Fishery Biologist 1

This position is open to Alaska Residents only.
Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries is recruiting
for a Fishery Biologist 1 located in Homer, Alaska!

What You Will Be Doing:
The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries is recruiting for a seasonal Fishery Biologist 1 located in Homer (Region II). This is a 7-month (minimum) permanent seasonal position that will serve as the field coordinator for Lower Cook Inlet research projects focused on providing timely information for inseason management of commercial salmon fisheries. Major duties include, but are not limited to: using remote video technology to monitor salmon escapement, collecting and analyzing otoliths to estimate hatchery/wild composition in the catch and escapement, assisting with data analysis and reporting, maintaining ArcGIS, MS Access, and Oracle databases, and leading and training fish and wildlife technicians.

Our Mission, Values 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 well-being of the citizens of the state, consistent with the sustained yield principle, and subject to allocations through public regulatory processes”. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game 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, and treated equitably and respectfully.

This position plays a vital role in gathering and processing biological data used to manage commercial salmon fisheries. Data collected and processed by this position will directly contribute to management decisions that affect the sustainability of Alaska’s salmon resource and the well-being of the people who rely on it for their food and livelihood. Specifically, the data collected and processed by the incumbent describes the run timing, abundance, and composition of salmon escapements and commercial harvests in Lower Cook Inlet.


Benefits of Joining Our Team:
The State of Alaska is an excellent employer that provides medical and retirement benefits to permanent employees. This position offers an outstanding opportunity to gain expertise in a variety of fisheries research, monitoring, and analysis methods, including: designing, building, and maintaing custom remote video systems to monitor salmon escapement, and collecting and analyzing data to determine the hatchery/wild composition in the harvest and escapement. This position will introduce the incumbent to analysis and interpretation of fisheries data, including regular use of spatial and relational databases and coding in R/R Studio. It also enables the incumbent to engage with multiple stakeholders and experience the beauty of Kachemak Bay and Southcentral Alaska.

The Working Environment You Can Expect:
This position is located in the Homer field office, with a typical season running from April or May through October or November. Daily work assignments may include, but are not limited to: operating a skiff in marine environments, sampling commercial harvests on fish docks and in processing plants, traveling to remote sites and/or surveying by floatplane, conducting ground surveys and biological sampling in remote environments and in close proximity to black and brown bears, and working in an office with computers entering, editing, and analyzing data and authoring/co-authoring reports and operational plans.

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)

  • Electrical/Mechanical/Video: Demonstrated ability to design, build, and trouble-shoot/repair fairly complex remote video and 12VDC electrical systems powered by solar and wind.

  • Data management/analysis: Demonstrated experience entering, editing, and summarizing data in spreadsheets (MS Excel) and databases (MS Access/Oracle). Specific expertise with R/R Studio and ArcMap/ArcPro is desired, as is knowledge and use of best practices for ensuring reproducible research and analyses.

  • Fishery Biology: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of aquatic life. Demonstrated ability to implement fisheries field projects including: working outdoors in poor weather, working around bears, hiking and working in/around cold flowing waters, operating a skiff in open marine waters, and engineering solutions to technical problems. Attention to safety.

  • Written/Oral Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate (orally and in writing) technical/scientific information in a logical and effective manner. Ability to maintain an open dialogue and effectively communicate with your supervisor, peers, subordinates, and the public.

  • Other: Experience and proficiency with 12 GA shotguns for bear protection; this position may be trained to become an armorer and/or ADF&G firearms/wildlife safety instructor.


To view the general description and example of duties for a Fishery Biologist 1 please go to the
following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs


Special Note:
A valid driver's license is required.
First Aid/CRP

Must be able to legally carry and effectively use firearms.
  • Requires safe and proficient use of 12GA shotguns for bear protection and may also involve being trained as an armorer and/or firearms instructor, both of which require passing a background investigation to determine eligibility to handle/possess firearms.
  • Requires frequent field work, including: operating and working from outboard powered (40-200 HP) skiffs in marine environments, flying and surveying in small fixed-wing aircraft, camping multiple days in a tent, working in close proximity to black and brown bears, walking in and deploying nets (beach seines) in fast flowing streams to count and/or catch salmon for sampling, and carrying packs weighing up to 40+ lbs over rough, trail-less terrain for distances up to 3 miles or more.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, fisheries science, or natural resource management.

