Fishery Biologist 1/2 Flex (Assistant Area Managment Biologist-PCN 111297) - State of Alaska

What you will be doing:
The Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries is recruiting for a full-time year-round Fishery Biologist flex 1/2 in Petersburg, Alaska. This Assistant Area Management Biologist position is considered one of the premier and most coveted positions within the Alaska Department of Fish & Game as this is only the fourth time it has been vacant since the 80’s. This position includes a diversity of duties from conducting assessment surveys by SCUBA to conducting aerial surveys for salmon and deals with a myriad of fisheries from salmon to shrimp to sea cucumbers. Biologists who like diversity, a fast-paced job, working with people, working in a team environment, ample field work, responsibility, doing a job that can make a difference, and overall job satisfaction are encouraged to apply.

Our organization, mission, and culture: 
The mission of the Division of Commercial Fisheries is to manage subsistence, commercial, and personal use fisheries in the interest of the economy and general wellbeing of the citizens of the state, consistent with the sustained yield principle, and subject to allocations through public regulatory processes. 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.

Benefits of joining our team: 
This position provides an excellent opportunity to participate in managing some of the most unique fisheries in Alaska. Because the fisheries we manage are quite diverse this presents a special chance to learn several different management strategies and work with a wide array of resource users. You will gain valuable management experience and be part of a team of dedicated professionals that work together towards the common goal of sustaining Alaska’s fish resources and the fisheries that depend on them.

While conducting fieldwork there will be whale sightings, glaciers, exploring remote river systems, and much more. Most of the fieldwork occurs within the Petersburg-Wrangell Management Area, but there are also several opportunities yearly to assist with fisheries and surveys throughout Southeast Alaska.

The working conditions you can expect:
This position is based in the scenic town of Petersburg located in the heart of Southeast Alaska near the LeConte Glacier and the mouth of the Stikine River. This position provides a diversity of field work from March through October including SCUBA, vessel, foot and aerial surveys in support of herring, salmon, shrimp and dive fisheries. There is hardly a dull moment with this position–being able to smoothly transition from one duty to another on a moment’s notice, multi-task and prioritize are key to success and enjoyment of this position. You will regularly interact with members of the public, coordinate management activities with other ADF&G staff around Southeast Alaska, review and comment on resource use permits, and draft and review department reports, Emergency Orders, and Advisory Announcements. When in the office, the daily work environment spans from report writing, data analysis, interacting with stakeholders, addressing regulatory questions, and actively managing fisheries. Fieldwork requires travel in small planes and boats and being away from the duty station for up to 10 days throughout the field season.

• The successful applicant will be required to work with firearms and non-lethal bear deterrents in areas with high bear concentrations. 
• The successful applicant will be required to conduct aerial surveys via a small, fixed wing plane or helicopter and stream surveys by foot. 
• This position often requires traveling by small boat or small airplane and working on larger state vessels.
• This position also requires travel to attend meetings or training (2-3 times per year). 
• The applicant must have or be able to obtain a valid driver's license.  
• Finally, this position may require training in specialized underwater research using SCUBA.

Who we are looking for:
We are looking for a candidate that possesses some or all of the following position-specific competencies (If you have any experience with the following, please document these in your application and cover letter).

We are looking for a committed professional who is energetic, works well with others, communicates well with people from diverse backgrounds, is trainable, and who ideally has:

• Experience and/or knowledge with Alaska’s commercial fisheries.
• Knowledge of Southeast Alaska fishery management strategies and issues, the Alaska Board of Fisheries process, and statutes and regulations affecting conservation and use of fishery resources and their habitats.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with agency staff, private organizations, and resource user groups.
• Experience leading large groups and/or supervising at least one employee.
• Experience conducting aerial and/or foot surveys for estimating spawning salmon abundance.
• Experience in small boat handling and maintenance.
• Experience working on vessels or in remote field camps under minimal supervision.
• Experience with SCUBA diving.
• Experience sampling fish for biological data (i.e., age, length, sex composition).
• The ability to organize, evaluate, and present information effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Experience with a variety of software programs, and office equipment, including but not limited to: ArcGIS Pro, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Power Point, Adobe, and any Integrated Fisheries Database programs.

Special Note:
A valid driver's license is required.
Must be able to legally carry and effectively use firearms.