Fisheries Scientist 1 (Pacific Salmon Treaty Scientist - PCN 111185)

State of Alaska • Anchorage or Juneau, AK

4h • Hybrid

About The Position

This Fishery Scientist 1 position provides technical expertise on salmon resources and fisheries issues related to the Pacific Salmon Treaty (PST), as well as federal and state actions affecting Pacific Northwest and Canadian-origin stocks that are critical to Alaska fisheries such as the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This role delivers scientific and policy-relevant analysis to Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) leadership, supporting informed decision-making and ensuring Alaska’s interests are effectively represented. Key responsibilities include active participation on national and international technical committees, conducting and evaluating complex analyses such as stock assessments and escapement goal development, and clearly communicating findings to leadership, stakeholders, and the public. This position helps fulfill the division’s mission to manage subsistence, commercial, and personal use fisheries in the interest of the economy and general well-being of the citizens of the state, consistent with the sustained yield principle by conducting scientifically sound assessments to help manage sustainable uses of Alaska’s fish, shellfish and aquatic plant resources.

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of the principles, concepts, and methods of fisheries science research, statistical analysis, sampling design, and population modeling.
• Thorough knowledge of Pacific Salmon Commission processes involving Chinook salmon including Pacific Salmon Treaty language, technical assessments, and processes.
• Understanding of national policies, practices, and plans affecting Alaska’s fisheries (e.g., ESA, MMPA, and MSA).
• Strong oral and written communication skills for the presentation of scientific and policy issues to a wide range of audiences and experience with authoring and editing technical documents and reports.
• Strong supervisory skills and ability to coordinate and/or collaborate with diverse professional staff to accomplish program goals.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems, take initiative, and to work with both a high degree of independence and as part of a team.
• A Ph.D. degree in fisheries science or fisheries biology or any closely related discipline such as, but not exclusively, biometrics, fish pathology, fisheries genetics, fisheries economics or wildlife science. AND Three years of experience conducting fisheries research at the lead or supervisory level equivalent to a Fishery Biologist 3, Biometrician 2, Fish Pathologist 2 or Fisheries Geneticist 2 with the State of Alaska.
• OR A masters degree in fisheries science or fisheries biology or any closely related discipline such as, but not exclusively, biometrics, fish pathology, fisheries genetics, fisheries economics or wildlife science. AND Five years of experience conducting fisheries research at the lead or supervisory level equivalent to a Fishery Biologist 3, Biometrician 2, Fish Pathologist 2 or Fisheries Geneticist 2 with the State of Alaska.
• Valid driver's license required.

Nice To Haves

• Degree preference is for a Ph.D. with emphasis on population dynamics of fishery resources.

Responsibilities

• Reviews, assesses, and/or proposes policy-related advice and practices related to Chinook salmon activities by the Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC) to ensure the best available scientific and statistical practices are used.
• Ensures that Chinook Technical Committee (CTC) models, results, and reports contain appropriate descriptions of uncertainty, provide evidence-based recommendations, and discuss associated risks.
• Participates in review and analysis of federal actions under the ESA, MMPA, Magnuson-Stevens Conservation and Management Act (MSA) and others and drafts appropriate responses.
• Fosters collaborations within ADF&G and across state, tribal and federal parties within the U.S. Section of the PSC.
• Communicates results and recommendations clearly and effectively to department leadership and stakeholders.

Benefits

• This position offers the incumbent a challenging and fulfilling, professional opportunity to collaborate with decision makers, biometricians, and scientists across state and federal agencies to ensure the best available science is used to sustainably manage the resources of the State of Alaska for the benefit of the people of Alaska.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree