Aquatic Habitat Biologist

Position Description

Position: Aquatic Habitat Biologist

Location: Glennallen, Alaska

Salary: $65,000 - $85,000 DOE

Schedule: 40 Hours Per Week

Reports To: Executive Director

The Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission (AITRC) is seeking a self‑motivated individual to fill the position of Aquatic Habitat Biologist, in the Ahtna Territory of southcentral Alaska. The incumbent will investigate potential fish barriers including physical barriers to anadromous fish passage as well as thermal barriers i.e. stream temperature. They will meet with Ahtna Tribes and agency partners to gather information on areas of concern, create an inventory, plan and carry out fieldwork, and apply for implementation funding if necessary.

Additional fish habitat monitoring with a focus on anadromous fish species will be determined during the planning process. They will continue stream and air temperature data collection efforts and interpretation. Attend trainings when available to guarantee synchronized protocols and techniques with partners’ efforts.

• Meet with local Tribes to gather information (anadromous fish barriers) on areas of concern
• Conduct field surveys of areas of concern by foot, ATV, or boat
• Catalog and prioritize potential fish barriers
• Lead established stream and air temperature monitoring efforts
• Apply for funding through grant opportunities
• Submit progress and financial grant reports to NOAA (the funder of this award) on time
• Write technical reports summarizing project findings and communicate results to scientific peers, Tribal organizations, various advisory committees, and members of the public
• Assist with various other AITRC fisheries department projects when available

• Ecological Knowledge:
  Understanding of freshwater ecology, hydrology, and fish biology
• Project Management:
  Skills in planning or managing projects including methods, protocols, budgeting, logistics, and reporting
• Grant and Report Writing:
  Strong grant and report writing skills are essential to this position
• Regulatory Knowledge:
  Familiarity with environmental regulations and permitting processes related to water quality and habitat monitoring and restoration is preferred
• Working knowledge of regional fish species, life histories, and characteristics, including habitat requirements
• Ability to work independently to set goals and priorities, monitor progress, and adjust resources to accomplish project objectives
  
  Knowledge of statistical approaches, data analysis, evaluation, intermediate field/laboratory procedures, research design, and scientific documentation
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a professional team
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Willingness to work at remote field sites in bear country, operate all‑terrain vehicles, firearms, and other field equipment appropriately and safely

• A bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or similar, and 2 years of experience working in aquatic habitat, restoration, or fisheries biology, or;
• A master's degree in a pertaining field and a minimum of 1 year of experience relevant field

• Aquatic fish habitat classification and monitoring
• Stream restoration regarding anadromous fish barriers
• Field data collection including habitat assessment and fish capture and identification
• Remote stream and air temperature loggers, cleaning and uploading data using Hoboware
• Water quality/quantity
• Whitewater rowing or paddling, overland travel via ATV
• Backpack electrofishing
• Experience with stream or wetland restoration projects, including planning or implementation
• Public speaking and working with Tribes

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee incumbent in this position. There may be other duties as assigned.