Fisheries Scientist 1 (Fisheries Scientist for Chinook Salmon PCN 111015)

State of Alaska • Juneau, AK

7d

About The Position

The Fisheries Scientist 1 is the State of Alaska’s lead technical expert on Chinook salmon stock and fishery assessments associated with the Pacific Salmon Treaty (PST) and represents Alaska as U.S. Co-Chair of the Pacific Salmon Commission Chinook Technical Committee (CTC). The position leads and reviews technical work on the coastwide Chinook Model, stock assessment, coded-wire tags, genetic stock identification, harvest and exploitation rates, and estimates of hatchery and wild stock contributions to fisheries. It provides scientific and biometric oversight of Chinook assessment programs, including study design, sampling methods, data analysis, and technical review, to support scientifically sound results. The position works with ADF&G and federal, state, tribal, and Canadian fisheries agencies, and provides technical advice to department leadership and the Pacific Salmon Commission. It supervises one biometrician by assigning work, setting priorities, providing technical direction and training, and evaluating performance.

As part of the Chief Fisheries Scientist for Salmon Office, the position joins a collaborative team of scientists and biometricians applying technology, statistics, research, and analysis to fisheries assessment and management challenges across Alaska. It offers opportunities to contribute expertise beyond its primary focus and work with scientists and decisionmakers across state and federal agencies to support sustainable fisheries management.

The position is based in Alaska, with regular office work and some telework flexibility. It involves approximately 10 weeks of annual travel to meetings in Canada, Washington, and Oregon, as well as frequent in-state travel (2–3 trips per year) and out-of-state travel (3–6 trips per year), typically lasting 2–5 days. Occasional evening or weekend commitments may be required. The role may also involve visits to remote field projects or work aboard research vessels. Travel may involve small planes, watercraft, inclement weather, or work at sea. The position may be located in Anchorage or Juneau depending on the location of the most qualified candidate. A valid driver’s license is required, and the position requires use or possession of a firearm or ammunition. The recruitment is open to Alaska residents only.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in fisheries science, fisheries biology, or a closely related discipline, plus three years of fisheries research experience at the lead or supervisory level equivalent to the listed State of Alaska classifications; or a master’s degree in one of those fields plus five years of such experience.
• A valid driver's license.
• Ability to meet the position’s firearm or ammunition use or possession requirement; applicants convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence may not hold the position.
• Extensive knowledge of fisheries science research, statistical analysis, sampling design, and population modeling theories, principles, concepts, methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Experience supervising scientific professionals and ability to lead a group in a new direction.
• Thorough knowledge of Pacific Salmon Commission processes involving Chinook salmon, such as Pacific Salmon Treaty language, the CTC Chinook Model, and estimation of exploitation.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for presenting scientific and policy issues to a wide range of audiences.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and contribute to a positive and supportive work environment.
• Applicants must be Alaska residents.
• Applicants must provide a resume or CV, college transcripts, and a cover letter with the application. If selected for interview, applicants must provide contact information for three professional references, including one person they have supervised, and at least two examples of professional and technical writing for which they are sole or senior author.

Nice To Haves

• A Ph.D. with emphasis on population dynamics of fishery resources is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Alaska’s lead technical expert on Chinook salmon stock and fishery assessments associated with the Pacific Salmon Treaty.
• Represent Alaska as U.S. Co-Chair of the Pacific Salmon Commission Chinook Technical Committee.
• Lead and review technical work involving the coastwide Chinook Model, stock assessment, coded-wire tags, genetic stock identification, harvest and exploitation rates, and hatchery and wild stock contributions to fisheries.
• Provide scientific and biometric oversight of Chinook assessment programs, including study design, sampling methods, data analysis, and technical review.
• Work with ADF&G and federal, state, tribal, and Canadian fisheries agencies, and provide technical advice to department leadership and the Pacific Salmon Commission.
• Supervise one biometrician by assigning work, setting priorities, providing technical direction and training, and evaluating performance.
• Conduct and review stock assessments and modeling to support sustainable management of Alaska’s Chinook salmon fisheries and help secure Alaska’s catch allocation while maintaining wild stocks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior