Fishery Biologist 3 (PCN 111697)

State of Alaska • Ketchikan, AK

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries is recruiting for a Fishery Biologist 3 located in Ketchikan, Alaska. This position offers an incredible opportunity to oversee pink and chum salmon research in Southeast Alaska, as well as sockeye salmon research at ADF&G’s long-term stock assessment projects at Hugh Smith Lake in Misty Fjords National Monument and McDonald Lake on the mainland north of Ketchikan. The biologist in this position will lead preseason and in season pink salmon harvest forecasting, act as a project leader for the Southeast Coastal Monitoring Survey (marine trawl survey in northern Southeast Alaska), maintain pink and chum salmon escapement indices for the region, and will plan and participate in a variety of other salmon research as needed. This position offers the perfect mix of time spent in the office planning projects, analyzing data, and writing reports, and numerous opportunities to conduct field work at a variety of beautiful locations. This position also provides great opportunities to improve existing projects and, in some cases, plan new research to address relevant salmon management needs in the region. The Division of Commercial Fisheries strives for a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and well-being are paramount, and employees at all levels promote a culture where everyone is valued, treated equitably, and treated respectfully. This position assists with research that provides useful information for managing southern Southeast Alaska commercial salmon fisheries. This position contributes to the division’s success by assisting in the development of research projects and escapement goals, and in the dissemination of data used for fishery management and stock assessments. The results of this position’s work contribute directly to ensuring that fisheries are managed sustainably.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, fisheries science, or natural resource management.
• One year of full performance professional experience as a biologist or fish culturist.
• 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.
• A valid Driver's License is required.
• First Aid/CPR/AED training is required (may be provided by the department).
• Must be able to legally carry and effectively use firearms.
• Physically demanding work while in the field.
• Exposure to inclement weather and other environmental conditions.
• Frequent travel to perform field work, assist at camps, and attend fishery meetings.
• Regular public speaking at fisheries meetings with industry, the Alaska Board of Fisheries, and other venues.
• Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of aquatic life, including classification, taxonomy, population dynamics, distribution, habitat requirements, life histories, reproduction, behaviors, conservation, and care of aquatic species.
• Ability to express information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information; make clear and convincing oral and written presentations; listen to others, attend to nonverbal cues, and respond appropriately.
• Knowledge of the scientific principles, 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.
• Consistently displays the collection of competencies and skill expected of a professional, including being accountable for actions and assigned projects; practicing efficient work habits to effectively manage time and workload; clearly communicating and expressing thoughts and ideas in writing and in person; possessing the ability to understand how non-verbal communication impacts the workplace; working effectively as part of a team to achieve productive outcomes; and consistently demonstrating emotional intelligence, integrity, and ethical behavior.
• Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct and understands the impact of violating these standards on an organization, self, and others; is trustworthy.
• Must have a cover letter highlighting knowledge, skills, abilities, and demonstrated experience as they pertain to the 5 competencies for fisheries biology and why you are interested in the position.
• If convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, do NOT apply for this position.
• Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet requirements if applicable and evaluated by a private organization or accredited US state university.
• Transcripts are required to verify educational credentials used to meet or support minimum qualifications/competencies.

Nice To Haves

• Substitution: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college that includes or is supplemented by 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.
• Substitution: 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.
• Some positions may require training in specialized areas such as hydroacoustics, microscopic analysis, underwater research, or fish habitat restoration or enhancement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee pink and chum salmon research in Southeast Alaska.
• Oversee sockeye salmon research at ADF&G’s long-term stock assessment projects at Hugh Smith Lake and McDonald Lake.
• Lead preseason and in season pink salmon harvest forecasting.
• Act as a project leader for the Southeast Coastal Monitoring Survey (marine trawl survey in northern Southeast Alaska).
• Maintain pink and chum salmon escapement indices for the region.
• Plan and participate in a variety of other salmon research as needed.
• Improve existing projects and plan new research to address relevant salmon management needs.
• Assist in the development of research projects and escapement goals.
• Disseminate data used for fishery management and stock assessments.

Benefits

• Wage increased by 2.5% effective July 1, 2026.
• Opportunities to improve existing projects and plan new research.
• Collaborate with a team to gather and analyze data.
• Gain a broad understanding of salmon research and management in Southeast Alaska.
• Participate in all aspects of research from planning and implementation to seeing the results of your work in publication.
• Unforgettable trips to remote areas of the region.

What This Job Offers

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