Fish and Wildlife Technician 2

What you will be doing:
The Department of Fish and Game, Commercial Fisheries Division, is seeking to hire two 3-month seasonal Fish and Wildlife Technician 2’s to serve as port samplers from approximately June 9th to August 31st in Petersburg. These positions may continue to be active through September 12th, depending on the dynamics of the fisheries. Port sampling technicians will be responsible for collecting both biological and fishery performance data from commercially harvested salmon and Dungeness crab landings. The selected candidates will develop a working knowledge of the port sampling program in the Petersburg/Wrangell management area as well as an understanding of pertinent fisheries. Port sampling technicians will work at least 7.5 hours per day, 5 days a week (with potential opportunities for overtime) in the seafood processing plants and docks in Petersburg. Port sampling technicians will be required to interact with commercial fishermen, processing plant workers, and other ADF&G staff in a professional and respectful manner. Data collection will include fishery performance data obtained through interviewing permit holders, as well as collecting biological samples (such as scales and tissue) and evaluating salmon for coded-wire tags (CWT) using a CWT wand. Practicing safe handling and learning to identify all five species of pacific salmon in their ocean bright condition are integral skills for this position. The technicians’ work will be directed by the Petersburg/Wrangell Port Sampling Supervisor, Port Sampling Crew Leader, or the Regional Port Sampling Supervisor. Attention to detail and a willingness to learn are essential for these positions.

Our organization, mission and culture:
The Division of Commercial Fisheries 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.

The mission of the Division of Commercial Fisheries is to manage subsistence, commercial, and personal use fisheries in the interest of the economy and general wellbeing of the citizens of the state, consistent with the sustained yield principle and subject to allocations through public regulatory processes. The Division’s core service is to ensure the conservation of natural stocks of fish, shellfish and aquatic plants based on scientifically sound assessments.

This port sampling position assists in the collection of biological data from commercial salmon and shellfish landings. Data collections may include coded wire tags, fishery performance, pink salmon sex ratios, age-length data, otoliths, genetic samples, morphometric, and other biological data as directed. This information is used directly to manage State of Alaska fisheries. Some of our work is conducted as part of the Pacific Salmon Treaty and is considered the foundation on which the salmon management of Southeast Alaska is built.

The benefits of joining our team:
The State of Alaska is an excellent employer that offers benefits including medical, dental, access to retirement accounts, and accruement of leave.

This position provides an opportunity to learn about Southeast Alaska’s commercial fisheries and gain valuable experience in the industry. Many current Fishery Biologists began their employment with the Division of Commercial Fisheries at some level of the Fish and Wildlife Technician class. Working as a port sampling technician demonstrates the incumbent is detail-oriented and can work in a fast-paced environment, this is great experience for anybody wanting to begin a career in fisheries biology.

The Port Sampling program provides management biologists with real-time data that directly manages the State’s salmon fisheries, actively contributing to the conservation and preservation of Alaska’s salmon populations and fisheries.

The incumbent will be located in the picturesque town of Petersburg, Alaska. Petersburg offers fantastic fishing, hiking, and birding opportunities, all within a relatively close vicinity.

The working environment you can expect:
Much of the work is conducted at seafood processing facilities or on docks in loud, wet and slippery conditions, in inclement weather, around ropes, cables, suspended loads, and forklifts. On occasion this position performs work in the office. Multiple sampling programs are involved, and several different sampling forms must be filled out correctly. Most of the data is entered into electronic tablets in sampling applications, therefore proficiency using electronics is ideal. This position requires the ability to work a flexible schedule that will be dependent on commercial fishery openings, closures, vessel, and seafood processing dynamics.

• Requires repetitive motion of hands and fingers, bending, lifting, pulling and pushing up to 50 pounds, twisting under load (weight), and at times, standing in one place for extended periods of time.
• Requires ability to work on docks and in seafood processing facilities in cold, wet, windy, and slippery conditions.
• Requires exposure to fish blood and viscera, pathogens, and sharp implements.
• Requires ability to work in loud conditions around moving machines, forklifts, and people.
• Requires the ability to work irregular hours, possibly early mornings and late evenings.

Who we are looking for:
Fishery Biology: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of marine and aquatic life, including classification, taxonomy, population dynamics, distribution, habitat requirements, life histories, reproduction, behaviors, conservation, and care of marine and aquatic species.

Data Entry/Clerical: Knowledge of filing, typing, entering data, maintaining records, taking shorthand, and
using and completing forms.

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.

Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.

Computer Skills: Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.

• A valid driver's license is required.
• CPR/First Aid Certification. Training will be provided by the department after hire at no cost to the employee.

• Please provide three (3) references with current contact information (names and daytime phone numbers).

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).

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 orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (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 https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html 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)

• 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

Paid Leave & Other Benefits

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