Fisheries Scientist 1 (Pacific Salmon Treaty Scientist - PCN 111185)

About the Department

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries is recruiting

 for a Fisheries Scientist 1 located in Anchorage or Juneau!

What you will be doing: 
This Fishery Scientist 1 position provides technical expertise on salmon resources and fisheries issues related to the Pacific Salmon Treaty (PST), as well as federal and state actions affecting Pacific Northwest and Canadian-origin stocks that are critical to Alaska fisheries such as the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).  This role delivers scientific and policy-relevant analysis to Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) leadership, supporting informed decision-making and ensuring Alaska’s interests are effectively represented. Key responsibilities include active participation on national and international technical committees, conducting and evaluating complex analyses such as stock assessments and escapement goal development, and clearly communicating findings to leadership, stakeholders, and the public.

Our mission, values, and culture: 
This position helps fulfill the division’s mission to manage subsistence, commercial, and personal use fisheries in the interest of the economy and general well-being of the citizens of the state, consistent with the sustained yield principle by conducting scientifically sound assessments to help manage sustainable uses of Alaska’s fish, shellfish and aquatic plant resources.
To achieve this mission the incumbent: 

• Reviews, assesses, and/or proposes policy-related advice and practices related to Chinook salmon activities by the Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC) to ensure the best available scientific and statistical practices are used; 
• Ensures that Chinook Technical Committee (CTC) models, results, and reports contain appropriate descriptions of uncertainty, provide evidence-based recommendations, and discuss associated risks; 
• Participates in review and analysis of federal actions under the ESA, MMPA, Magnuson-Stevens Conservation and Management Act (MSA) and others and drafts appropriate responses;
• Fosters collaborations within ADF&G and across state, tribal and federal parties within the U.S. Section of the PSC; and
• Communicates results and recommendations clearly and effectively to department leadership and stakeholders.  

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 benefits of joining our team:
As part of the Chief Fisheries Scientist for Salmon (CFS) Office, this position is part of a diverse, dynamic, competent, and committed team of specialists that work together to develop real-world applications of technology, statistics, research, and analysis necessary to assess and manage salmon species across Alaska. This position offers the incumbent a challenging and fulfilling, professional opportunity to collaborate with decision makers, biometricians, and scientists across state and federal agencies to ensure the best available science is used to sustainably manage the resources of the State of Alaska for the benefit of the people of Alaska.

The working environment you can expect: 
This position is staffed in either the ADF&G office in Anchorage or Juneau, Alaska. The daily work environment is variable; including some telework, regular in-person work with colleagues in an office setting, and regular travel (approximately 8 weeks annually) to meetings in Canada and the states of Washington and Oregon. This position occasionally requires time working outside normal business hours and on weekends for meetings and work sessions. When possible, duties can include field sampling at remote locations or living and working aboard research vessels. Requires frequent travel in-state (2-3 trips/year) and out-of-state (3-6 trips/year) typically 2-5 days in length for various meetings. These trips may include international travel to Canada. This position may require travel in small planes, watercraft, working in inclement weather, or at sea.

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

• Extensive knowledge of the principles, concepts, and methods of fisheries science research, statistical analysis, sampling design, and population modeling.
• Thorough knowledge of Pacific Salmon Commission processes involving Chinook salmon including Pacific Salmon Treaty language, technical assessments, and processes. 
• Understanding of national policies, practices, and plans affecting Alaska’s fisheries (e.g., ESA, MMPA, and MSA). 
• Strong oral and written communication skills for the presentation of scientific and policy issues to a wide range of audiences and experience with authoring and editing technical documents and reports.
• Strong supervisory skills and ability to coordinate and/or collaborate with diverse professional staff to accomplish program goals. 
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems, take initiative, and to work with both a high degree of independence and as part of a team.  

To view the general description and example of duties for a Fisheries Scientist 1 please go to the following 

link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs

Special Note: 
Valid driver's license required. 

Position Duties

A Ph.D. degree in fisheries science or fisheries biology or any closely related discipline such as, but not exclusively, biometrics, fish pathology, fisheries genetics, fisheries economics or wildlife science.
AND
Three years of experience conducting fisheries research at the lead or supervisory level equivalent to a Fishery Biologist 3, Biometrician 2, Fish Pathologist 2 or Fisheries Geneticist 2 with the State of Alaska.

OR

A masters degree in fisheries science or fisheries biology or any closely related discipline such as, but not exclusively, biometrics, fish pathology, fisheries genetics, fisheries economics or wildlife science.
AND
Five years of experience conducting fisheries research at the lead or supervisory level equivalent to a Fishery Biologist 3, Biometrician 2, Fish Pathologist 2 or Fisheries Geneticist 2 with the State of Alaska.

Special Note:
Degree preference is for a Ph.D. with emphasis on population dynamics of fishery resources.

Definitions of degree fields:

Biometrics: a branch of biology involving the statistical analysis of biological observations and phenomena.

Ecology: a branch of biology concerned with the interrelationship of organisms to their environment, however for the purpose of this classification series, the degree must focus on animals versus human groups.

Fish pathology: the study of the essential nature of diseases of fish.

Fisheries genetics: a branch of biology that deals with the heredity and variation of fish species.

Fisheries science: knowledge of multiple disciplines obtained and attested through scientific method and applied to the act, process, occupation or season of taking fish.

Fishery biology: a branch of biology that deals with the origin, history, physical characteristics, life processes, habits, etc., of fish as it applies to the act, process, occupation or season of taking fish.

Minimum Qualifications

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Please provide at time of application submission:

If selected, please provide the following at the time of the interview:

COVER LETTER

A cover letter is required for this position and will be used as a writing sample. In your cover letter please describe your reason(s) for applying for the position and clearly identify how your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences relate to the job described in the posting. Your cover letter will serve as an additional example of your writing and communication capabilities and will be used to help determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process. Please attach the cover letter to your application before submitting it online or, if unable to attach to your application, fax or email it to the contact provided in the job posting.

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.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

The position may be located in Anchorage or Juneau dependent upon the location of the most qualified candidate. There is only ONE position to be filled.

EDUCATION 

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).

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 aids 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 to[email protected].

For applicant password assistance please visit:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword

Other Qualifications

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
• 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

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of AlaskaAddress PO Box 110201

Juneau, Alaska, 99811 Phone(800) 587-0430 (Statewide toll-free number)
(907) 465-4095 (Juneau and out-of-state callers)Website http://workplace.alaska.gov/