Fishery Biologist 1 (PCN 111818)

State of Alaska•Anchorage, AK

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries is recruiting for a Fishery Biologist 1 located in Anchorage, Alaska. The primary responsibilities of this position is to process fish tissues and assist with performing subsequent qPCR testing and histology to screen for fish pathogens in surveillance and diagnostic cases using an array of disciplines, such as pathology, microbiology, and molecular biology, and summarizing data, conduct basic analyses, and report results. The incumbent will provide general support for the Fish Pathology Regulatory Program, such as assisting with general lab maintenance, media preparation, QA/QC, data entry, purchasing lab supplies, assisting with expenditure tracking and budget audits, and other duties as assigned. This position requires a working knowledge of fish anatomy and dissection skills to dissect fish and collect the target organs and tissues for testing and a working knowledge of qPCR, microscopy, and histology. The Fish Pathology Section monitors and manages fish diseases statewide (according to Title 16 of the Alaska Statutes) by: 1) conducting pathogen surveys; 2) providing diagnostic services and regulatory oversight of fishery programs; 3) developing fish disease policies; and 4) advising the Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and other state and federal authorities on fish disease issues. The incumbent will directly contribute to that Mission by processing samples, conducting microbiological and molecular assays, identifying pathogens and reporting findings for the Fish Pathology regulatory program for various user groups.

Requirements

Ability to work independently, exercise teamanship, follow protocols, pay high attention to details, and communicate effectively with supervisors, co-workers and stakeholders.
Ability to work hazardous materials containing potential pathogens or chemicals using required safety measures and PPE.
Knowledge of the principles, practices and terminology of microbiology and aseptic lab methods used within working with pathogens.
Knowledge of using a microscope.
Skills at dissecting fish and recognizing basic anatomy of fishes.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, fisheries science, or natural resource management.
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.
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.
A valid driver's license is required.
First Aid/CPR certification.

Nice To Haves

Potential for some additional field work.
Opportunities to communicate in a variety of written and oral forms to a diversity of user groups, including the general public.
Skill development across a suite of standard laboratory and analytical techniques while learning and growing in the fields of fish pathology and aquaculture.
Active participation and contribution to investigate the cause(s) of fish mortality/morbidity.
Occasional opportunity to contribute to research-oriented projects that may result in publication of peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals.

Responsibilities

Process fish tissues and assist with performing subsequent qPCR testing and histology to screen for fish pathogens in surveillance and diagnostic cases.
Summarize data, conduct basic analyses, and report results.
Provide general support for the Fish Pathology Regulatory Program, such as assisting with general lab maintenance, media preparation, QA/QC, data entry, purchasing lab supplies, assisting with expenditure tracking and budget audits, and other duties as assigned.
Conduct pathogen surveys.
Provide diagnostic services and regulatory oversight of fishery programs.
Develop fish disease policies.
Advise the Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and other state and federal authorities on fish disease issues.
Process samples, conduct microbiological and molecular assays, identify pathogens and report findings for the Fish Pathology regulatory program for various user groups.