Wildlife Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $27.46 - $31.54 Hourly
Location : Soldotna, AK
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 54140
Department: Fish & Game
Division: Wildlife Conservation
Opening Date: 07/16/2026
Closing Date: 8/26/2026 5:00 PM Alaska
Division: Wildlife Conservation
Position Open To: All Applicants
Bargaining Unit: General Government
Range: 14/16
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 all Applicants.
NOTE: The recruitment period for this vacancy has been broadened and extended to allow for a larger applicant pool.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation is recruiting for a Wildlife Biologist 1/2 located in Soldotna, Alaska!
What you will be doing:

• Support habitat assessment work by collecting data through vegetation measurements and browse surveys.
• Under supervision, collect scientific data and biological samples from wildlife.
• Prepare basic data summaries, maps, and simple GIS products in support of research efforts.
• Assist with the care and handling of animals, maintain field equipment, organize supplies, and assist with vehicle, snowmachine, and safety gear readiness.
• Conduct preliminary data summaries to support higher-level analyses.

Our mission, values, and culture:
The mission of the division of Wildlife Conservation is to conserve and enhance Alaska's wildlife and habitats and provide for a wide range of public uses and benefits. 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. Alaska's programs are built on the principles of conservative management, sound science, and habitat protection.
The benefits of joining our team:
You will join a small, dedicated, and hard-working team of professionals working to understand moose ecology at a one-of-a-kind facility. You will participate in research that has applied and actionable outcomes. The flexibly staffed position allows employees to progress in pay as their skillset grows. You will solve problems, create new approaches, and bring your ideas to life.
The working environment you can expect:
Office work is based out of Soldotna with fieldwork occurring within the captive facilities of the Kenai Moose Research Center and elsewhere on the Kenai Peninsula. Frequent travel to a remote facility located roughly 1.5 hours away by dirt road and scheduling will periodically necessitate overnight stays.
Who we are looking for:
We are interested in candidates who possess some or all of the following position specific competencies:

• Wildlife Biology: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of wildlife, including classification, taxonomy, population dynamics, distribution, habitat requirements, life histories, reproduction, behaviors, conservation, and care of wildlife.
• Research: Knowledge of the scientific principles, methods, and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results.
• Teamwork: Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
• Geospatial Science - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods related to the collection, storage, analysis, visualization, and distribution of geographic based data and maps.
• Physical Strength and Agility: Ability to bend, lift, climb, stand, and walk for long periods of time; ability to perform moderately heavy laboring work.

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

• Enforcement credentials (badge and ID) required.
• Valid Driver's License is required.
• State of Alaska Certification to handle and administer wildlife immobilization drugs.
• Professional certification as Certified Wildlife Biologist by The Wildlife Society (Recommended).
• Master of Science in wildlife biology or zoology (Recommended).

Minimum Qualifications
Wildlife Biologist 1:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, 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, 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.
Wildlife Biologist 2:
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 professional level biologist experience. The required professional biologist experience is met by service as a Wildlife Biologist 1, Fishery Biologist 1, or Habitat Biologist 1 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
Substitutions:
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.
A master's degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry or natural resource management, will substitute for the required year of professional level biologist experience.
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
If selected, please provide the following at the time of the interview:

• Transcripts, if using to meet minimum qualifications (unofficial copies are accepted).
• Three (3) professional reference, with current contact information.
• A copy of your two (2) most recent performance evaluations (if unavailable, two (2) letters of reference).
• Writing Sample

WRITING SAMPLE
Please submit a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to compile, organize, and summarize raw biological data. For example, field notes synthesis, wildlife survey summary, section of a thesis or publication. Otherwise, submit a cover letter describing how you possess specific competencies that would be of particular benefit to the position (PDF format only, 2-3 pages in length, submitted to john.crouse@alaska.gov).
COVER LETTER
A cover letter is NOT required for this position. Your complete application will be used to determine who proceeds to the interview stage.
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.
FLEXIBLY STAFFED
This position is flexibly staffed. This vacancy may be filled at either the 1 or 2 level, depending on the applicant's training and/or experience. The full range of salaries is listed above. Starting salary will be determined by the level the position is hired at. If filled at Level 1, promotion to the Level 2 will occur upon successful completion of the probationary period and required training, as well as the applicant meeting the minimum qualifications of the higher job class.
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. Unofficial is okay; please ensure the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts). Transcripts can be attached at time of application and if not then must be provided at time of interview.
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 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 opport