Subsistence Resource Specialist 2 (PCN 110408) - State of Alaska

What you will be doing:
The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Subsistence, is looking for a Subsistence Resource Specialist 2 to join our Subsistence Division team. This is a permanent position that will support Northern Region subsistence research projects with a focus on the Kuskokwim River. The incumbent will be responsible for assisting with the development, planning, implementation, and reporting on the human dimensions of subsistence activities and regulation in northern Alaska, with a focus on research in the Western Region, particularly throughout the Kuskokwim River Drainage. This work involves fieldwork in remote communities on research topics including comprehensive subsistence harvest surveying and the documentation of traditional knowledge. The incumbent will work under close coordination with Program Managers and other Subsistence Resource Specialists, to ensure quality and timely completion of priority tasks. The incumbent may also assist with researching and preparing materials for regulatory review and grant writing.

Our organization, mission, and culture: 
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game's mission is to manage, protect, maintain, and improve the fish, game, and aquatic plant resources of Alaska to ensure they are managed on the sustained yield principle for the best interests of the economy and well-being of the people of the state. The mission of the Subsistence Division is to scientifically gather, quantify, evaluate, and report information about customary and traditional uses of Alaska's fish and wildlife resources. This position plays a critical role in that mission by planning and leading data collection for the management of fisheries resources in the northern region of Alaska, with a focus in western Alaska, to ensure sustainable subsistence opportunities for area residents.

The Subsistence Division 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 respectfully.

Benefits of joining our team: 
This position is an excellent opportunity to participate in applied social science research at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The work we do serves people across Alaska, ensuring reliable information for the regulatory process and resource managers. This position offers valuable experience to grow professionally and gain experience in a professional research setting working directly with other researchers and natural resource managers.

The working conditions you can expect: 
This position is located at the 1300 College Rd Fairbanks office location of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The incumbent will regularly interact with members of the public in a research capacity, coordinating with rural communities to plan, implement, and review research; conducting fieldwork to collect harvest or traditional knowledge data; and with colleagues at ADF&G or other agencies regarding the management of Alaska's subsistence resources. Daily work environment spans from report writing, data analysis, interacting with stakeholders, addressing regulatory questions, and developing research proposals and questions/approaches. Fieldwork typically requires travel in small planes and boats away from the duty station for 1-2 weeks at a time multiple times per year.

• Requires frequent travel within the State for 1-2 weeks, multiple times per year for fieldwork and other meetings.

Who we are looking for:
We are looking for an energetic and committed professional who has the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of, or experience working in rural Alaska. Experience with Kuskokwim River drainage communities of particular interest. 
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, exercise sound judgment, and follow directions of the lead Subsistence Resource Specialist (e.g., obtain community research approvals through attending council meetings and giving research project overviews.)
• Excellent organizational skills and familiarity with social science research methods and the role of quality assurance and quality control processes in conducting data collection and coding completed surveys.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the ethical principles of conducting social science research in the Western Region and ensure that research results are accurate and provided back to study communities.
• Demonstrated skills in communicating with tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, and other entities based in rural Alaska
• Demonstrated skill and experience in organizing, evaluating and presenting information, orally and in writing, to a broad variety of individuals under sometimes adverse or stressful conditions, tailoring the communication to the audience.
• Willingness to work through weekends and in evenings in remote communities with limited commercial facilities for 3-4 weeks at a time for as much as 3-4 months per year, as required to complete assigned research projects.