Fishery Biologist 3 (Lower Cook Inlet Area Research Biologist)

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 Homer, Alaska!

What you will be doing:

•Develop the pre-season salmon forecast for Lower Cook Inlet;

•Prepare inseason projections of harvest and total run for Lower Cook Inlet salmon stocks;

•Develop and evaluate spawning escapement and harvest goals;

•Ensure data are properly collected, analyzed, distributed, and archived;

•Design and implement studies to identify and manage mixed stock  fisheries.

Our mission, values, and culture:

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. At the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, we strive to maintain the State's fish resources and fish habitat consistent with the interest of the economy and well-being of all Alaskan citizens established in the sustained yield principle.

The benefits of joining our team:

This position is the Area Research Biologist for the Lower Cook Inlet Management Area and provides an excellent career opportunity leading a team of professional staff to answer fisheries questions that guide management decisions in Lower Cook Inlet.  This position oversees multiple fisheries projects including assessing salmon escapement, several video weirs, and commercial catch sampling). Responsibilities include, planning, budgeting, developing, implementing, supervising, and conducting field studies for salmon. The position synthesizes fishery information to evaluate spawning escapement goals, generates  salmon forecasts and inseason run projections, and provides inseason data interpretation that guides harvest strategies for commercially harvested stocks. Homer is a vibrant community of the Kenai Peninsula and offers many recreational opportunites including fresh and saltwater fishing, and exploring nearby Kamishak Bay.

The working environment you can expect:

This position will be stationed in Homer. Most of the time, work will be conducted in an office setting.  However, during the salmon season (May-August) the incumbent will assist with the deployment and initial setup of fish weirs, conducting stream walks and aerial surveys to assess salmon escapement, and assesing the contribution of hatchery stocks to commerical fisheries..  Overnight travel to field camps for periods up to 1 week in duration are likely to occur 1-3 times annually. The selected candidate will work in an environment that is part of a friendly and collaborative work environment of administrative staff. Fully remote work is not an option; however, a hybrid telework schedule may be an option once probation is complete.

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

1.Comprehensive knowledge and experience assessing fish populations in rivers.

2.Ability to plan, organize, and oversee complex field projects and manage associated budgets.

3.Experience directing the work of personnel in remote and semi-remote field environments.

4.Experience using personal computers in the field for data collection and in the office for data analysis and reporting.

5.Experience generating technical documents including research reports and operational plans.

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.

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.

Written Communication: Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.

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.

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

The incumbent is also encouraged to:

attend Peace Officer/Law Enforcement training to become a State of Alaska, Department of Fish and Game Peace Officer; and

obtain First Aid/CPR certification. Provided by the department at no cost to the employee.