Fishery Biologist 1 (Crab Observer Program Debriefer)

Job Description

Effective July 1, 2026 the wage for this position increased by 3%. The wage listed in this job posting reflects the increase.

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 Fish is recruiting

for a Fishery Biologist 1 located in Dutch Harbor, Alaska!

What you will be doing:

This position is with the Crab Observer Program for the Bering Sea-Aleutian Islands crab fisheries. The primary duties of this position are to brief and debrief fishery observers, review observer data for accuracy and enter and edit data in various database applications.  This position also assists in training new observers and requires knowledge of biological sampling techniques, fishery-specific regulations, an understanding of observer data collection, and strong interpersonal skills when interacting with contract observers and department staff.

Our mission, values, and culture:

The Alaska Department of Fish & Game’s mission is to manage, protect, maintain, and improve the fish, game and aquatic plant resources of Alaska. The primary goals are to ensure that Alaska’s renewable fish and wildlife resources and their habitats are conserved and managed on the sustained yield principle, and the use and development of these resources are in the best interest of the economy and well-being of the people of the state.

The Alaska Department of Fish & Game strives for a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and wellbeing are paramount and employees at all levels promote a culture where everyone is valued, treated equitably, and treated respectfully.

This position is an integral member of the ADF&G Commercial Fisheries team and contributes to the success of the region by assisting in the collection of biological data used for fishery management and stock assessments, monitoring harvest of fisheries, assisting with observer deployment logistics, coordinating and participating in observer training courses, and communicating regularly with fishermen, processors, industry, and other agencies to provide information, answer questions, and clarify regulations.

The benefits of joining our team:

The State of Alaska is an excellent employer that offers generous benefits, including health insurance and paid time off. The Observer Program is a fun, highly motivated group made up of six Fishery Biologists and up to two dozen fishery observers who work together to collect fishery-dependent data to aid in the management of crab fisheries. Our team gathers biological data in port and at-sea onboard commercial fishing vessels – both of which provide unique opportunities to learn about Alaska’s fisheries, gain valuable experience and skills, and see incredible places around Alaska! ADF&G managed housing in Dutch Harbor is available at no cost to the employee.

The working environment you can expect:

This position is staffed in the ADF&G office in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Dutch Harbor is a small town located on Unalaska Island and provides unparalleled opportunities for fishing, hiking, berry picking, and exploring the outdoors. The daily work environment is dynamic and includes working at a desk in an office setting, at processing plants, and living and working aboard vessels at sea. At times, this position will require working outside normal business hours and on weekends, which may include time at sea. Travel may be required to participate in crab observer training and stock assessment surveys outside of standard business hours and on weekends.

This position may require travel to Kodiak, Alaska to assist with observer training and may be required to deploy at sea onboard commercial fishing vessels for up to three weeks at a time.

Who we are looking for:

We are interested in candidates who possess some or all of the following position specific competencies:

Effective communicator and strong interpersonal skills: must be able to effectively communicate through oral and written skills with a variety of people, accept critical feedback in a professional manner, be respectful and empathetic of others, and support/mentor direct reports.

Ability to work in a dynamic environment, which requires regularly shifting priorities for this position and those it supervises to achieve program goals, while maintaining workload balance.

At-sea experience in an observer role, with crab observer experience preferred: able to conduct field work onboard vessels for an extended period and in inclement weather.

Experience as an observer program debriefer: able to review observer data, provide guidance in areas for improvement, enter and provide quality checks for observer data.

Experience training fishery observers: able to produce training materials, supervise and/or assist observer training staff, as needed.

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.

This position may be in possession of, or have access to, firearms/ammunition.

First Aid/CPR. For those not already certified, training will be provided by the department at no cost to the employee.

crab observer training class certification per 5 AAC 39.143; obtained by attending the crab observer training class and completing the practicum exercises and crab observer exam with a score of 90% or greater, and successfully deploying as a crab fisheries observer before the end of the probationary period.

cold water survival training.

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

If selected, please provide the following at the time of the interview:

Three professional references with current contact information, with at least one being a current or former supervisor.

Transcripts, if being used to meet minimum qualifications (unofficial copies are accepted).

COVER LETTER

A cover letter is NOT required at the time of application.

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