Fisheries Scientist ; Pacific Salmon Treaty Scientist - PCN

Fisheries Scientist 1 (Pacific Salmon Treaty Scientist - PCN 111185)

Location:

Anchorage or Juneau, AK. This position is open to all applicants.

This Fisheries Scientist 1 position provides technical expertise on salmon resources and fisheries issues related to the Pacific Salmon Treaty (PST), federal and state actions affecting Pacific Northwest and Canadian-origin stocks critical to Alaska fisheries such as the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The role delivers scientific and policy-relevant analysis to Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) leadership, supporting informed decision-making and ensuring Alaska’s interests are effectively represented.

Key responsibilities include active participation on national and international technical committees, conducting and evaluating complex analyses such as stock assessments and escapement goal development, and clearly communicating findings to leadership, stakeholders, and the public.

This position helps fulfill the division’s mission to manage subsistence, commercial, and personal use fisheries in the interest of the economy and general well-being of the citizens of the state, consistent with the sustained yield principle by conducting scientifically sound assessments to help manage sustainable uses of Alaska’s fish, shellfish and aquatic plant resources.

• Reviews, assesses, and proposes policy-related advice and practices related to Chinook salmon activities by the Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC) to ensure the best available scientific and statistical practices are used.
• Ensures that Chinook Technical Committee (CTC) models, results, and reports contain appropriate descriptions of uncertainty, provide evidence-based recommendations, and discuss associated risks.
• Participates in review and analysis of federal actions under the ESA, MMPA, Magnuson-Stevens Conservation and Management Act (MSA) and others and drafts appropriate responses.
• Fosters collaborations within ADF&G and across state, tribal and federal parties within the U.S. Section of the PSC.
• Communicates results and recommendations clearly and effectively to department leadership and stakeholders.

As part of the Chief Fisheries Scientist for Salmon (CFS) Office, this position is part of a diverse, dynamic, competent, and committed team of specialists that work together to develop real-world applications of technology, statistics, research, and analysis necessary to assess and manage salmon species across Alaska. This position offers the incumbent 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 the State of Alaska for the benefit of the people of Alaska.

This position is staffed in either the ADF&G office in Anchorage or Juneau, Alaska. The daily work environment is variable; including some telework, regular in-person work with colleagues in an office setting, and regular travel (approximately 8 weeks annually) to meetings in Canada and the states of Washington and Oregon. This position occasionally requires work outside normal business hours and on weekends for meetings and work sessions.

Duties may include field sampling at remote locations or working aboard research vessels. Requires frequent travel in-state (2–3 trips per year) and out-of-state (3–6 trips per year), typically 2–5 days in length for various meetings. These trips may include international travel to Canada. This position may require travel in small planes, watercraft, working in inclement weather, or at sea.

• Extensive knowledge of the principles, concepts, and methods of fisheries science research, statistical analysis, sampling design, and population modeling.
• Thorough knowledge of Pacific Salmon Commission processes involving Chinook salmon including Pacific Salmon Treaty language, technical assessments, and processes.
• Understanding of national policies, practices, and…