serves as the Ketchikan Assistant Area Management Biologist which is responsible for assisting in the research and management of the Ketchikan Area sport fisheries and is the supervisor of the Ketchikan Marine Harvest Studies Program. This position is involved with multiple fisheries in the Ketchikan area including salmon, groundfish and shellfish. This position assists with various research projects including the Southeast Alaska Rockfish Maturity Project, steelhead escapement surveys, salmon escapement surveys and cutthroat trout research. Applicants who like diversity, a fast-paced job, working with people, working in a team environment, working in the field, responsibility and doing a job that can make a difference in the natural resources of the state are encouraged to apply.

This position has frequent contact with the general public, sport anglers, charter fleet, local advisory committee and other professional organizations to explain department regulations, policies and management decisions and respond to inquiries on all aspects of sport fishing. The Assistant Area Manager attends and participates in regulatory meetings working as a staff advisor on regulatory proposals including drafting proposals and briefing documents. This position also assists with issues related to angler access, information and education, and fish habitat impacts.
 
As the Marine Harvest Studies Program supervisor this position is responsible for independently organizing, directing and supervising the work of six Fish and Wildlife Technicians. This includes recruiting, hiring and training staff, overseeing the daily data collection activities and monitoring personnel performance during the field season.

Our organization, mission, and culture: 

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s mission is to manage, protect, maintain, and improve the fish, game and aquatic plant resources of Alaska. This position directly contributes to sustainable fisheries management through hands-on research, regulatory oversight, and public engagement within the Ketchikan management area.

Benefits of joining our team: 

As an assistant area management biologist, this position works closely with the area management biologist and has the ability to directly shape fisheries management within the management area.

The duties involve working both outdoors and indoors and is well suited to an individual who appreciates being out in the field and has the expertise to apply their knowledge towards sustainable fisheries management. This position is supported by an excellent team of professionals in the Southeast Alaska region including research and biometric staff, an enhancement and access coordinator, and administrative support.

The working conditions you can expect:

The Ketchikan management area encompasses all freshwater and saltwater systems from the middle of the Cleveland Peninsula south to the Alaska/Canada border in Dixon Entrance. This area includes the communities of Ketchikan, Metlakatla and Hyder.  The sport fisheries within this area are diverse; including alpine trout lakes, mainland rivers, marine salmon, groundfish and shellfish fisheries.

  • This position may be required to travel to Board of Fisheries meetings and remote field camps for up to two weeks at a time. Firearms and ammunition handling is required for wildlife safety. The incumbent for this position will be required to have an Alaska Driver's License. This position is stationed in Ketchikan.
Who we are looking for:
We are looking for an individual with the following competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  1. Knowledge and experience with salmon, groundfish, and resident species management strategies for recreational fisheries and their issues.
  2. Ability to communicate, orally and in writing, complex technical and regulatory information in a logical   and effective manner to a wide variety of audiences.
  3. Knowledge and experience with the Alaska Board of Fisheries process including area Fish and Game Advisory Committees, and regulation development.
  4. Experience analyzing fishery data and presenting this data in technical and management reports.
  5. The ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with department staff, local advisory committees, private organizations, federal and state agencies.
  6. The ability to work in remote field locations, travel in small aircraft, operate skiffs and small vessels. 

To view the general description and example of duties for a Fishery Biologist 1/2 Flex (Ketchikan Assistant Area Biologist)  please go to the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs    

Special Note:
A valid driver's license is required.
This position may be in possession of, or have access to, firearms/ammunition.

Minimum Qualifications

Fishery Biologist 1

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

 

Substitution:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college that includes or is supplemented by the following credit hours will substitute for the degree in a specific field:

• at least 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, aquaculture, aquatic ecology, fisheries resources, or natural resource management (excluding courses that focus on agricultural husbandry techniques, human population dynamics, or the design and manipulation of landscapes), of which 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) are upper division courses; and

• at least 12 semester hours (16 quarter hours) in any combination of two or more of the following: chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, geology, hydrology, or GIS.

 

Special Note:

"Upper division courses" means courses that are specialized, in-depth and advanced. Such courses emphasize problem-solving, analytical thinking skills, and theoretical applications, with depth and rigor in a discipline's theories and methods; specialization in a particular field or profession; refinement of general education; and/or development of specific intellectual and professional skills. Upper division courses are commonly identified in college catalogs as 300 level and higher.

 

Some positions may require training in specialized areas such as hydroacoustics, microscopic analysis, underwater research, or fish habitat restoration or enhancement.

 

An individual who will complete the educational requirements and obtain the required bachelor's degree within six months may apply and be considered for a vacancy. Such applicants may be given a conditional job offer but may not be appointed until receipt of the required degree has been documented.


Fishery Biologist 2

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. The required professional biologist experience is met by service as a Fishery Biologist 1, Fish Culturist 1, Wildlife Biologist 1, or Habitat Biologist 1 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.

