Fishery Biologist 3

The State of Alaska is seeking a Fishery Biologist 3 for the Upper Copper/Upper Susitna Area in Glennallen. The role involves managing sport, personal use, and subsistence fisheries, monitoring fish populations, setting harvest regulations, and collaborating with various stakeholders. The position requires supervising an assistant and overseeing field operations, ensuring compliance with state laws, and contributing to sustainable fishery management. This job is open to Department Employees only and is not remote.
This position is open to Department Employees only.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Sport Fish is recruiting for a Fishery Biologist 3 (Upper Copper/Upper Susitna Area Sport Fish Manager) located in Glennallen!

What you will be doing:

For the Upper Copper/Upper Susitna Drainage, this position oversees the sustainable management of sport, personal use, and subsistence fisheries by monitoring fish populations, setting harvest regulations, and ensuring compliance with state laws. Collect and analyze data from commercial, sport, and subsistence fisheries and work with users, the Alaska Board of Fisheries, and federal, tribal, and local bodies to craft fishing regulations that are effective and enforceable. This position also supervises an assistant, assists with office maintenance, oversees field operations, prepares reports, reviews regulatory permits, assists with fisheries enhancement, and helps to improve and maintain public access.

Our organization, mission, and culture:

The mission of the Division of Sport Fish is to protect and improve the state’s sport fishery resources. In terms of our values the Alaska Department of Fish & Game strives for a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and wellbeing are paramount and employees at all levels promote a culture where everyone is valued, treated equitably, and treated respectfully.

In Region III there are 5 management areas and corresponding managers who are responsible for fisheries in the Copper, Kuskowim, Tanana and Yukon drainages, and all lakes and rivers north of the Yukon River to the Beaufort Sea and west to the Bering Sea. Within the Upper Copper/Upper Susitna drainage, the scale of fisheries and geography is impressive, encompassing vast, rugged landscapes and a diverse array of aquatic habitats that support significant subsistence, personal use, commercial, and sport fisheries. The region is characterized by glacially fed rivers, expansive tributary networks, and remote lakes that provide critical spawning and rearing habitat for salmon, including the highly valued Chinook and sockeye populations. The fisheries here are integral to local communities, sustaining traditional harvest practices while also supporting recreational and economic opportunities.
Fisheries managers play a crucial role in maintaining the sustainability of these fisheries in alignment with the mission of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G)—to protect, maintain, and improve the fish, wildlife, and aquatic plant resources of the state. Through stock assessments, harvest monitoring, habitat conservation, and regulatory enforcement, fisheries managers ensure that fish populations remain healthy and resilient amid environmental changes and fishing pressures. They work closely with stakeholders, including tribal entities, commercial fishers, and recreational anglers, to develop science-based management strategies that balance resource use with conservation. Additionally, they contribute to research efforts, using data-driven approaches to inform policy decisions that sustain Alaska’s fisheries for future generations while respecting the cultural and economic importance of these resources.

Benefits of joining our team:

This position offers an incredibly rewarding career with opportunities for professional growth, flexible work schedules, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on Alaska’s fisheries. As a fisheries manager, you'll be at the forefront of balancing fishing opportunities, ensuring resource sustainability, and collaborating with a diverse group of stakeholders, from local communities and user groups to state and federal agencies.

The role provides extensive opportunities for career development, with mentorship, hands-on experience, and the ability to take on increasing responsibilities. Managers have the chance to engage in fisheries research, conduct aerial surveys to assess salmon run strength, and play a vital role in shaping fisheries policy. Strong performance is recognized, and individuals who excel can advance within the department, taking on leadership roles and expanding their expertise in fisheries management.

Flexibility is another key benefit. During the offseason, flexible work schedules allow for a healthy work-life balance, whether that means spending more time with family, enjoying Alaska’s world-class hunting and fishing, or pursuing professional development.
Beyond the technical aspects of the job, this position is about making a difference. Managers build lasting relationships with colleagues, local users, advisory committees, and agency partners. The work is both challenging and deeply fulfilling—protecting Alaska’s fisheries for future generations while ensuring opportunities for anglers today. If you're looking for a career that combines meaningful work, professional growth, and an adventurous lifestyle, this is it!

The working conditions you can expect:

The Upper Copper/Upper Susitna Management Area is located in southcentral Interior Alaska, encompassing vast river systems, glacially influenced watersheds, and remote landscapes. The area includes the upper reaches of the Copper and Susitna River drainages, stretching across rugged terrain with towering mountains, braided river channels, and expansive boreal forests. Fisheries within this region are diverse, supporting subsistence, personal use, sport, and commercial harvests, with species such as Chinook and sockeye salmon, Arctic grayling, burbot, and lake trout thriving in its pristine waters.

This position is based in Glennallen, Alaska, a small, close-knit community situated along the Glenn Highway, providing access to the Copper River Basin and surrounding wilderness. Region III is home to a supportive and fun team that thrives on collaboration, and the Upper Copper/Upper Susitna fisheries staff are no exception. The Area Manager works alongside dedicated professionals in research, public outreach, hatcheries and fish stocking, access (e.g., trails and boat launches), and administration. The role is essential in identifying, prioritizing, and supporting fisheries management efforts, ensuring sustainable fish populations while balancing stakeholder needs.
Beyond the core responsibilities, this position is part of a workplace that feels like family. Teamwork, mentorship, and a shared passion for fisheries create an enjoyable and rewarding work environment where staff support each other in the field, office, and beyond. Whether coordinating with research teams, engaging with local communities, or assisting with hands-on fishery assessments, the work is both dynamic and impactful.

Who we are looking for:

We are looking for an individual with the following competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities:
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of Board of Fisheries regulatory process, permitting and Alaska Fish and Game Laws/Regulations as they relate to sport, subsistence, and commercial fisheries for the Upper Copper/Upper Susitna Management Area.
• Demonstrated knowledge of research based on sound scientific practices to support fisheries management.
• Demonstrated knowledge relating to maintaining and improving angler access to fisheries while balancing conservation needs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Region III’s core functions as they relate to Fisheries Enhancement, Fish Habitat, and Communications and Outreach identified in the Division’s Strategic Plan.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

To view the general description and example of duties for a Fishery Biologist 3 (Upper Copper/Upper Susitna Area Sport Fish Manager) 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

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 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 Information

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Please provide at time of application submission:
• Cover letter

If selected, please provide the following at the time of the interview:
• Educational transcripts
• Fisheries related report

COVER LETTER

The cover letter should address the following:

1)Identify two essential characteristics for successfully managing sport, personal use, and subsistence fisheries in the Upper Copper/Upper Susitna Management Area, explain the rationale behind each, and support your explanation with an example from your work or personal experience; and,

2)Identify two essential characteristics for establishing a strong team environment among departmental staff in the Upper Copper/Upper Susitna Management Area, explain the rationale behind each, and support your explanation with an example from your work or personal experience.
Cover letter should be attached at time of application.

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.

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. (Unofficial is okay; please ensure the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts). Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of interview.

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 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.

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:

Klaus Wuttig

Fisheries Biologist 4

907-459-7344

klaus.wuttig@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