Game Fish Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

Effective July 1, 2026 the wage for this position increased by 3%. The wage listed in this job posting reflects the increase.

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 2/3 located in Anchorage, Alaska!

As the Sampling Coordinator and Archive Curator for the Gene Conservation Laboratory (GCL), this position works with a team of geneticists, biologists, technicians, and agency staff to coordinate genetics sample collection and maintain the integrity of samples for fish, invertebrate, aquatic plant, and wildlife genetic and genomic projects statewide. Duties include: coordinating and planning sample collections, including adapting, designing, and standardizing sampling procedures and providing training for field staff; tracking tissue collections mandated by Department permits; maintaining tissue and sample quality in sample archives, including designing or adapting methods to improve long-term preservation; coordinating import and export of archive samples; maintaining and verifying metadata for intra- and inter-state agency collections housed with GCL; and preparing proposals for archival upgrades at the GCL.

This position helps fulfill the mission of ADF&G to protect, maintain, and improve the fish, game, and aquatic plant resources of the state, and manage their use and development in the best interest of the economy and well-being of the people of the state, consistent with the sustained yield principle, by supporting the production of high quality, relevant genetic data that supports the management of biologically, commercially, and culturally important fish, invertebrate, wildlife, and aquatic plant species in Alaska. The GCL is respected and recognized nationally, internationally, and by the public as a premier laboratory in the application of genetic principles and tools for management of natural resources.

The Alaska Department of Fish and 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 GCL is a dedicated, close-knit team of professional research staff that includes geneticists, biologists, technicians, programmers, and a biometrician. GCL staff take pride in providing quality genetic data and advice to ADF&G staff, policy makers, and stakeholders to best manage Alaska’s natural resources. We value teamwork, collaboration, communication, flexibility, and creativity. For information about the GCL, please visit:

https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishinggeneconservationlab.main

This is full-time position based at the ADF&G office in Anchorage, Alaska, in the GCL, which is a high-throughput, state-of-the-art genetics lab. This is a dynamic position, with constantly changing priorities and competing deadlines. Work will be performed in the lab, at a computer, and through daily interactions with GCL staff, with other ADF&G staff, and with outside collaborators.

Occasional weekend work or non-standard working hours may be required.

Some travel is expected to conduct occasional field work necessary for sample collection or training.

Proven ability to effectively coordinate and collaborate among a variety of positions, divisions, and/or agencies to meet project goals.

Knowledge and experience performing data manipulation and data entry using the Microsoft 365/Office Suite, R/RStudio, and a LIMS (lab information management system) database

Knowledge and experience working in a professional laboratory with established protocols and quality control measures.

Knowledge of sampling techniques and supply needs for multiple taxonomic groups in a variety of field conditions in Alaska.

Ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and project needs.

To view the general description and example of duties for a Fishery Biologist 4, please go to the

following link:

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

A valid driver's license is required.

First Aid/CPR certification. Training provided by the department at no cost to the employee.

This position may be in possession of, or have access to, firearms/ammunition.

International Air Transportation Association (IATA) training for shipping and handling hazardous materials.

Certified Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) approval for purchase and shipping/handling reagent alcohol from vendor for direct shipment to Gene Conservation Laboratory and all statewide ADF&G field offices.

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, fisheries science, or natural resource management;

AND

One year of professional experience as a biologist or fish culturist. The required professional biologist experience is met by service as a Fishery Biologist 1, Fish Culturist 1, Wildlife Biologist 1, or Habitat Biologist 1 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.

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.

A master's degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, fisheries science, or natural resource management, will substitute for the required year of professional level biologist experience. An individual who will complete the educational requirements and obtain the required master'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.

"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.

Cover letter

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

Transcripts, if being used to meet minimum qualifications (unofficial copies are acceptable).

Resume/CV

A cover letter is required for this position.

At the time of application, please submit a cover letter that is 2-3 paragraphs and no longer than one page in length. The cover letter should describe your knowledge, skills, and abilities as they relate to the position, and will be used as a wri