Habitat Biologist 3 (PCN 116034)
Salary: $2,646.00 Biweekly
Location : Soldotna, AK
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 53825
Department: Fish & Game
Division: Habitat
Opening Date: 05/12/2026
Closing Date: 5/26/2026 5:00 PM Alaska
Division: Habitat
Position Open To: Alaska Residents Only
Bargaining Unit: General Government
Range: 18
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, Habitat is recruiting for a Habitat Biologist 3 located in Soldotna!
What you will be doing:
This dynamic position in the ADF&G Habitat Section office location in Soldotna, AK is responsible for reviewing, issuing, monitoring, and enforcing Title 16 permits for activities in streams supporting resident and anadromous fishes and in legislatively designated Special Areas. This position reviews projects to ensure that fish and wildlife habitat is maintained and impacts to those resources are minimized and/or mitigated to the extent practicable.
Job functions include conducting field inspections at all phases of project development including pre- and post-project conditions. Projects for review may include large highway construction projects, commercial and recreational placer mining activities, commercial harvests of forest resources, commercial land developments and other projects that involve stream crossings, stream bank erosion, stream diversions, water withdrawals, culverts and modifications to streambanks and/or streambeds.
Additional duties include maintaining field equipment, completing field work and preparing related trip reports, submitting updates to the Catalog of Waters Important for Spawning, Rearing, and Migration of Anadromous Fishes, maintaining data sets, and collaborating with staff in the department, other agencies, and developers.
Preference will be given to individuals that can demonstrate through their education, work history, and references the ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships, as well as provide quality products while working independently, managing their time effectively, and meeting deadlines.
Our mission, values, and culture:
ADF&G 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 with respect.
The Habitat Section mission is to protect the state's valuable fish and wildlife resources and their habitats as the population and economy expand. Habitat biologists participate in agency reviews of proposed development activities; issue Title 16 permits prescribing measures to protect fish, wildlife, and their habitats; and monitor approved activities.The benefits of joining our team:
Our team strives to embrace the diverse and challenging components of our delegation through open discourse, critical evaluation, and collaboration; the incumbent will contribute to and learn from a variety of interagency project discussions and field work.
This position contributes to the thoughtful development of the Kenai Peninsula while ensuring that impacts to fish, wildlife and their habitats are avoided or minimized. Field work is routinely conducted including site inspection and compliance of a variety of projects and fish sampling focused on permitting implications and contributions to the Anadromous Waters Catalog.
The working environment you can expect:
This position works out of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Donald E. Gilman River Center in Soldotna adjacent to the Kenai River. The office is walking distance from trails and Kenai River access, with public fishing access directly from the office parking lot. The Kenai Peninsula offers numerous recreational opportunities including access to both salt and freshwater fishing, hunting, hiking, and cross-country trails.
Who we are looking for:
We are interested in candidates who possess some or all of the following position specific competencies:
- Fishery Biology: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of aquatic life, including classification, taxonomy, population dynamics, distribution, habitat requirements, life histories, reproduction, behaviors, conservation, and care of aquatic species.
- Problem Solving: Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
- Writing: Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
- Technical Competence: Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
- Oral and Written Communication: Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral and written presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
To view the general description and example of duties for a Habitat Biologist 3 please go to the following link:[click to reveal website link]
Special Note:
A valid driver's license is required.
First Aid/CPR certification.
Firearms safety training.
Wilderness First Aid Training
HAZWOPER Training.
Minimum Qualifications
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 full performance professional level biologist experience. The required professional biologist work experience is met by service as a Fishery Biologist 2, Wildlife Biologist 2, Habitat Biologist 2, or Fisheries Geneticist 1 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
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, 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.
Additional Required Information
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Please provide at time of application submission:
- Cover letter highlighting your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as they pertain to the duties described
If selected, please provide the following at the time of the interview:
- Copies of your two (2) most recent evaluations.
- Transcripts, if using to meet minimum qualifications (unofficial copies are accepted).
- A list of three (3) professional references with current contact information.
- One (1) additional writing sample.
COVER LETTER
A cover letter is required for this position and will be used as a writing sample. The cover letter should highlight your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as they pertain to the position-specific competencies listed in the job description. 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. Your cover letter will be used to help determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.
EDUCATION
If post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, 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 if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or within 48 hours of the close of this recruitment to the contact person listed below.
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.
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 [click to reveal phone number] or [click to reveal phone number] in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or [click to reveal phone number] 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.
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.
THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR ALASKA RESIDENTS ONLY
This recruitment is open to Alaska Residents only. Applicants must meet Alaska Residency Requirements in order to be considered for employment at this time.
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[click to reveal website link].
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] (toll free) or [click to reveal phone number] if you are located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed [click to reveal email address].
For applicant password assistance please visit: [click to reveal website link]
Contact Information
For specific information in reference to the position please contact the hiring manager:Kaitlynn Cafferty, Kenai Peninsula Area Manager
Phone: [click to reveal phone number]
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
- The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See 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 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
How many years of experience do you have sampling Alaskan freshwater aquatic systems?
- None
- 0-2 years
- 2-4 years
- 4+ years
02
Do you have professional experience assessing small and large development projects that may affect fish and wildlife resources?
- Yes
- No
Required Question