Fisheries Partner Biologist

Department:   Natural Resources

Job Title:         Fisheries Partner Biologist

Employment:  Full-Time

Salary Range: $55,000 – $70,000 a year (DOE)

Supervisor:     Natural Resources Director

Job Opening: Orutsararmiut Native Council (ONC) is currently accepting applications to fill the role of Kuskokwim Partners Biologist.  

Job Summary: This is not a typical biologist position. It combines standard research and monitoring with capacity building in pursuit of ensuring sustainability for Alaska Natives’ subsistence way of life. This involves incorporating fisheries management and research with educational efforts in partnership with Tribal, State, and Federal management entities; supervising field technicians or college interns; and working with people, schools, and communities regarding fisheries related programs and educational outreach. It is a unique opportunity to use creative biology, education, and communication skills to build on the existing ONC Fisheries Program that has received strong recognition and support over several years. This is a full time multi-year position funded on an annual basis through a cooperative agreement with the Federal Office of Subsistence Management. Work schedule will be 8:30AM-5PM, except during summer and fall projects when longer hours and weekend work will be required.

Duties: The role of the Kuskokwim Partners Biologist is to manage the day to day operations of the program and build capacity to help meet the subsistence needs of Tribal members. Some of  specific duties will include:

• Managing the day-to-day operations of ONCs Fisheries program.
• Serving as Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator in grant funded research projects, lead data collection efforts related to Kuskokwim River salmon and subsistence harvests through fisheries testing, recruiting subsistence fishers to collect fish samples and document the Age/Sex/Length composition of their salmon harvest, and surveying subsistence users. 
• Directing program operations related to collaborative research projects.
• Disseminating research results via final reports, and peer reviewed print scientific journals, etc. 
• Making presentations on findings to multidisciplinary organizations/working groups
• Serving as subject matter expert in fish ecology, providing leadership and guidance to ONC Executives, Subsistence committee and Tribal members to protect subsistence harvest opportunities on the Kuskokwim River. Leading advocacy efforts regarding salmon subsistence issues in our region. 
• Serving as subject matter expert in fish ecology, providing leadership and guidance to ONC Executives, Subsistence committee and Tribal members to protect subsistence harvest opportunities on the Kuskokwim River. Leading advocacy efforts regarding salmon subsistence issues in our region.
• Acquiring and managing funding to sustain program objectives and promote capacity building within the fisheries program. Recruiting and supervising seasonal staff to help accomplish program objectives.
• Strengthening existing collaborative management relationships and partnerships with State and Federal agencies, as well as other Tribal governments and organizations.
• Leading outreach and community engagement efforts related to projects.
• Training and engaging community members in community-based research.
• Managing a subsistence fish distribution program to benefit community members.
• Conducting fisheries-related outreach and environmental education programs through schools or community groups.
• Engaging Tribal youth in fisheries, science camps, and internships to promote the next generation of leaders in subsistence and fisheries management. 
• Fulfilling other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Candidates must have the ability to work with people of all ages from small communities in Western Alaska; have strong leadership and/or supervisor skills; clearly show dedication to ensuring sustainability of subsistence fisheries; and an understanding of, or demonstrated ability to work with, local Alaska Native cultures. Candidates must have a solid understanding of fisheries and ecological principles; a B.S. or B.A. degree from an accredited college with a major in biology, ecology, fisheries, tribal governance, or a related field in contemporary anthropology. Additional studies or familiarity with human dimensions and resource management issues in rural Alaska is preferred.

Experience working with Tribal organizations is highly desired along with knowledge of Alaska’s subsistence management concerns, grant writing, budget management, project management, and program capacity-building skills. Preferred candidates should also have two years of relevant professional work experience or subsistence fishing (M.S. Degree substitutes for 2 years’ experience); possess good field/outdoor skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills; and be willing to travel to Kuskokwim area villages and regional or statewide meetings. While this position involves working with many diverse groups and agencies, it also requires a great degree of vision, initiative, and ability to work independently without direct supervision in order to achieve established program goals. Applicants must be open and dedicated to learning and growing on the job and be adaptable to dynamic work environments.   Applicants with an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in the above will be considered.

Closing Date: Open until filled. 

To Apply: Send a cover letter and resume/CV to hr@nativecouncil.org, fax to (907)543-2639, or mail to arrive by closing date to: P.O. Box 927, Bethel, AK 99559.  Candidates must provide the phone number for  one professional reference to be considered.

Orutsararmiut Native Council exercises Alaskan Native/American Indian Preference under Public Law 93-638, Section 7(b). In the absence of any suitability qualified Indian applicant, all other applicants will receive equal opportunity for consideration of employment.