Fishery Biologist 1/2 Flex (Assistant Area Managment Biologist-PCN 111297)

The State of Alaska is hiring a Fishery Biologist 1/2 Flex for a full-time position in Petersburg, AK. The role involves conducting SCUBA and aerial surveys, managing various fisheries, and engaging in fieldwork from March to October. Responsibilities include public interaction, reviewing permits, and drafting reports. Candidates need a relevant bachelor's degree and knowledge of Alaska's fisheries. This position offers unique field experiences but requires on-site presence.
About the position

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries is seeking a dedicated Fishery Biologist 1/2 Flex for a full-time, year-round position located in Petersburg, Alaska. This role is considered one of the premier positions within the department, having been vacant only a few times since the 1980s. The successful candidate will engage in a variety of tasks, including conducting assessment surveys using SCUBA, aerial surveys for salmon, and managing diverse fisheries ranging from salmon to shrimp and sea cucumbers. This position is ideal for biologists who thrive in dynamic environments, enjoy teamwork, and are passionate about making a difference in fishery management. The mission of the Division of Commercial Fisheries is to manage subsistence, commercial, and personal use fisheries in a manner that benefits the economy and well-being of Alaskan citizens, while adhering to sustainable yield principles. The division emphasizes a diverse and inclusive workforce, prioritizing safety and respect among all employees. Joining this team offers a unique opportunity to manage some of Alaska's most distinctive fisheries, providing valuable management experience and the chance to work with a wide array of resource users. Fieldwork will include breathtaking experiences such as whale sightings and exploring remote river systems, primarily within the Petersburg-Wrangell Management Area, with opportunities to assist in fisheries surveys throughout Southeast Alaska. The working conditions are diverse, with fieldwork occurring from March through October, involving SCUBA, vessel, foot, and aerial surveys in support of various fisheries. The role requires adaptability, multitasking, and prioritization skills, as the biologist will frequently transition between different duties. Responsibilities include public interaction, coordination with other ADF&G staff, reviewing resource use permits, and drafting reports and regulatory documents. Fieldwork may involve travel in small planes and boats, with potential overnight stays away from the duty station for up to 10 days during the field season. The successful applicant will also need to work with firearms and non-lethal bear deterrents in bear-populated areas, conduct aerial surveys, and may require specialized SCUBA training.

Responsibilities
• Conduct assessment surveys using SCUBA and aerial surveys for salmon.
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• Manage a variety of fisheries including salmon, shrimp, and sea cucumbers.
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• Interact with the public and coordinate management activities with ADF&G staff.
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• Review and comment on resource use permits and draft department reports.
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• Conduct fieldwork that includes whale sightings and exploring remote river systems.
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• Travel in small planes and boats for fieldwork, potentially staying away from the duty station for up to 10 days.
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• Work with firearms and non-lethal bear deterrents in bear-populated areas.
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• Conduct aerial surveys via small planes or helicopters and stream surveys by foot.

Requirements
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, fisheries science, or natural resource management.
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• Experience or knowledge of Alaska's commercial fisheries.
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• Knowledge of Southeast Alaska fishery management strategies and issues.
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• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with agency staff and resource user groups.
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• Experience leading large groups or supervising employees.
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• Experience conducting aerial and/or foot surveys for estimating spawning salmon abundance.
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• Experience in small boat handling and maintenance.
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• Experience working on vessels or in remote field camps under minimal supervision.
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• Experience with SCUBA diving and sampling fish for biological data.
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• Ability to organize, evaluate, and present information effectively, both orally and in writing.
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• Familiarity with software programs such as ArcGIS Pro, Microsoft Office Suite, and Integrated Fisheries Database programs.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience with hydroacoustics, microscopic analysis, underwater research, or fish habitat restoration.
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• Experience in data analysis and report writing.

Benefits
• Opportunity to manage unique fisheries in Alaska.
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• Gain valuable management experience.
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• Work with a team of dedicated professionals.
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• Diverse fieldwork opportunities in scenic locations.