Research Assistant Position Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

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 Fish and Game Coordinator (Regional Research Coordinator) located in Anchorage, Alaska!

What You Will Be Doing:

The Central Region Regional Research Coordinator leads and oversees all research programs supporting the management of commercial finfish, groundfish, and shellfish across Bristol Bay, Cook Inlet, and Prince William Sound.

The position directly supervises six FB-III biologists and indirectly guides a large team of biologists and technicians conducting stock assessment, field projects, modeling, and in-season analyses.

Serving as the region’s primary scientific editor, the incumbent reviews, edits, and authors numerous reports, operational plans, and grant proposals each year.

They chair or co-chair all Central Region escapement goal reviews and provide key analytical, policy, and technical support to regional leadership, partner divisions, and statewide processes.

The role also manages administrative oversight, budget coordination, interagency communication, and participation in major fisheries meetings and workshops.

Our Mission, Values and Culture:

The Alaska Department of Fish & Game 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.

This position provides leadership, perspective, and management advice in support of complex and dynamic commercial fisheries. The focus of the Kodiak shellfish/groundfish research team is to conduct research that strengthens commercial fisheries management so that economic opportunity for fishery stakeholders is optimized while ensuring for conservation of marine resources through scientifically sound stock assessment and management practices.

Benefits of Joining Our Team:

Joining the team provides meaningful opportunities to contribute to the sustainability of Alaska’s most valuable fisheries. You’ll work closely with experienced biologists and technicians across diverse projects ranging from stock assessment to long-term monitoring. The role offers strong professional development through leadership experience, advanced analytical work, and participation in statewide scientific processes. You gain exposure to collaborative partnerships with universities, agencies, and industry groups that broaden your professional network. Overall, the position supports a rewarding career grounded in science, stewardship, and impactful public service.

The Working Environment You Can Expect:

The Anchorage Fish and Game office is near the Chugach Mountains, with easy access to nearby hiking trails and the scenic Anchorage coastline, offering staff a close connection to Alaska’s natural landscapes. The daily work environment is a blend of office-based analytical and administrative tasks, collaborative meetings with biologists and managers, and periodic fieldwork or site visits that support ongoing fisheries research and management.

Requires travel to remote field sites

Requires traveling in fixed wing aircraft and helicopters

Who We Are Looking For:

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

Comprehensive knowledge of existing and emerging principles and practices of fishery biology and application of field survey and laboratory analysis techniques to fish resources of Alaska.

Ability to plan, supervise, manage, and report on large and complex research projects as part of a research team including supervising subordinate research staff.

Strong oral and written communication skills for the presentation of research results and analysis to both technically oriented staff members and to laypersons.

Experience with preparation and review of written reports and publications of research findings.

Experience working with state and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations to design and implement research projects.

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

Seven years of professional experience as a fisheries, wildlife, or habitat biologist that includes at least one year as a program manager or technical expert or two years at an advanced professional level. The program manager or technical expert experience is met by service as a Fisheries Biologist 4, Wildlife Biologist 4, or Habitat Biologist 4 and the advanced professional biologist experience is met by service as a Fisheries Biologist 3, Wildlife Biologist 3, or Habitat Biologist 3 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent elsewhere.

Substitutions

• 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;
• 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 in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, or natural resource management will substitute for one year of the required professional experience. There is no substitute for the requirement for specific experience as a program manager or technical expert or at an advanced professional level.
• A doctorate in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, or natural resource management will substitute for three years of the required professional experience. There is no substitute for the requirement for specific experience as a program manager or technical expert or at an advanced professional level.

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.

Additional Required Information

A valid driver's license is required.

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

First Aid/CPR. For those not already certified, training will be provided by the department at no cost to the employee.

A cover letter is required for this position and will be used as a writing sample. Cover letter highlighting competencies specific to the positionRequired Documents

• Cover letter
• Resume/CV
• A manuscript or publication where you were the primary author
• Three professional references with current contact information
• University transcripts (unofficial are acceptable)

Link to general description and example of duties for a Fish and Game Coordinator (Regional Research Coordinator): https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs