Wildlife Biologist ; PCN

Job Description

Wildlife Biologist 2/3 (PCN 112059) in Palmer, AK. This posting has been extended to broaden the applicant pool.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation is recruiting for a Wildlife Biologist 2/3 located in Palmer.

In this flexibly staffed Wildlife Biologist 2/3 position, the incumbent will work with the Region IV research team to evaluate management and ecological questions in large game mammals, focusing on ungulates such as caribou, moose, Dall sheep, mountain goats, and bison. Responsibilities include identifying research questions and hypotheses with wildlife managers; assisting or leading researchers in developing and executing rigorous studies;

developing and evaluating survey and inventory techniques; and contributing to all study phases from design to communication of findings. Findings are communicated with wildlife managers, the Board of Game, the public, and other audiences.

Under the Alaska Constitution and Alaska Statutes, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game manages fish and wildlife for the benefit of all people, focusing on conservation-informed subsistence and recreational harvest opportunities. The department aims for a diverse and inclusive workforce with safety and well-being as priorities.

Opportunities to support science-based management and address ecological questions related to ungulates. The team includes expertise in stable isotopes, physiology and nutrition, genetics, and biometrics. Publication is encouraged.

Field work is conducted in remote parts of southcentral and southwestern Alaska and may require travel by small aircraft, boats, ATVs, or snow machines. Some projects may require extended field camp stays, vegetation sampling, and exposure to hazardous conditions. Certification to carry firearms and bear spray is required for field work. A private office in Palmer is provided for analyses and writing.

We seek candidates with experience in the following areas. Wildlife Biologist 2 level candidates may be developing skills in these areas during their first 1–2 years in the position:

• Experience developing and executing research projects end-to-end (research questions, study design, data collection, data analysis, and publication).
• Experience analyzing animal location and movement data (home ranges, habitat use, migration, range fidelity).
• Experience collecting and analyzing population abundance and demographic data (aerial surveys, abundance estimation, mark-recapture, sightability, integrated population models).
• Experience analyzing large datasets in R or other statistical software.
• Experience managing logistics for complex fieldwork in remote settings.

Special note:
Requires frequent travel for fieldwork (at least 10 days at a time, at least twice a year).

• Valid driver's license is required.
• Animal welfare training and wildlife immobilization certification.
• Firearm safety and handling certification.
• Wildlife Enforcement Deputization (recommended).
• Certification as Certified Wildlife Biologist (recommended).

Wildlife Biologist 2

Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field; plus one year of professional level biologist experience (or equivalent) as defined by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Substitutions and details are described in the original posting.

Wildlife Biologist 3

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field; plus one year of full-performance professional biologist experience (as defined by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game). Substitutions and details are described in the original posting.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• Cover letter
• Academic transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable)
• Resume/CV

Please provide at the time of application:

• List of 3 professional references with names and contact information
• A writing sample in the form of a peer‑reviewed publication (first author) or graduate theses/manuscripts suitable for publication

Other application notes

A cover letter is required and will be used as a writing sample. The letter should address the position-specific competencies listed in the job description. Attach to the application or submit by fax/email as provided.

Kristin Denryter, Wildlife Biologist 4, Research Coordinator

kristin.denryter