Fish and Wildlife Technician 3 (PCN 111622)
Petersburg
Monday, 13 April 2026
This position is open to all Applicants. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries is recruiting for a Fish and Wildlife Technician 3 located in Petersburg, Alaska! What You Will Be Doing:The. Department of Fish and Game, Commercial Fisheries Division, is seeking to hire a seasonal Fish and Wildlife Technician 3 to serve as a port sampler from approximately June 1st to August 31st in Petersburg. This position 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 thesepositions. Our Mission, Values 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 position assists in the collection of biological data from commercial salmon landings for coded wire tags, fishery performance data, age-length data, genetic samples, and other biological data as directed. This information is used directly to manage the State of Alaska salmon fisheries as part of Pacific Salmon Treaty obligations and is considered the foundation on which salmon management in Southeast Alaska is built. 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 go to graduate school. 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: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 marine and aquatic life, including classification, taxonomy, population dynamics, distribution, habitat requirements, life histories, reproduction, behaviors, conservation, and care of marine and aquatic species. Scientific Research: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of scientific principles related to environmental, ecological, biological, or physical science and the 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. 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. To view the general description and example of duties for a Fish and Wildlife Technician 3 please go to the following link: Alaska/classspecs. Special Note: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. SPOT Sexual Harassment Prevention training and Cybersecurity training will be provided to all employees.
Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation or the equivalent. AND - Six months experience at the developmental level of fish and wildlife technician or aide. With the State of Alaska, this experience is equivalent to Fish and Wildlife Technician 2. OR - One year of technical laboratory and/or field experience involving fish or wildlife research, management, or habitat protection; as a commercial fisher, guide, or trapper; or a subsistence hunter or fisher. Substitutions:An additional six months of work experience involving fish, wildlife, outdoor manual labor, or in a laboratory may substitute for the high school graduation or equivalent. Bachelor of Science degree in fisheries, wildlife, or habitat protection may substitute for a maximum of two years of technical laboratory or field experience, involving fish or wildlife research, management, or habitat protection. Special Requirements:Work may involve exposure to animals, insects, inclement weather, low level flying, travel by boat or skiff, or contact with drugs and chemicals. Housing may consist of bunkhouses, vessels, or wall tents. Positions are seasonal or temporary. Special Note:"High school diploma equivalent" means one of the following: 1) a GED (general educational development); 2) completion of any basic adult education course equivalent to 480 class hours (16 weeks at 30 course hours per week); 3) acceptance in full standing by an accredited college or university; or 4) highest grade of school completed plus an amount of paid or volunteer experience that totals 12 years. Fields of study comparable to fisheries, wildlife or habitat protection include aquaculture, biology, ichthyology, microbiology, ornithology, and zoology.