 

Substitutions:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college that includes or is supplemented by the following credit hours will substitute for the degree in a specific field:

•  at least 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, aquaculture, aquatic ecology, fisheries resources, or natural resource management (excluding courses that focus on agricultural husbandry techniques, human population dynamics, or the design and manipulation of landscapes), of which 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) are upper division courses; and

• at least 12 semester hours (16 quarter hours) in any combination of two or more of the following: chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, geology, hydrology, or GIS.

 

A master's degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, fisheries science, or natural resource management, will substitute for the required year of professional level biologist experience. An individual who will complete the educational requirements and obtain the required master's degree within six months may apply and be considered for a vacancy. Such applicants may be given a conditional job offer but may not be appointed until receipt of the required degree has been documented.

 

Special Note:

"Upper division courses" means courses that are specialized, in-depth and advanced. Such courses emphasize problem-solving, analytical thinking skills, and theoretical applications, with depth and rigor in a discipline's theories and methods; specialization in a particular field or profession; refinement of general education; and/or development of specific intellectual and professional skills. Upper division courses are commonly identified in college catalogs as 300 level and higher.

 

Some positions may require training in specialized areas such as hydroacoustics, microscopic analysis, underwater research, or fish habitat restoration or enhancement.

Additional Required Information

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Please provide at time of application submission:

  • Cover Letter
If selected, please provide the following at the time of the interview:
  • Copies of all college transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable).
  • A copy of your two (2) most recent performance evaluations or two (2) professional letters of recommendation.
  • A list of three (3) professional references with current daytime phone numbers.
COVER LETTER
A cover letter is required. In your cover letter, please highlight your knowledge, skills, abilities and experience as they pertain to the key responsibilities and successful candidate's traits listed in the job description above. Your cover letter will be considered a writing sample and will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
For your application to be evaluated you must answer the Supplemental Questions.  Be specific in your answers and tell us how you acquired the relevant experience. Please use complete sentences and proof-read your submissions when answering the supplemental questions. Your responses will be considered a writing sample and will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment process.

FIREARMS
This position requires the use or possession of a firearm or ammunition. In accordance with the federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (PL 104-208), if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you may not hold this position. 
 
A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is an offense that is (1) a misdemeanor under Federal or state law; and (2) has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim. 
 
If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, do NOT apply for this position.

Flexible Staffing 
This position is flexibly staffed. The level of the job offer will be based on the selected candidate’s eligibility. If hired at the lower level, you will be promoted to the higher-level job class after completing the training plan and meeting the minimum qualifications.

EDUCATION 
To verify education is being used to meet and/or support the required minimum qualifications/competencies, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials used to meet or support the minimum qualifications/competencies for a position and are required with each application. (Unofficial is okay; please ensure the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts). Transcripts must be attached at time of applicant.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION 
 Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements, if applicable. If utilizing this education you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.  Omission of required documentation listed will result in an incomplete application and you will not receive further consideration.
 
WORK EXPERIENCE
If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment.
 
NOTE: Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.
 
MULTIPLE VACANCIES 
This recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment may be used for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies.
 
EEO STATEMENT
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or (907) 465-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.
 
NOTICE
If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the ‘govermentjobs.com’ domains. For information on allowing emails from the ‘governmentjobs.com’ domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located at https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword.
 
WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to recruitment.services@alaska.gov.
 
 For applicant password assistance please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword 

Contact Information

For specific information in reference to the position please contact the hiring manager:

Kelly Reppert
Ketchikan Area Management Biologist
907-225-2859
Kelly.reppert@alaska.gov


Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.

For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)

Insurance Benefits
  • Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
    • The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State:   See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
      • AVTEC
      • Confidential
      • Correctional Officers
      • Marine Engineers
      • Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
      • Supervisory
      • Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
      • Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
    • The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts.  Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
      • General Government
      • Labor, Trades and Crafts
      • Public Safety Employees Association
      • Masters, Mates & Pilots
  • Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)
Optional Insurance Benefits
  • Group-based insurance premiums for
    • Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
    • Long-term and short-term disability
    • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
    • Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
    • Supplemental Survivor Benefits
  • Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits
  • Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
  • Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
  • Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
  • Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
  • Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
  • Note:  The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options
See https://drb.alaska.gov/retiree/ for additional information
 
Paid Leave & Other Benefits
  • Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
  • Twelve (12) paid holidays a year

01
Please describe your knowledge and experience with salmon, groundfish, and resident species management, research, and/or general experience.
02
Please describe your ability to communicate, orally and in writing, complex technical and regulatory information in a logical and effective manner to a wide variety of audiences.
03
Please describe your experience hiring and supervising technical staff, especially in remote locations.
04
Please describe your ability to work at remote field locations, travel in small aircraft, operate skiffs and small vessels.
05
Please describe your knowledge or experience managing recreational fisheries and/or conducting fisheries research.
06
Please describe your knowledge and experience with Alaska Board of Fisheries or other regulation development.

Required Question

Employer
State of Alaska
Address
PO Box 110201

Juneau, Alaska, 99811
Phone
(800) 587-0430 (Statewide toll-free number)
(907) 465-4095 (Juneau and out-of-state callers)