Substitution:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college that includes or is supplemented by the following credit hours will substitute for the degree in a specific field:
  • 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; and
  • 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.

Special Note:
"Upper division courses" means courses that are specialized, in-depth and advanced. Such courses emphasize problem-solving, analytical thinking skills, and theoretical applications, with depth and rigor in a discipline's theories and methods; specialization in a particular field or profession; refinement of general education; and/or development of specific intellectual and professional skills. Upper division courses are commonly identified in college catalogs as 300 level and higher.

Some positions may require training in specialized areas such as hydroacoustics, microscopic analysis, underwater research, or fish habitat restoration or enhancement.


An individual who will complete the educational requirements and obtain the required bachelor's degree within six months may apply and be considered for a vacancy. Such applicants may be given a conditional job offer but may not be appointed until receipt of the required degree has been documented.

Additional Required Information

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Please provide at time of application submission:
  • Cover letter addressing knowledge, skills, and experience relative to the key duties described for this position (limit 1 page);
  • Resume or CV; and
  • Academic transcripts (unofficial are acceptable). Please include both undergraduate and graduate transcripts, if applicable.

If selected, please provide the following at the time of the interview:
  • List of three (3) professional references with current daytime contact information; and
  • Writing samples (max of 3): e.g., thesis, publications, reports or operational plans you’ve authored/co-authored.

COVER LETTER
A cover letter is required for this position and will be used as a writing sample. The cover letter should highlight your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as they pertain to the position-specific competencies listed in the job description. Please attach the cover letter to your application before submitting it online or, if unable to attach to your application, fax or email it to the contact provided in the job posting. Your cover letter will be used to help determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
For your application to be evaluated you must answer the Supplemental Questions. Be specific in your answers and tell us how you acquired the relevant experience. Your responses will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment process.

FIREARMS
This position requires the use or possession of a firearm or ammunition. In accordance with the federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (PL 104-208), if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you may not hold this position.

A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is an offense that is (1) a misdemeanor under Federal or state law; and (2) has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim.

If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, do NOT apply for this position.

EDUCATION

To verify education is being used to meet and/or support the required minimum qualifications/competences, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials used to meet or support the minimum qualifications/competencies for a position and are required. (Unofficial is okay; please ensure the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts).


SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements, if applicable. If utilizing this education you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence.

WORK EXPERIENCE
If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer’s name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment.

NOTE: Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.

MULTIPLE VACANCIES
This recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment may be used for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies.

EEO STATEMENT
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aids or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or (907) 465-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.

NOTICE
If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the ‘govermentjobs.com’ domains. For information on allowing emails from the ‘governmentjobs.com’ domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located at https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword.

WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to recruitment.services@alaska.gov.

For applicant password assistance please visit:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword

Contact Information

For specific information in reference to the position please contact the hiring manager:

Ted Otis

Fishery Biologist 3

(907) 235-8191

ted.otis@alaska.gov


Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.

For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)

Insurance Benefits
  • Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
    • The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
      • AVTEC
      • Confidential
      • Correctional Officers
      • Marine Engineers
      • Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
      • Supervisory
      • Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
      • Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
    • The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
      • General Government
      • Labor, Trades and Crafts
      • Public Safety Employees Association
      • Masters, Mates & Pilots
  • Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)
Optional Insurance Benefits
  • Group-based insurance premiums for
    • Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
    • Long-term and short-term disability
    • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
    • Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
    • Supplemental Survivor Benefits
  • Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits
  • Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
  • Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
  • Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
  • Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
  • Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
  • Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options
See https://drb.alaska.gov/retiree/ for additional information
Paid Leave & Other Benefits
  • Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
  • Twelve (12) paid holidays a year

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