Fishery Biologist 3

Job Description

Effective July 1, 2026 the wage for this position increased by 2.5%. 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 Fisheries is recruiting

for a Fishery Biologist 3 located in Ketchikan, Alaska!

What you will be doing:

This position offers an incredible opportunity to oversee pink and chum salmon research in Southeast Alaska, as well as sockeye salmon research at ADF&G’s long-term stock assessment projects at Hugh Smith Lake in Misty Fjords National Monument and McDonald Lake on the mainland north of Ketchikan. The biologist in this position will lead preseason and in season pink salmon harvest forecasting, act as a project leader for the Southeast Coastal Monitoring Survey (marine trawl survey in northern Southeast Alaska), maintain pink and chum salmon escapement indices for the region, and will plan and participate in a variety of other salmon research as needed. This position offers the perfect mix of time spent in the office planning projects, analyzing data, and writing reports, and numerous opportunities to conduct field work at a variety of beautiful locations. This position also provides great opportunities to improve existing projects and, in some cases, plan new research to address relevant salmon management needs in the region.

Our mission, values, and culture:

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.

This position assists with research that provides useful information for managing southern Southeast Alaska commercial salmon fisheries. This position contributes to the division’s success by assisting in the development of research projects and escapement goals, and in the dissemination of data used for fishery management and stock assessments. The results of this position’s work contribute directly to ensuring that fisheries are managed sustainably.

The benefits of joining our team:

The Southeast Alaska salmon research team is a small, highly motivated group that oversees a variety of research activities in the region. The incumbent would be part of a team that collaborates to gather and analyze data and will gain a broad understanding of salmon research and management in Southeast Alaska. You will be able to participate in all aspects of research from planning and implementation to seeing the results of your work in publication. As a major bonus, many of the tasks involve unforgettable trips to remote areas of the region that few people get to see.

The working environment you can expect:

This position is stationed in the ADF&G office in Ketchikan, Alaska; however, during field season the position will make occasional trips of several days to a week to participate in the Southeast Coastal Monitoring Survey on marine waters in northern Southeast Alaska or visit the Hugh Smith Lake and McDonald Lake field camps (mid-April through mid-November). This position is also required to make day trips to other remote lakes and streams (primarily August-October) as needed and will also occasionally assist with sampling trips to other remote locations that may last several days to two weeks.

Who we are looking for:

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

Fishery Biology: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of aquatic life, including classification, taxonomy, population dynamics, distribution, habitat requirements, life histories, reproduction, behaviors, conservation, and care of aquatic species.

Oral and Written Communication: Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral and written presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.

Research: Knowledge of the scientific principles, methods, and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results.

Professionalism: Consistently displays the collection of competencies and skill expected of a professional. Professionalism is defined by its key behaviors including being accountable for actions and assigned projects; practicing efficient work habits to effectively manage time and workload; clearly communicating and expressing thoughts and ideas in writing and in person; possessing the ability to understand how non-verbal communication impacts the workplace; working effectively as part of a team to achieve productive outcomes; and consistently demonstrating, emotional intelligence, integrity, and ethical behavior.

Integrity/Honesty:(*) Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct and understands the impact of violating these standards on an organization, self, and others; is trustworthy.

To view the general description and example of duties for a

Fishery Biologist 3,

please go to the

following link:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs

Special Note:

A valid Driver's License is required.

First Aid/CPR/AED training is required but may be provided by the department.

Must be able to legally carry and effectively use firearms.

The position requires physically demanding work while in the field and involves exposure to inclement weather and other environmental conditions.

Requires frequent travel to perform field work, assist at camps, and attend fishery meetings.

Requires regular public speaking at fisheries meetings with industry, the Alaska Board of Fisheries, and other venues.

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;

AND

One year of full performance professional experience as a biologist or fish culturist. The required professional biologist work experience is met by service as a Fishery Biologist 2, Fish Culturist 2, Wildlife Biologist 2, Habitat Biologist 2, or Fisheries Geneticist 1 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.

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