Fish and Wildlife Technician 3 (PCN 111735)

State of Alaska•Petersburg, AK

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Fish and Game, Commercial Fisheries Division, is seeking to hire a seasonal Fish and Wildlife Technician 3 to serve as a port sampler from approximately June 1st to August 31st in Petersburg, Alaska. This position may continue to be active through September 12th, depending on the dynamics of the fisheries. Port sampling technicians will be responsible for collecting both biological and fishery performance data from commercially harvested salmon and Dungeness crab landings. The selected candidates will develop a working knowledge of the port sampling program in the Petersburg/Wrangell management area as well as an understanding of pertinent fisheries. Port sampling technicians will work at least 7.5 hours per day, 5 days a week (with potential opportunities for overtime) in the seafood processing plants and docks in Petersburg. Port sampling technicians will be required to interact with commercial fishermen, processing plant workers, and other ADF&G staff in a professional and respectful manner. Data collection will include fishery performance data obtained through interviewing permit holders, as well as collecting biological samples (such as scales and tissue) and evaluating salmon for coded-wire tags (CWT) using a CWT wand. Practicing safe handling and learning to identify all five species of pacific salmon in their ocean bright condition are integral skills for this position. The technicians’ work will be directed by the Petersburg/Wrangell Port Sampling Supervisor, Port Sampling Crew Leader, or the Regional Port Sampling Supervisor. Attention to detail and a willingness to learn are essential for these positions.

Requirements

High school graduation or the equivalent.
Six months experience at the developmental level of fish and wildlife technician or aide (equivalent to Fish and Wildlife Technician 2 with the State of Alaska).
OR One year of technical laboratory and/or field experience involving fish or wildlife research, management, or habitat protection; as a commercial fisher, guide, or trapper; or a subsistence hunter or fisher.
A valid driver's license.
Proficiency using electronics (ideal for data entry into electronic tablets).
Ability to work a flexible schedule dependent on commercial fishery openings, closures, vessel, and seafood processing dynamics.
Ability to work on docks and in seafood processing facilities in cold, wet, windy, and slippery conditions.
Ability to work in loud conditions around moving machines, forklifts, and people.
Ability to work irregular hours, possibly early mornings and late evenings.
Ability to perform repetitive motion of hands and fingers, bending, lifting, pulling and pushing up to 50 pounds, twisting under load (weight), and at times, standing in one place for extended periods of time.
Ability to work with fish blood and viscera, pathogens, and sharp implements.
Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of marine and aquatic life, including classification, taxonomy, population dynamics, distribution, habitat requirements, life histories, reproduction, behaviors, conservation, and care of marine and aquatic species.
Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of scientific principles related to environmental, ecological, biological, or physical science and the methods, and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results.
Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral and written presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.
Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.

Nice To Haves

First Aid/CPR certification (training will be provided if not already certified).

Responsibilities

Collecting both biological and fishery performance data from commercially harvested salmon and Dungeness crab landings.
Developing a working knowledge of the port sampling program in the Petersburg/Wrangell management area and an understanding of pertinent fisheries.
Interacting with commercial fishermen, processing plant workers, and other ADF&G staff in a professional and respectful manner.
Collecting fishery performance data through interviewing permit holders.
Collecting biological samples (such as scales and tissue).
Evaluating salmon for coded-wire tags (CWT) using a CWT wand.
Practicing safe handling.
Learning to identify all five species of pacific salmon in their ocean bright condition.
Assisting in the collection of biological data from commercial salmon landings for coded wire tags, fishery performance data, age-length data, genetic samples, and other biological data as directed.