What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wildlife Biologist 1/2 position at State of Alaska?
This position is open to Alaska Residents only.
Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.
Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation is recruiting for a Wildlife Biologist 1/2 located in Douglas or Fairbanks, Alaska!
What you will be doing:
This position will assist the Alaska Department of Fish & Game’s (ADF&G’s) Threatened, Endangered, and Diversity (TED) Program with conducting applied research on “species of greatest conservation need” (SGCN) such as boreal resident and migratory birds, seabirds, small mammals, and amphibians. Priorities for research are described in Alaska’s 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). Research will primarily address trends, drivers of decline or possible threats to declining populations, and conservation actions to mitigate or reverse declines. Activities may also involve filling information gaps for Alaska populations to inform conservation or management actions. Research projects may occur statewide, requiring the selected applicant to be away from the duty station for up to a month at a time, conducting field research in remote locations across Alaska.
Our mission, values, and culture:
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is dedicated to the conservation and management of Alaska’s fish and wildlife and their habitats. This position supports that mission by engaging in proactive conservation of Alaska’s “species of greatest conservation need” (SGCN) as described in the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). You’ll work closely with state and federal partners, non-governmental organizations, and the public to conserve Alaska’s biodiversity.
The benefits of joining our team:
As part of ADF&G, you’ll join a team of passionate professionals working to responsibly manage Alaska’s natural resources. Benefits include retirement and health plans, professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on wildlife conservation across the state.
The working environment you can expect:
This position is based in Fairbanks or Douglas and will require both office work and fieldwork in remote locations. You’ll collaborate with biologists in a supportive and mission-driven environment. Travel will be required to support research and conservation efforts. Travel will be required to support research and conservation efforts.
Who we are looking for:
We are looking for a dynamic and motivated wildlife professional to participate as part of ADF&G’s Threatened, Endangered, and Diversity (TED) Program. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic, thoughtful, and self-motivated biologist able to persevere in challenging field conditions, ask insightful questions, creatively solve problems, and work independently as well as part of a team.
- Experience as a wildlife biologist, assisting with or designing research projects focused on multiple Alaska species. Taxa may include landbirds, seabirds, small mammals, herpetofauna or game species. Demonstrated ability to quickly develop expertise on survey methods and capture techniques for new taxa.
- Experience assisting with or managing logistically complicated Alaska field projects in remote areas for long periods of time, including the ability to troubleshoot problems (e.g., equipment failures such as small engines, or unexpected field conditions) and be self-sufficient.
- Experience with data management and familiarity with quantitative techniques used in wildlife ecology such as abundance modeling, estimation of survival and reproductive success, hierarchical models, spatial analysis of movement data, and/or habitat mapping.
- Ability to identify Alaska birds visually and by song/call.
- Experience leading or supervising technicians and other support staff in the field and ability to successfully coordinate teams (in person or remotely).
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively and respectfully with others from varying backgrounds and with different perspectives and abilities. Experience may range from successful professional engagement in the field, rural community settings, interactions with industry, or with the public on topics such as citizen science.
- Experience writing, reviewing, and editing scientific documents, giving oral presentations on scientific findings, and developing briefings for the public and/or scientific audiences.
To view the general description and example of duties for a Habitat Biologist 1 please go to the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs
Special Note:
A valid driver's license is required.
This position may be in possession of, or have access to, firearms/ammunition.
Minimum Qualifications
Wildlife Biologist 1:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, or natural resource management.
Substitution:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college that includes or is supplemented by the following credit hours will substitute for the degree in a specific field:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college that includes or is supplemented by the following credit hours will substitute for the degree in a specific field:
- at least 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, 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.
Special Note:
"Upper division courses" means courses that are specialized, in-depth and advanced. Such courses emphasize problem-solving, analytical thinking skills, and theoretical applications, with depth and rigor in a discipline's theories and methods; specialization in a particular field or profession; refinement of general education; and/or development of specific intellectual and professional skills. Upper division courses are commonly identified in college catalogs as 300 level and higher.
Some positions may require training in specialized areas such as hydroacoustics, microscopic analysis, underwater research, or fish habitat restoration or enhancement.
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.
Wildlife Biologist 2:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, or natural resource management.
AND
One year of professional level biologist experience. The required professional biologist experience is met by service as a Wildlife Biologist 1, Fishery Biologist 1, or Habitat Biologist 1 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
Substitutions:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college that includes or is supplemented by the following credit hours will substitute for the degree in a specific field:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college that includes or is supplemented by the following credit hours will substitute for the degree in a specific field:
- at least 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, 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.
A master's degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry or natural resource management, will substitute for the required year of professional level biologist experience.
Special Note:
“Upper division courses” means courses that are specialized, in-depth and advanced. Such courses emphasize problem-solving, analytical thinking skills, and theoretical applications, with depth and rigor in a discipline’s theories and methods; specialization in a particular field or profession; refinement of general education; and/or development of specific intellectual and professional skills. Upper division courses are commonly identified in college catalogs as 300 level and higher.
Some positions may require training in specialized areas such as hydroacoustics, microscopic analysis, underwater research, or fish habitat restoration or enhancement.
Additional Required Information
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Provide at time of application:- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter
If selected, please provide the following at the time of the interview:
- Transcripts, if using to meet minimum qualifications (unofficial copies are accepted).
- Three (3) professional reference, with current contact information.
COVER LETTER
A cover letter is required for this position. Your complete application will be used to determine who proceeds to the interview stage. To be considered for an interview, submit a cover letter describing your work experience with each of the numbered topics listed under “Knowledge, skills and abilities” in the “Who we are looking for” section of this announcement.
FIREARMS
This position requires the use or possession of a firearm or ammunition. In accordance with the federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (PL 104-208), if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you may not hold this position.
A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is an offense that is (1) a misdemeanor under Federal or state law; and (2) has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim.
If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, do NOT apply for this position.
FLEXIBLY STAFFED
This position is flexibly staffed. This vacancy may be filled at either the 1 or 2 level, depending on the applicant'straining and/or experience. The full range of salaries is listed above. Starting salary will be determined by the levelthe position is hired at. If filled at Level 1, promotion to the Level 2 will occur upon successful completion of theprobationary period and required training, as well as the applicant meeting the minimum qualifications of the higherjob class.
EDUCATION
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements, if applicable. If utilizing this education you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence.
WORK EXPERIENCE
If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer's name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment.
NOTE: Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.
MULTIPLE VACANCIES
This recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment may be used for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies.
EEO STATEMENT
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or (907) 465-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.
NOTICE
If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the ‘govermentjobs.com’ domains. For information on allowing emails from the ‘governmentjobs.com’ domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located athttps://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword.
WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed torecruitment.services@alaska.gov.
For applicant password assistance please visit:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword
Contact Information
For specific information in reference to the position please contact the hiring manager:
Lindsey Nietmann, TED Program Coordinator
Lindsey Nietmann, TED Program Coordinator
lindsey.nietmann@alaska.gov
Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits
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
- The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
- Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)
Optional Insurance Benefits
- 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
See https://drb.alaska.gov/retiree/ for additional information
Paid Leave & Other Benefits- Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
- Twelve (12) paid holidays a year