Fishery Biologist 1|2 Apply
Full job description
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries is recruiting for a Fishery Biologist 1/2 located in Petersburg!
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 80s. 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.
The 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 Alaskas 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 environment 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 positionbeing able to smoothly transition from one duty to another on a moments 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.
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 Alaskas 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.
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:
- Valid Driver's license required.
- 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.
Minimum Qualifications
Fishery Biologist 1
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.
Fishery Biologist 2
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, fisheries science, or natural resource management;
AND
One year of professional experience as a biologist or fish culturist. The required professional biologist experience is met by service as a Fishery Biologist 1, Fish Culturist 1, Wildlife Biologist 1, or Habitat Biologist 1 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
Substitutions:
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.
A master's degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, fisheries science, or natural resource management, will substitute for the required year of professional level biologist experience. An individual who will complete the educational requirements and obtain the required master'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.
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.
Additional Required Information
A cover letter is required for this position.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Please provide at time of application submission:
- Copies of all college transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable), if being used to meet the minimum qualifications.
- Cover letter
COVER LETTER
A cover letter is required for this position. In your cover letter you must highlight your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as they pertain to the position-specific competencies listed above. 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 considered a writing sample and will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.
EDUCATION
If post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, 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 if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or within 48 hours of the close of this recruitment to the contact person listed below.
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 when applying.
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.
FLEXIBLY STAFFED
This position is flexibly staffed. This vacancy may be filled at either the 1 or 2 level, depending on the applicant's training and/or experience. The full range of salaries is listed above. Starting salary will be determined by the level the position is hired at. If filled at Level 1, promotion to the Level 2 will occur upon successful completion of the probationary period and required training, as well as the applicant meeting the minimum qualifications of the higher job class.
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.
EEO STATEMENT
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides 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:
Katie Taylor
Petersburg Area Management Biologist
Phone: (907) 772-3801
kathryn.taylor@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
- The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
- 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
- Eleven paid holidays a year
