Fisheries Biologist

POSITION TITLE: Fisheries Biologist

DEPARTMENT: Environmental

WAGE: $35.00 per hour, DOE, Full-Time, All Benefits

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

ESC CODE: 

FUNDING SOURCE: Grant Funded

OPENING: May 30, 2025

CLOSING: June 8, 2025

Position Summary:

The Fisheries Biologist supports the Tribe’s environmental stewardship efforts by leading fisheries-related fieldwork and managing multiple grant-funded projects. Under the direction of the Environmental Director and in alignment with Tribal Council priorities, this role involves coordinating and conducting scientific field activities, ensuring compliance with grant objectives, and pursuing funding opportunities to support ongoing fisheries initiatives.

Current projects include environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, river use monitoring, stream restoration and mapping, beach cleanups, and aerial surveys of goat and moose populations.

 Essential Functions:

• Collaborate with the U.S. Forest Service to implement river monitoring programs (April –September)


• Lead and coordinate stream mapping and restoration efforts within the Yakutat area


• Collect, manage, and analyze environmental data; prepare technical reports and public presentations for the Tribal Council and stakeholders


• Administer and manage four active fisheries grants, including budget tracking and meeting all reporting requirements


• Research and pursue new funding opportunities to support fisheries-related work, under Tribal Council priorities


• Work collaboratively with Environmental Department staff on complementary initiatives such as:
  
  
  
  • Shellfish biomass surveys
  
  
  • Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) monitoring
  
  
  • Ocean acidification and water quality sampling
  
  
  • Composting and waste reduction projects
  
  
  
  


• Perform additional duties as assigned


• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of living and/or working outdoors in Southeast Alaska.


• Knowledge of and familiarity with the Native community in

• Knowledge of and familiarity with Yakutat fisheries management.


• Knowledge of or be willing to learn bear awareness and all field safety techniques.


• Knowledge of watercraft, aircraft, and ATV driving (safety training provided).


• Knowledge and understanding of environmental regulations and best practices.

• Knowledge of and proficient in ArcGIS is strongly preferred.

• Skills in leadership and organization.

• Skilled in effective communication with the ability to interact with diverse stakeholders.


• Skilled in writing, editing and other relevant software applications and experienced in entering and maintaining data, with at least one year experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook,


• Skilled in managing grant budgets and reporting.


• Access, and other programs.


• Ability to work independently.


• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.


• Ability to exhibit timeliness; must be able and willing to show up on time at an agreed-upon location.


• Ability and experience working outdoors in inclement weather.


• Ability to carry at least 50lbs for extended periods of time over rugged terrain.


• Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment and effective written and oral communication as well as, strong attention to detail, and good record-keeping.


• Ability to coordinate professionally with local Federal and State environmental agencies to conduct partnership projects and maintain positive relationships.


• Ability to work the flexible hours required of a field work schedule which is weather and tidal dependent. This may include working earlier or later than typical office hours and may (very rarely) include weekends.


• Ability to work in an office setting for extended periods of time in addition to working in the field.


• Ability to conduct themselves professionally in the workspace, have good organizational skills, good record-keeping skills.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

Work environment is diverse, encompassing both indoor and outdoor settings. While office duties involve typical desk work, computer tasks, and participation in meetings, a significant portion of the role entails fieldwork. This fieldwork exposes the employee to a range of weather conditions, from heat to cold, along with rain and wind elements.

Fieldwork also entails physical labor, necessitating the lifting, carrying, and maneuvering of equipment and materials, some of which may weigh up to 50 pounds. The terrain may be uneven, requiring physical agility to navigate effectively. Additionally, the employee must be prepared to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and kneel for extended periods during fieldwork and will give Immediate notification of on-the-job injuries.

Manual dexterity and keen hand-eye coordination are indispensable for tasks like operating equipment and conducting compost monitoring and sampling. Moreover, the role demands sufficient vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills to execute duties safely and effectively. The employee must be able to read, write, speak and hear. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility:

 This position is a first level supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.


• Must be 18 years of age or older.


• Bachelor’s degree, or pursuing, Fisheries Biology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field preferred.


• Must be able to pass a National Criminal and State background check.


• Valid Alaska Driver’s License.

Disclosures:

 We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

THE YAKUTAT TLINGIT TRIBE IS A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE. THIS POSITION MAY BE SUBJECT TO RANDOM DRUG TESTING AND CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK.  

Preference will be given to qualified Yakutat Tlingit Tribal Member and/or Alaska Native candidates.

NATIVE AMERICAN PREFERENCE WILL BE APPLIED TO HIRING OF THIS POSITION AS DEFINED IN TITLE 25, US CODE, CHAPTER 14, SUBCHAPTER V, SUBSECTION 273 AND 274.  WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER WITH PREFERENCE GIVEN TO QUALIFIED NATIVE AMERICAN/ALASKA NATIVE APPLICANTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW AND TRIBAL POLICY.