This position is open to Alaska Residents only.
Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.
Effective July 1, 2024 the wage for this position increased by 5%. The wage listed in this job posting reflects the increase.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Sport Fish is recruiting for a Fisheries Scientist 2 (Chief Fisheries Scientist) located in Anchorage or Juneau!
What you will be doing:
Under the supervision of the Division Director this position serves as the Chief Fisheries Scientist for the Division of Sport Fish (DSF) / Research and Technical Services (RTS). The incumbent represents the division and the department on scientific matters on committees, before the Board of Fisheries, and before the public and their representatives. This position supervises and manages the budget for RTS with the aid of five high level direct reports: 2 Fisheries Scientists (1 salmon & 1 ground fish), 1 Biometrician, 1 Analyst Programmer, and 1 Environmental Engineer. RTS is responsible for- statewide data collection, Statewide Harvest Survey, technical services, continuing education for staff, guide registration/licensing, charter logbook program, fisheries scientists, biometrics, IT/programming and support, maintaining the divisional reporting series, water/fish habitat preservation and passage, the Anadromous Waters Catalog, and quality control of operational planning for research programs.
Incumbent will also be responsible to focus on facilitating the long-term planning, coordination and implementation of Chinook salmon gravel to gravel studies which may include- juvenile freshwater production, predator prey relationships, female based or large fish goals, enhancement and rehabilitation options, grant/ funding opportunities, and pursuing research partnerships.
This position also serves as a member of the Division Leadership Team, which helps in setting DSF priorities, budget, policy, and direction.
Our organization, mission, and culture:
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game protects, maintains, and improves the fish, wildlife, and aquatic plant resources of the state, and manages their use and development in the best interest of the economy and the wellbeing of the people of the state, consistent with the sustained yield principle. The Department 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. To contribute to the Division successfully achieving these values the incumbent will:
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Provide guidance, direction and support in the management of research techniques, methodologies, report writing and publications for the Division and Department.
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Liaise as the Commissioner’s representative with other departmental, state, university, interstate, federal, and international agencies.
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Serve as the divisional or departmental representative on the following advisory groups: National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Recreational Information Program Operations Team; US Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Subsistence Management Technical Review Committee; Founder’s Board of the Alaska Resources Library & Information Services; member of the ADF&G Escapement Goal Plan Team.
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Advise the Director, Commissioner and others on policy decisions; management issues; resolution of conflicts; and other scientific aspects of fisheries management inside and outside of Alaska.
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Participate in planning within the division and the department regarding departmental policy concerning scientific issues, analysis, and research.
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Lead special research projects and publishes results in symposia and scientific journals.
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As the chief editor for the Division reviews/approves publications by any staff in the division wishing to publish in symposia and scientific journals for scientific and technical consistency, relevance, and quality.
Benefits of joining our team:
As a member of the ADF&G team, you will be collaborating with a dynamic group of highly motivated professionals that work with a variety of species, project designs, and analysis types across a broad and varied landscape. This position makes direct contribution to the research and management of several species that are of critical importance to both the ecosystem and the economy of the state of Alaska.
The working conditions you can expect:
The position is located at the ADF&G building in Anchorage or the ADF&G headquarters office in Juneau. You will have a private walled office and work in an environment that is a collaboration of regional, area and headquarters office staff in Sport Fish as well as staff with the Division of Commercial Fisheries and Division of Wildlife Conservation.
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Occasional travel for meetings is required (4-6 times per year). Most travel is in state.
Who we are looking for:
The ideal candidate will possess some or all of the following desired strengths (These traits must be documented in a cover letter. If you do not have experience with any of these traits simply say so):
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Extensive knowledge of the theories, principles, concepts, methods, procedures and techniques of fisheries science.
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Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of fishery research related to the application of biometrics, fish population dynamics, fisheries genetics, fish ecology and other disciplines relevant to fishery management.
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Thorough knowledge of statistical and information management procedures related to scientific research and reporting.
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Considerable knowledge of the principles and techniques of administrative management, including organization, planning, staffing, grant compliance and budgeting.
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Some knowledge of techniques for conflict resolution, building consensus and implementing change.
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Ability to formulate policy regarding controversial and complex fisheries science issues.
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Ability to communicate effectively, present complex technical information concisely and logically, defend departmental positions and refute inaccurate information, both orally and in writing to a variety of audiences.
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Ability to formulate and conduct original research.
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Ability to apply fisheries research theories, practice, principles and strategies to study and take action regarding the most complex multidisciplinary fisheries issues and management challenges.
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Ability to author, edit, and organize comprehensive scientific report.
To view the general description and example of duties for a Fisheries Scientist 2 (Chief Fisheries Scientist) please go to the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs
A Ph.D. in fisheries science or fisheries biology or any closely related discipline such as, but not exclusively, biometrics, fish pathology, fisheries genetics, fisheries economics or wildlife science.
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Three years of fisheries research experience at the senior review level equivalent to a Fishery Biologist 4, Biometrician 3, Fisheries Geneticist 3, Fisheries Scientist 1 or Fish Pathologist 3 with the State of Alaska.
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A masters degree in fisheries science or fisheries biology or any closely related discipline such as, but not exclusively, biometrics, fish pathology, fisheries genetics, fisheries economics or wildlife science.
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Five years of fisheries research experience at the senior review level equivalent to a Fishery Biologist 4, Biometrician 3, Fisheries Geneticist 3, Fisheries Scientist 1 or Fish Pathologist 3 with the State of Alaska.
Special Note:
Degree preference is for a Ph.D. with emphasis on population dynamics of fishery resources.
Definitions of degree fields:
Biometrics: a branch of biology involving the statistical analysis of biological observations and phenomena.
Ecology: a branch of biology concerned with the interrelationship of organisms to their environment, however for the purpose of this classification series, the degree must focus on animals versus human groups.
Fish pathology: the study of the essential nature of diseases of fish.
Fisheries genetics: a branch of biology that deals with the heredity and variation of fish species.
Fisheries science: knowledge of multiple disciplines obtained and attested through scientific method and applied to the act, process, occupation or season of taking fish.
Fishery biology: a branch of biology that deals with the origin, history, physical characteristics, life processes, habits, etc., of fish as it applies to the act, process, occupation or season of taking fish.
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.
***Multiple Locations – Multiple Applicant Pools***
The location of this position is currently in Anchorage. The position may be located in Anchorage or Juneau, dependent upon the location of the most qualified candidate. There is only ONE position to be filled.
Please provide at time of application submission:
If selected, please provide the following at the time of the interview:-
List of three (3) professional references, including current daytime telephone number(s), one (1) of which must be from a current or former supervisor.
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Copies of all college transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable).
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.
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:
Israel Payton
Division Director
907-267-2814
israel.payton@alaska.gov