Wildlife Biologist 4 (PCN 11-2044) - State of Alaska

This position serves as the statewide coordinator for implementing the State of Alaska’s Intensive Management Law (IM; AS 16.05.255) and, to the degree needed, helps coordinate other predation control and habitat enhancement efforts. The incumbent will work with all five regions of the Division of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) on assessing the feasibility of potential IM programs, as well as the development, implementation, reporting, and evaluation of IM programs. The position will lead and assist with research and monitoring to understand the effectiveness of programs and understand factors limiting ungulate populations. The incumbent will work closely with, and provide advice to, biologists, regional leadership, and divisional leadership.

Our organization, mission and culture:
The Department of Fish and Game’s mission is 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 the well-being of the people of the state, consistent with the sustained yield principle. The DWC's mission is to conserve and enhance Alaska’s wildlife and habitats and provide for a wide range of public uses and benefits. This position is defined by our core services that maintain and enhance opportunities to hunt, trap, and view wildlife because it helps to provide people an opportunity to gain knowledge and appreciation for Alaska’s wildlife, its management, and ways to interact with wildlife safely and ethically. Alaskans, including department staff, are highly passionate about the State’s fish, wildlife, and outdoor resources.

DWC follows the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Elected and appointed officials (i.e., Department Commissioner, Division Director, and Alaska Board of Game members) are the trustees of wildlife resources who make policy decisions. The Division’s professional biologists implement those policy decisions and provide biological and other information to decision makers. The role of this position is not to make decisions about whether to implement predation control and habitat enhancement programs but to help the State of Alaska trustees make informed decisions about such actions, and to help staff implement programs in a scientifically and legally defensible manner.

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.

The benefits of joining our team:
This position offers an unparalleled opportunity to work at the cross section of wildlife management, science, and policy on some of Alaska’s most iconic species and high-profile issues. The incumbent will work with a diverse team of biologists and wildlife managers to carry out critical research and inform wildlife management decisions. The position works to benefit Alaskans by elevating the productivity of ungulate populations to enhance subsistence and other harvest opportunities.

The working environment you can expect:
The position may be located in Juneau, Anchorage, Palmer, or Fairbanks. The position includes office and field work. The daily work environment includes working at a desk in an office setting with some opportunities for flexible scheduling and telework. This position may include some field work, which in Alaska is typically remote. This position may occasionally require working outside normal business hours to carry out field work, prepare for meetings, and to meet various deadlines. Periodic travel will be required to meet with staff spread across the state, attend meetings, and conduct field work. Work is carried out collaboratively with Division staff throughout the state.

Who we are looking for:
We are looking for a dynamic and motivated wildlife professional to coordinate the Division’s IM work. The successful candidate will have some, or all, of the following desired strengths. To be considered for an interview, you must submit a cover letter that describes your work experience pertaining to each of the following numbered topics below. If you do not have experience with one or more of the topics listed below, simply say so. Your application should also include a resume.  

1. A deep understanding of wildlife management, population biology, and how bottom-up and top-down factors affect ungulate populations.
2. Knowledge of laws and regulations governing wildlife management in Alaska, especially Alaska’s IM law.
3. A demonstrated ability to objectively review data on highly controversial topics regardless of personal values.
4. A strong understanding of the roles of science and policy in wildlife management.
5. A proven ability to coordinate with people who are outside one's supervisory chain and who are located in different offices.  
6. Experience successfully designing, carrying out, and publishing research and monitoring on game species in remote areas, with experience handling difficult logistics being a plus.
7. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with experience communicating with diverse audiences, including wildlife managers and decision makers, scientists, and the public.

To view the general description and example of duties please go to the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs 

Special Note: 

• Valid Driver's license is required. 
• This position requires field work which can involve exposure to large animals, insects, inclement weather, low level flying in planes and helicopters, travel by boat or skiff, and contact with drugs and chemicals used to immobilize wildlife.
• This position routinely travels for field work and to various locations to attend meetings. While traveling housing may require shared rooms with other field crew members.