Salary: $2,804.80 Biweekly
Location : Soldotna, AK
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 49612
Department: Fish & Game
Division: Commercial Fisheries
Opening Date: 03/10/2025
Closing Date: 3/20/2025 5:00 PM Alaska
Division: Commercial Fisheries
Position Open To: Alaska Residents Only
Bargaining Unit: Supervisory
Range: 18
Job DescriptionThis position is open to Alaska Residents only.
Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries is recruiting for a Fishery Biologist 3 (Upper Cook Inlet Research Biologist) located in Soldotna!What you will be doing:This position is the Area Research Biologist for the Upper Cook Inlet (UCI) Management Area and provides an excellent career opportunity leading a team of professional staff to answer fisheries questions that guide management decisions in Upper Cook Inlet. This position oversees multiple fisheries projects including: Kenai River sockeye salmon assessments (Kenai River sockeye sonar and commercial catch sampling), Susitna River sockeye salmon stock assessment (2-3 remote weirs). Responsibilities include, planning, budgeting, developing, implementing, supervising, and conducting field studies for salmon. The position synthesizes fishery information to evaluate spawning escapement goals, generates sockeye salmon forecasts and in season run projections, and provides in season data interpretation that guides harvest strategies for commercially harvested stocks.
Our organization, mission, and culture: 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 treated respectfully. At the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, we strive to maintain the State's fish resources and fish habitat consistent with the interest of the economy and well-being of all Alaskan citizens established in the sustained yield principle.
In support of commercial fisheries management, the UCI research staff:
- Develop the pre-season run forecast for Upper Cook Inlet sockeye salmon.
- Prepare in-season projections of harvest and total run for Upper Cook Inlet sockeye salmon stocks.
- Develop and evaluate spawning escapement and harvest goals.
- Ensure data are properly collected, analyzed, distributed, and archived.
- Design and implement studies to identify and manage stocks in mixed stock harvests.
Benefits of joining our team: The benefits of joining the UCI research staff are: Being exposed to multiple research projects that are challenging and fulfilling for professional development to increase scientific value and expertise to the department. This integral position provides the incumbent an opportunity to work in a variety of setting including: the field, office, laboratory, and aboard research vessels. Their efforts will be used to guide management of UCI fisheries.
The working conditions you can expect:The study area this position is responsible for the entire UCI watershed; from Anchor Point west to Red River Delta, north to Denali National Park. The primary duty station is located in Soldotna. Daily work varies dependent on season to include monthly limnological field work during ice free periods, assistance with field camp construction and decommission during salmon run, and supervision of staff. This position will be stationed in Soldotna. Most of the time, work will be conducted in an office setting. However, during the salmon season (May-September) the incumbent may assist with the deployment and initial setup up of field camps. Likewise, the incumbent must be able to travel to field camps in the event their technical expertise is needed. Overnight travel to field camps for periods 2-5 days in duration are likely to occur 2-3 times annually.
This position requires the incumbent to obtain/maintain a valid driver's license and, be able to carry and operate a firearm for safety reasons. Firearms and ammunition are for protection when working in the field. The incumbent may need to spend up to 5 days at a time between May and September at field camps to assist ongoing assessment projects. Duties of this position will require the incumbent to occasionally work irregular hours (including night times) and up to seven days per week during the commercial fishing season.
Who we are looking for:We are looking for an energetic, committed and well-rounded fishery biologist/ecologist who has:
- Demonstrated experience assessing fish populations (both marine and freshwater) using a variety of methodologies such as sonar, gill nets, weirs, fish wheels, radio telemetry, catch sampling, aerial surveys, and mark-recapture.
- Experience conducting limnological studies to assess and enumerate zooplankton and larval salmon.
- Knowledge in predator and prey dynamics, salmon population estimation, forecasting and escapement goal analyses.
- Demonstrated experience writing code for statistical modeling or statistical analyses to assess salmon stocks.
- Demonstrated ability developing and managing stock assessment projects.
- Demonstrated ability preparing operational plans and annual reports.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise and mentor staff.
To view the general description and example of duties for a Fishery Biologist 3 (Upper Cook Inlet Research 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.
The incumbent is also encouraged (but not required by law) to:- attend Peace Officer/Law Enforcement training to become a State of Alaska, Department of Fish and Game Peace Officer; and
- obtain First Aid/CPR certification.
Minimum QualificationsA 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 full performance professional experience as a biologist or fish culturist. The required professional biologist work experience is met by service as a Fishery Biologist 2, Fish Culturist 2, Wildlife Biologist 2, Habitat Biologist 2, or Fisheries Geneticist 1 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
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.
Additional Required InformationREQUIRED DOCUMENTSPlease provide at time of application submission:- Copy of college transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable).
- Cover letter
- Resume
If selected, please provide the following at the time of the interview:- Example of a written report that highlights the applicant's knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct a fisheries stock assessment project or population modeling exercise.
- 3 References (including one from a recent supervisor).
COVER LETTERThe cover letter should highlight your knowledge, skills, abilities, and demonstrated experience as they pertain to the 7 competencies in this job posting. Please attach the cover letter before submitting them online, or if unable to be attached to your application, email or fax them to the contact provided in the job posting. The cover letter will be used to help determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.
FIREARMSThis 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.
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).
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.WORK EXPERIENCEIf 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 STATEMENTThe 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.
NOTICEIf 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 & ASSISTANCEQuestions 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 InformationFor specific information in reference to the position please contact the hiring manager:Jack Erickson Fish and Game Coordinator 907-267-2376
jack.erickson@alaska.gov
Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefitsThe 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 (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 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 for additional information
Paid Leave & Other Benefits - Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
- Twelve (12) paid holidays a year
