Fishery Biologist ; Lower Cook Inlet Area Research Biologist - PCN

Job Title

Fishery Biologist 3 – Lower Cook Inlet Area Research Biologist (PCN 111028) – Homer, AK

This position is open to Alaska residents only.

• Develop the pre‑season salmon forecast for Lower Cook Inlet.
• Prepare in‑season 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.
• Supervise and conduct field studies for salmon, including planning, budgeting, developing, implementing, and supervising projects such as assessing salmon escapement, operating video weirs, and commercial catch sampling.
• Generate salmon forecasts and in‑season run projections; provide in‑season data interpretation that guides harvest strategies for commercially harvested stocks.
• Deploy and set up fish weirs, conduct stream walks and aerial surveys during the salmon season (May–August).
• Travel to field camps overnight for periods up to one week, 1–3 times annually.

Based in Homer. Most work is conducted in an office. The position is not remote; a hybrid telework schedule may be possible after probation.

• Knowledge of fishery biology concepts: classification, taxonomy, population dynamics, etc.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience assessing fish populations in rivers.
• Ability to plan, organize, and oversee complex field projects and manage associated budgets.
• Experience directing work of personnel in remote and semi‑remote field environments.
• Experience using personal computers for field data collection and office data analysis.
• Experience generating technical documents (research reports, operational plans).
• Professionalism: accountability, effective communication, teamwork, integrity, ethical behavior.
• Research skills: design, collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of data.
• Written communication: clear, concise, organized, convincing for intended audience.

A bachelor’s degree in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, fisheries science, or natural resource management.

One year of full‑performance professional experience as a biologist or fish culturist (e.g., Fishery Biologist 2, Fish Culturist 2, Wildlife Biologist 2, Habitat Biologist 2, Fisheries Geneticist 1 with the State of Alaska or equivalent with another employer).

Educational substitution: at least 24 semester hours (16 upper‑division) in biology or related fields and at least 12 semester hours in chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, geology, hydrology, or GIS.

A valid driver’s license is required.

The position may involve possession of firearms/ammunition; applicants with a misdemeanor domestic‑violence conviction are ineligible.

The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation, auxiliary aids 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.

Jack Erickson, Fish and Wildlife Coordinator – Phone: (907) 267‑2376 – jack.erickson

Statewide toll‑free: (800) 587‑0430 – (907) 465‑4095 (Juneau and out‑of‑state callers)