Fishery Biologist 1 (PCN 111818)

Salary: $26.66 Hourly
Location : Anchorage, AK
Job Type: Seasonal
Job Number: 53802
Department: Fish & Game
Division: Commercial Fisheries
Opening Date: 05/13/2026
Closing Date: 5/27/2026 5:00 PM Alaska
Division: Commercial Fisheries
Position Open To: Alaska Residents Only
Bargaining Unit: General Government
Range: 14

Job Description
This position is open to Alaska Residents only.
Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries is recruiting

for a Fishery Biologist 1 located in Anchorage, Alaska!

What you will be doing:
The primary responsibilities of this position is to process fish tissues and assist with performing subsequent qPCR testing and histology to screen for a fish pathogens in surveillance and diagnostic cases using an array of disciplines, such as pathology, microbiology, and and molecular biology, and summarizing data, conduct basic analyses, and report results. The incumbent will provide general support for the Fish Pathology Regulatory Program, such as assisting with general lab maintenance, media preparation, QA/QC, data entry, purchasing lab supplies, assisting with expenditure tracking and budget audits, and other duties as assigned. This position requires a working knowledge of fish anatomy and dissection skills to dissect fish and collect the target organs and tissues for testing and a working knowledge of qPCR, microscopy, and histology.

Our mission, values, and culture:
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.

The Fish Pathology Section monitors and manages fish diseases statewide (according to Title 16 of the Alaska Statutes) by: 1) conducting pathogen surveys; 2) providing diagnostic services and regulatory oversight of fishery programs; 3) developing fish disease policies; and 4) advising the Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and other state and federal authorities on fish disease issues.

The incumbent will directly contribute to that Mission by processing samples, conducting microbiological and molecular assays, identifying pathogens and reporting findings for the Fish Pathology regulatory program for various user groups.

The benefits of joining our team:
This is a highly dynamic position that is perfect for someone who enjoys diversity in their daily work that involves both laboratory and office duties with the potential for some additional field work. It provides opportunities to communicate in a variety of written and oral forms to a diversity of user groups, including the general public. It allows for skill development across a suite of standard laboratory and analytical techniques while learning and growing in the fields of fish pathology and aquaculture. It provides for active participation and contribution to investigate the cause(s) of fish mortality/morbidity and occasional opportunity to contribute to research-oriented projects that may result in publication of peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals.
The working environment you can expect:
Laboratory work requires strict attention to detail and adherence to health and safety protocols. The daily work environment is dynamic where priorities can change based on casework and there may be an occasional need to travel.

Who we are looking for:

1. Ability to work independently, exercise teamanship, follow protocols, pay high attention to details, and communicate effectively with supervisors, co-workers and stakeholders.
2. Ability to work hazardous materials containing potential pathogens or chemicals using required safety measures and PPE.
3. Knowledge of the principles, practices and terminology of microbiology and asceptic lab methods used withn working with pathogens.
4. Knowledge of using a microscope.
5. Skills at dissecting fish and recognizing basic anatomy of fishes.

To view the general description and example of duties for a Fishery Biologist 1 please go to the

following link: [click to reveal website link]https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs
Special Note:
A valid driver's license is required.
First Aid/CPR certification. Training provided by the department at no cost to the employee.
Minimum Qualifications
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.

Additional Required Information
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Provide at time of application submission:

1. Transcripts, if being used to meet minimum qualifications (unofficial copies are acceptable).
2. A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Cover Letter

If selected, please provide at time of interview:

• List of three (3) professional references with current contact information.

COVER LETTER

A cover letter is required for this position. The cover letter should highlight your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as they pertain to the position-specific competencies listed in the job description. In addition, describe a specific past example of your experience with transcribing data and summarizing results. Your cover letter should be no more than two to three paragraphs (limited to one page). 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.
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 [click to reveal phone number]1-800-587-0430 or [click to reveal phone number](907) 465-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or [click to reveal phone number]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
WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at [click to reveal phone number]1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or [click to reveal phone number](907) 465-4095 if you are located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to
For applicant password assistance please visit:
Contact Information
For specific information in reference to the position please contact the hiring manager:

Jayde Ferguson, Fish Pathologist

Phone: [click to reveal phone number](907) 267-2394

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 (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 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)

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 for additional information

Paid Leave & Other Benefits

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

01

After reading the job announcement, what is your understanding of what the job entails:

• This is laboratory job that provides basic support for preparing reagents, solutions, and media and laboratory maintenance for fishery management.
• This is mostly a laboratory job that provides support for preparing materials, processing samples, laboratory maintenance, and maintaining inventories, but also performing administrative tasks for fish health research and management.
• This position provides overall support to the fish health regulatory program by performing basic laboratory duties, such as preparation of materials and lab upkeep to processing samples and assisting with testing through data or analysis summary and reporting in addition to office duties, such as data entry, purchasing lab supplies, and assisting with expenditure tracking and budget audits.
• All of the above.

02

Select your level of experience performing microscopy:

• Extensive experience
• Moderate experience
• Little experience
• No experience

03

Are you able to pay strict attention to details and adhere to health and safety protocols while working with microorganisms and hazardous chemicals in a laboratory setting?

• Yes
• No

04

Are you willing to travel occasionally if the need arises?

• Yes
• No

Required Question