Fishery Biologist

Job Overview

Fishery Biologist 3 (Lower Cook Inlet Area Research Biologist - PCN 111028) located in Homer, Alaska. 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 this role.

• 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.

The position will be stationed in Homer. Most work is conducted in an office setting. During the salmon season (May – August) the incumbent will assist with deployment and initial setup of fish weirs, conduct stream walks and aerial surveys to assess salmon escapement, and assess the contribution of hatchery stocks to commercial fisheries. Overnight travel to field camps for periods up to one week is likely to occur 1–3 times annually.

A hybrid telework schedule may be available after probation. Full remote work is not an option.

Applicants should possess the following competencies:

• Knowledge of fish biology concepts, principles, taxonomy, population dynamics, habitat requirements, life histories, reproduction, behavior, conservation, and aquatic species care.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience assessing fish populations in rivers.
• Ability to plan, organize, and oversee complex field projects and manage associated budgets.
• Experience directing personnel in remote and semi‑remote field environments.
• Experience using personal computers in the field for data collection and in the office for analysis and reporting.
• Experience generating technical documents such as research reports and operational plans.
• Professionalism: accountability, efficient work habits, clear communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, integrity, and ethical behavior.
• Research knowledge of scientific principles, study design, data collection and analysis, and reporting.
• Written communication: clear, concise, organized, and convincing writing for the intended audience.

A valid driver’s license is required.

This position is the Area Research Biologist for the Lower Cook Inlet Management Area and provides an excellent career opportunity leading a team of professional staff to answer fisheries questions that guide management decisions. The position oversees multiple fisheries projects, including assessing salmon escapement, operating several video weirs, and conducting commercial catch sampling. Responsibilities include planning, budgeting, developing, implementing, supervising, and conducting field studies for salmon.

The role synthesizes fishery information to evaluate spawning escapement goals, generates salmon forecasts and in‑season run projections, and provides in‑season data interpretation that guides harvest strategies for commercially harvested stocks. Homer is a vibrant community with many recreational opportunities.

• Encouraged to attend Peace Officer/Law Enforcement training to become a Department of Fish and Game Peace Officer.
• Encouraged to obtain First Aid/CPR certification, provided by the department at no cost.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, fisheries science, or natural resource management,
* and* 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 elsewhere).

Substitution: a bachelor’s degree supplemented by the following credit hours will substitute for the degree: at least 24 semester hours in biology‑related subjects (16 upper‑division) and at least 12 semester hours in chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, geology, hydrology, or GIS. Upper‑division…