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 1 located in Anchorage!
What you will be doing:
This seasonal Fishery Biologist 1 position has two main functions: 1) serving as a research assistant for ADF&G’s Salmon Ocean Ecology Program from approximately May to October, and 2) serving as a biologist performing entry-level microbiology and laboratory work for ADF&G’s Statewide Fish Pathology Laboratory Regulatory program from approximately October to April. The position will be located in the Anchorage ADF&G office. The length of employment each year will depend on funding and research needs.
Our organization, mission, and culture:
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 Salmon Ocean Ecology Program (SOEP) supports statewide salmon fisheries management through the assessment and monitoring of salmon in the marine environment. Our goals are to 1) understand the marine life of Alaskan salmon, 2) use this information to assist fishery management decision-making, and 3) help answer pressing questions about marine processes that influence the abundance and characteristics of our salmon populations. The incumbent will join a small team of staff dedicated to supporting this mission through field and laboratory research, data analysis, and active communication with other scientists and the public.
The mission of the Fish Pathology Section is to monitor and manage finfish and shellfish diseases statewide (according to Title 16 of the Alaska Statutes) by 1) conducting pathogen surveys, 2) providing diagnostic services and regulatory oversight of the statewide hatchery and shellfish programs; 3) developing finfish and shellfish disease policies; and 4) advising the Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and other state and federal authorities on fish disease issues. The incumbent will directly contribute to that Mission by processing samples, conducting microbiological and molecular assays, identifying pathogens, and reporting for the Fish Pathology regulatory program. As part of the Section, the Anchorage laboratory comprises a small team of staff committed to providing high quality fish health services for wild and cultured fishes. The incumbent’s role will be the performance of diagnostic and survey testing of fish and shellfish for diseases, learning about the different diseases that commonly occur in Alaska fishes, and gaining more knowledge and a better understanding of the Alaska aquaculture industry and fishery management.
Benefits of joining our team:
This is a highly dynamic position that is perfect for someone who likes diversity in their daily work. This position offers a unique blend of exciting field research at sea; computer-based data entry, data management, and QA/QC; opportunities for communications in a variety of written and oral forms; skill development across a suite of standard laboratory and analytical techniques; opportunity to learn and grow in the fields of finfish and shellfish pathology/aquaculture; opportunity to participate and contribute to investigations to determine cause(s) of fish mortality/morbidity; and occasional opportunity to contribute to research that may result in publication of peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals.
The working conditions you can expect:
This position is based in the Anchorage ADF&G office. Fieldwork will include living and working on a vessel at sea, sometimes in inclement conditions. Laboratory work requires strict attention to detail and adherence to health and safety protocols.
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Requires travel within the State and living and working aboard research vessels for up to 3 weeks at a time (~4 deployments each year).
Who we are looking for:
We are looking or an individual with that following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
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Prior experience living and working on fishing or research vessels and working with people of varying skills and abilities in a field research setting.
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Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently and participate as a member of a work team.
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Working knowledge of the principles, practices & terminology of microbiology and characteristics of microorganisms, safety, and aseptic lab methods used when working with pathogens.
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Ability to work with hazardous materials containing potential pathogens using required safety measures and PPE.
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Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, co-workers, and stakeholders.
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
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.
THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR ALASKA RESIDENTS ONLY
This recruitment is open to Alaska Residents only. Applicants must meet Alaska Residency Requirements in order to be considered for employment at this time.
COVER LETTER
A cover letter is required for this position and will be used as a writing sample. The cover letter should highlight your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as they pertain to the position-specific competencies listed in the job description. 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 used to help determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
For your application to be evaluated you must answer the Supplemental Questions. Be specific in your answers and tell us how you acquired the relevant experience. Please use complete sentences and proof-read your submissions when answering the supplemental questions. Your responses will be considered a writing sample and will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment process.
If selected, please provide the following at the time of the interview:
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Requires educational transcripts. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application if you so choose. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
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Requires a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) to verify employment experience.
Special Note:
A valid driver's license is required.
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.
EDUCATION
To verify education is being used to meet and/or support the required minimum qualifications/competencies, 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 used to meet or support the minimum qualifications/competencies for a position and are required with each application. (Unofficial is okay; please ensure the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts). Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of interview; if not, transcripts will be required before employment.
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. Omission of required documentation listed will result in an incomplete application and you will not receive further consideration.
WORK EXPERIENCE
If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer 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.
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
For specific information in reference to the position please contact the hiring manager:
Katie Howard
kathrine.howard@alaska.gov