Fishery Biologist 1 (Pcn 115289)

This position is open to all U.S. Applicants.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries is recruiting for a Fishery Biologist 1 located in Juneau!

What you will be doing:

This position works with a dedicated group of biologists and technicians to generate age data and life history information for commercial fisheries assessment and management. The incumbent works with staff to process biological samples, using a variety of laboratory techniques and interprets banding information of commercially important groundfish and invertebrates to estimate age. This position also works with other professionals across programs and agencies to exchange data, standardize age estimation methods, and contribute to data summaries, manuscripts, presentations, and reports.

Our organization, mission, and culture:

The Alaska Department of Fish & Game Division of Commercial Fisheries' core service is to ensure the conservation of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants based on scientifically sound assessments and to manage fisheries in the interest of Alaska residents. The Mark Tag and Age Lab Age Determination Unit (ADU) provides groundfish and invertebrate age and growth data critical to managing the State's commercial resources.

This position is responsible for processing biological samples taken from commercial fisheries and surveys. Further, they will work with a team of biologists and technicians to produce data and address management directives.

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.

Benefits of joining our team:

The Age Determination Unit (ADU) is a tight-knit group dedicated to producing quality data for fisheries management, and the successful applicant will work alongside an upstanding network of scientists, researchers, managers, biologists, and technicians to support commercial fishery management. Members of the ADU receive extensive training and experience processing a variety of biological samples using an assortment of methods and assessing data using various databases and statistical software.

The working conditions you can expect:

The ADU is located in the University of Alaska Southeast Natural Science Research Lab in the Juneau Mendenhall Valley. ADU biologists estimate ages, document protocol, and monitor data using laboratory equipment, microscopes, imaging and statistical software, and database tools. This position's focus is producing age estimates, distributing data, monitoring data quality, and supporting laboratory logistics, but additional duties for this position may include supporting other commercial fishery programs.

• Successful applicants are expected to be available within a month after the position is offered; exceptions will be given on a case-by-case basis.

• Housing support and moving expenses are currently not available for this position.

Who we are looking for:

The following abilities for the incumbent are desired:

• Strong attention to detail: follows protocol and takes pride in the quality of their work.

• Ability to work independently and as a team: can focus on individual goals and facilitate cooperation and communication to meet deadlines.

• Experience working with fish/fisheries/biological samples: is comfortable and knowledgeable working with fish, biological tissue, and data sets/software.

• Data experience: experience with large datasets, summarizing findings, and distributing results to managers, coworkers, and interest groups.

• Desire to learn: interest in the goal and mission of the program and drive to advance skillsets and the capabilities of the lab.

To view the general description and example of duties for a Fisheries Biologist 1 please go to the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs   

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, fisheries science, 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:

• 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.

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.

This position is open to all U.S. Applicants.

COVER LETTER

A cover letter is required for this position. Your cover letter should discuss the following attributes:

• Experience with pattern recognition, especially related to estimating ages.

• Laboratory experience (e.g., using equipment and processing samples).

• Familiarity with databases and spreadsheets.

• Analytical Experience.

Please attach the cover letter to your application before submitting it online or, if unable to attach to your application, email it to the contact provided in the job posting. Your cover letter will be used to help determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

For your application to be evaluated you must answer the Supplemental Questions.  Be specific in your answers and tell us how you acquired the relevant experience.

Please use complete sentences and proof-read your submissions when answering the supplemental questions. Your responses will be considered a writing sample and will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment process.

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

• Copies of the last two (2) evaluations or two (2) letters of recommendation from a current or past employer.

• Three professional references with current contact information (phone number or email address). References can be submitted with your initial application, if you so choose.

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.

EDUCATION

To verify education is being used to meet and/or support the required minimum qualifications/competencies, 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 with each application. (Unofficial is okay; please ensure the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts). Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of interview; if not, transcripts will be required before employment.

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 when applying.  Omission of required documentation listed will result in an incomplete application and you will not receive further consideration.

WORK EXPERIENCE

If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer 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 at https://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 recruitment.services@alaska.gov.

For applicant password assistance please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword

For specific information in reference to the position please contact the hiring manager:

Kevin McNeel

Phone: 907-465-3054

kevin.mcneel@alaska.gov