Fisheries Scientist

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries is recruiting a Fisheries Scientist 1 located in Anchorage or Juneau.

The Fisheries Scientist 1 provides technical expertise on salmon resources and fisheries issues related to the Pacific Salmon Treaty, as well as federal and state actions affecting Pacific Northwest and Canadian‑origin stocks. This role delivers scientific and policy‑relevant analysis to ADF&G leadership, supporting informed decision‑making and ensuring Alaska’s interests are represented.

• Active participation on national and international technical committees.
• Conducting and evaluating complex analyses such as stock assessments and escapement goal development.
• Communicating findings to leadership, stakeholders, and the public.
• Reviewing, assessing, and proposing policy‑related advice on Chinook salmon activities.
• Ensuring that Chinook Technical Committee models, results, and reports contain appropriate descriptions of uncertainty and evidence‑based recommendations.
• Participating in review and analysis of federal actions under the ESA, MMPA, Magnuson‑Stevens Conservation and Management Act, and drafting responses.
• Fostering collaborations within ADF&G and across state, tribal, and federal parties.
• Communicating results and recommendations clearly to department leadership and stakeholders.

• Extensive knowledge of fisheries science research principles, statistical analysis, sampling design, and population modeling.
• Thorough knowledge of Pacific Salmon Commission processes involving Chinook salmon.
• Understanding of national policies affecting Alaska’s fisheries (e.g., ESA, MMPA, MSA).
• Strong oral and written communication skills and experience authoring technical documents.
• Strong supervisory skills and ability to coordinate and collaborate with diverse staff.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving, initiative, and capability to work independently and as part of a team.

This position is staffed in either the ADF&G office in Anchorage or Juneau. The work includes some telework, regular in‑person work, and regular travel (approximately 8 weeks annually) to Canada and the states of Washington and Oregon. Work may include field sampling at remote locations or aboard research vessels. Frequent travel in‑state and out‑of‑state, sometimes internationally, is expected.

• Ph.D. in fisheries science, fisheries biology, or a closely related discipline (e.g., biometrics, fish pathology, genetics, economics, wildlife science).
• Three years of experience conducting fisheries research at a lead or supervisory level equivalent to Fishery Biologist 3, Biometrician 2, Fish Pathologist 2, or Fisheries Geneticist 2 with the State of Alaska.
• OR a master’s degree in the same fields and five years of equivalent experience.

As part of the Chief Fisheries Scientist for Salmon Office, this role offers a challenging and fulfilling professional opportunity to collaborate with decision makers, biometricians, and scientists across state and federal agencies to ensure the best available science is used to sustainably manage the resources of Alaska.

Valid driver’s license required. This position requires the use or possession of a firearm or ammunition; applicants with a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence may not hold this position.

The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is an equal opportunity employer.

Bill Templin, Chief Fisheries Scientist
Phone: (907) 267‑2234
Email: bill.templin
Statewide toll‑free: (800) 587‑0430
(907) 465‑4095 (Juneau and out‑of‑state callers)