Fishery Biologist 1

What you will be doing:
This position is with the Crab Observer Program for the Bering Sea-Aleutian Islands crab fisheries. The primary duties of this position are to brief and debrief fishery observers, review observer data for accuracy and enter and edit data in various database applications. This position also assists in training new observers and requires knowledge of biological sampling techniques, fishery-specific regulations, an understanding of observer data collection, and strong interpersonal skills when interacting with contract observers and department staff.

Our mission, values, and culture:
The Alaska Department of Fish & Game’s mission is to manage, protect, maintain, and improve the fish, game and aquatic plant resources of Alaska. The primary goals are to ensure that Alaska’s renewable fish and wildlife resources and their habitats are conserved and managed on the sustained yield principle, and the use and development of these resources are in the best interest of the economy and well-being of the people of the state.

The Alaska Department of Fish & Game strives for a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and wellbeing are paramount and employees at all levels promote a culture where everyone is valued, treated equitably, and treated respectfully.

This position is an integral member of the ADF&G Commercial Fisheries team and contributes to the success of the region by assisting in the collection of biological data used for fishery management and stock assessments, monitoring harvest of fisheries, assisting with observer deployment logistics, coordinating and participating in observer training courses, and communicating regularly with fishermen, processors, industry, and other agencies to provide information, answer questions, and clarify regulations.

The benefits of joining our team:
The State of Alaska is an excellent employer that offers generous benefits, including health insurance and paid time off. The Observer Program is a fun, highly motivated group made up of six Fishery Biologists and up to two dozen fishery observers who work together to collect fishery-dependent data to aid in the management of crab fisheries. Our team gathers biological data in port and at-sea onboard commercial fishing vessels – both of which provide unique opportunities to learn about Alaska’s fisheries, gain valuable experience and skills, and see incredible places around Alaska! ADF&G managed housing in Dutch Harbor is available at no cost to the employee.

The working environment you can expect:
This position is staffed in the ADF&G office in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Dutch Harbor is a small town located on Unalaska Island and provides unparalleled opportunities for fishing, hiking, berry picking, and exploring the outdoors. The daily work environment is dynamic and includes working at a desk in an office setting, at processing plants, and living and working aboard vessels at sea. At times, this position will require working outside normal business hours and on weekends, which may include time at sea. Travel may be required to participate in crab observer training and stock assessment surveys outside of standard business hours and on weekends. This position may require travel to Kodiak, Alaska to assist with observer training and may be required to deploy at sea onboard commercial fishing vessels for up to three weeks at a time

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

• -Effective communicator and strong interpersonal skills: must be able to effectively communicate through oral and written skills with a variety of people, accept critical feedback in a professional manner, be respectful and empathetic of others, and support/mentor direct reports.
• -Ability to work in a dynamic environment, which requires regularly shifting priorities for this position and those it supervises to achieve program goals, while maintaining workload balance.
• - At-sea experience in an observer role, with crab observer experience preferred: able to conduct field work onboard vessels for an extended period and in inclement weather.
• -Experience as an observer program debriefer: able to review observer data, provide guidance in areas for improvement, enter and provide quality checks for observer data.
• -Experience training fishery observers: able to produce training materials, supervise and/or assist observer training staff, as needed.
  

Special Note:

• A valid driver's license is required.
• This position may be in possession of, or have access to, firearms/ammunition.
• First Aid/CPR. For those not already certified, training will be provided by the department at no cost to the employee.
• crab observer training class certification per 5 AAC 39.143; obtained by attending the crab observer training class and completing the practicum exercises and crab observer exam with a score of 90% or greater and successfully deploying as a crab fisheries observer before the end of the probationary period.
• cold water survival training.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• at least 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, aquaculture, aquatic ecology, fisheries resources, or natural resource management (excluding courses that focus on agricultural husbandry techniques, human population dynamics, or the design and manipulation of landscapes), of which 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) are upper division courses; and

• at least 12 semester hours (16 quarter hours) in any combination of two or more of the following: chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, geology, hydrology, or GIS.

An individual who will complete the educational requirements and obtain the required bachelor's degree within six months may apply and be considered for a vacancy. Such applicants may be given a conditional job offer but may not be appointed until receipt of the required degree has been documented.

Additional Required Information

To verify education is being used to meet and/or support the required minimum qualifications/competences, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials used to meet or support the minimum qualifications/competencies for a position and are required. (Unofficial is okay; please ensure the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts).

Contact Information

The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.

For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)

Insurance Benefits

• Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
  • The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
    • AVTEC
    • Confidential
    • Correctional Officers
    • Marine Engineers
    • Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
    • Supervisory
    • Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
    • Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
  • The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
    • General Government
    • Labor, Trades and Crafts
    • Public Safety Employees Association
    • Masters, Mates & Pilots
• Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)

• Group-based insurance premiums for
  • Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
  • Long-term and short-term disability
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
  • Supplemental Survivor Benefits
• Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
• Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
• Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
• Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
• Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
• Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options

Paid Leave & Other Benefits

• Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
• Twelve (12) paid holidays a year