Fishery Biologist 3

Job Description

Effective July 1, 2026 the wage for this position increased by 2.5%. 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 Fisheries is recruiting

for a Fishery Biologist 3 located in Ketchikan, Alaska!

This position offers an incredible opportunity to oversee pink and chum salmon research in Southeast Alaska, as well as sockeye salmon research at ADF&G’s long-term stock assessment projects at Hugh Smith Lake in Misty Fjords National Monument and McDonald Lake on the mainland north of Ketchikan. The biologist in this position will lead preseason and in season pink salmon harvest forecasting, act as a project leader for the Southeast Coastal Monitoring Survey (marine trawl survey in northern Southeast Alaska), maintain pink and chum salmon escapement indices for the region, and will plan and participate in a variety of other salmon research as needed.

This position offers the perfect mix of time spent in the office planning projects, analyzing data, and writing reports, and numerous opportunities to conduct field work at a variety of beautiful locations. This position also provides great opportunities to improve existing projects and, in some cases, plan new research to address relevant salmon management needs in the region.

The Division of Commercial Fisheries strives for a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and well-being are paramount, and employees at all levels promote a culture where everyone is valued, treated equitably, and treated respectfully.

The Southeast Alaska salmon research team is a small, highly motivated group that oversees a variety of research activities in the region. The incumbent would be part of a team that collaborates to gather and analyze data and will gain a broad understanding of salmon research and management in Southeast Alaska. You will be able to participate in all aspects of research from planning and implementation to seeing the results of your work in publication.

As a major bonus, many of the tasks involve unforgettable trips to remote areas of the region that few people get to see.

This position is stationed in the ADF&G office in Ketchikan, Alaska; however, during field season the position will make occasional trips of several days to a week to participate in the Southeast Coastal Monitoring Survey on marine waters in northern Southeast Alaska or visit the Hugh Smith Lake and McDonald Lake field camps (mid-April through mid-November). This position is also required to make day trips to other remote lakes and streams (primarily August-October) as needed and will also occasionally assist with sampling trips to other remote locations that may last several days to two weeks.

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

Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of aquatic life, including classification, taxonomy, population dynamics, distribution, habitat requirements, life histories, reproduction, behaviors, conservation, and care of aquatic species.

Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral and written presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.

Knowledge of the scientific principles, methods, and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results.

Consistently displays the collection of competencies and skill expected of a professional. Professionalism is defined by its key behaviors including being accountable for actions and…