Fishery Biologist 3 (Groundfish Project Leader)

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 Sitka, Douglas, Ketchikan, or Petersburg, Alaska!

What you will be doing:

The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries is seeking a Groundfish Project Leader to oversee the management and research of groundfish in Southeast Alaska. This Fishery Biologist 3 position is responsible for:

Leading the Southeast Groundfish Project by directing fishery management, stock assessment, research, budgeting, and staff supervision for groundfish fisheries in Southeast Alaska and Yakutat.

Managing commercial groundfish fisheries by analyzing biological and fishery data, establishing harvest levels, issuing emergency orders, and ensuring sustainable fisheries.

Planning, conducting, and overseeing scientific research and stock assessment programs to support management of sablefish, rockfish, lingcod, Pacific cod, flatfish, and other groundfish species.

Supervising three Fishery Biologist 2 positions and ensuring the successful implementation of research and management priorities of the overall Groundfish Project team.

Representing the department by collaborating with state, federal, and international partners, presenting scientific findings, and communicating with industry, advisory groups, Board of Fisheries, and the public.

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 state's citizens, in accordance with the sustained yield principle. The individual in this position contributes to achieving this mission by 1) proposing and/or evaluating policies and practices related to groundfish management and research activities in Southeast Alaska to ensure adherence to the highest scientific and statistical standards; 2) ensuring that results and reports include appropriate descriptions of uncertainty, provide evidence-based recommendations, and discuss associated risks; 3) fostering collaborations within ADF&G, with stakeholders, the public, and various government agencies; and 4) effectively communicating results and recommendations to department leadership and stakeholders.

The Alaska Department of Fish & 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, treated equitably, and treated respectfully.

The benefits of joining our team:

This position offers the opportunity to lead an important fisheries management and research program with meaningful influence on the conservation and sustainable use of Alaska's groundfish resources. This position works alongside experienced scientists, biometricians, and resource managers while collaborating with state, federal, international, and industry partners. The position provides opportunities for professional growth through leadership, scientific research, policy development, and participation in regional, national, and international fisheries management forums. Fieldwork, vessel-based research, and public engagement provide a diverse and rewarding work experience. Flexible work schedules and limited telework opportunities may be available depending on operational needs.

The working environment you can expect:

This position may be based in Douglas, Sitka, Ketchikan, or Petersburg, Alaska, and combines office-based scientific, analytical, and administrative work with seasonal field research conducted aboard chartered commercial fishing vessels and research vessels throughout Southeast Alaska and Yakutat, as well as biological sampling and data collection at shore-based seafood processing facilities. Occasional in/out of state travel is required for surveys, meetings, and conferences, and time working outside normal business hours and on weekends is occasionally required. This position may require travel in small planes, watercraft, working in inclement weather, or at sea.

Who we are looking for:

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

Analysis and Assessment: Uses information technology in accessing, collecting, analyzing, maintaining, and disseminating data and information.

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.

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.

Scientific Research: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of scientific principles related to environmental, ecological, biological, or physical science and the 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.

Supervision: Plans, distributes and monitors work assignments; sets task priorities; evaluates work performance and provides feedback to others on their performance; ensures that staff are appropriately selected, utilized, and developed, and that they are treated in a fair and equitable manner. Assignments include the authority and responsibility to recommend or independently take action to employ (i.e., appoint, transfer, promote), discipline or discharge, or adjudicate grievances of direct reports.

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 training is required. Provided by the department at no cost to the employee.

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