Fishery Biologist ; Crab Observer Program Debriefer - PCN

Effective July 1, 2026 wage adjustment

The wage for this position increased by 3%. 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 Fish is recruiting for a Fishery Biologist 1 located in Dutch Harbor, Alaska!

This position is with the Crab Observer Program for the Bering Sea-Aleutian Islands crab fisheries. The primary duties of this position are to brief and debrief fishery observers, review observer data for accuracy and enter and edit data in various database applications. This position also assists in training new observers and requires knowledge of biological sampling techniques, fishery-specific regulations, an understanding of observer data collection, and strong interpersonal skills when interacting with contract observers and department staff.

The Alaska Department of Fish & Game’s mission is to manage, protect, maintain, and improve the fish, game and aquatic plant resources of Alaska. The primary goals are to ensure that Alaska’s renewable fish and wildlife resources and their habitats are conserved and managed on the sustained yield principle, and the use and development of these resources are in the best interest of the economy and well-being of the people of the state.

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.

This position is an integral member of the ADF&G Commercial Fisheries team and contributes to the success of the region by assisting in the collection of biological data used for fishery management and stock assessments, monitoring harvest of fisheries, assisting with observer deployment logistics, coordinating and participating in observer training courses, and communicating regularly with fishermen, processors, industry, and other agencies to provide information, answer questions, and clarify regulations.

The State of Alaska is an excellent employer that offers generous benefits, including health insurance and paid time off. The Observer Program is a fun, highly motivated group made up of six Fishery Biologists and up to two dozen fishery observers who work together to collect fishery-dependent data to aid in the management of crab fisheries. Our team gathers biological data in port and at-sea onboard commercial fishing vessels – both of which provide unique opportunities to learn about Alaska’s fisheries, gain valuable experience and skills, and see incredible places around Alaska!

ADF&G managed housing in Dutch Harbor is available at no cost to the employee.

This position is staffed in the ADF&G office in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Dutch Harbor is a small town located on Unalaska Island and provides unparalleled opportunities for fishing, hiking, berry picking, and exploring the outdoors. The daily work environment is dynamic and includes working at a desk in an office setting, at processing plants, and living and working aboard vessels  times, this position will require working outside normal business hours and on weekends, which may include time vel may be required to participate in crab observer training and stock assessment surveys outside of standard business hours and on weekends.

• This position may require travel to Kodiak, Alaska to assist with observer training and may be required to deploy at sea onboard commercial fishing vessels for up to three weeks at a time.

Who we are looking for

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

• Effective communicator and strong interpersonal skills: must be able to effectively communicate through oral and written skills with a variety of people, accept critical feedback in a professional manner, be respectful and empathetic of others, and support/mentor direct reports.
• Ab…