Fish and Wildlife Technician 2 positions summer 2026

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Commercial Fisheries Division, is seeking up to six permanent-seasonal Fish and Wildlife Technician (FWT) 2s. The duty station for these positions is in Soldotna, AK but technicians will primarily work out of remote field camps at Judd, Chelatna, or Larson lakes. These positions will be responsible for assisting with the installation, operation and maintenance of either a floating or fixed picket weir and camp mobilization and demobilization. 

Under the general supervision of a Fishery Biologist 2, technicians will be part of a two-person crew identifying and enumerating all five species of Pacific Salmon. A subsample of sockeye salmon will be collected for age, sex and length (ASL) and daily quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) will be completed. The Department uses this data to assess whether adequate numbers of sockeye salmon are returning to the Susitna River Drainage. Technicians will spend 1-3 weeks in Soldotna where they will receive training (fish sampling, wildlife, boat, firearm, etc.) and prepare gear before flying out to their respective remote camps via float plane. 

These positions offer exposure to living and working on remote Alaskan lakes. This is an opportunity to gain experience working in a backcountry setting, sampling salmonids, data collection, weir operation, and boat driving. Crew members will get the unique experience of observing tens of thousands of salmon migrating to their spawning grounds. They’ll also gain professional experience contributing real-time data to in-season fishery management. Other perks include outstanding fishing and wildlife sightings. 

Not familiar with a weir? Check this out: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlifenews.view_article&articles_id=88 

Season dates: June 15 or July 1 through August 31, 2026 (start date dependent on funding availability) 

Hourly rate: $19.62. Room and board are provided while at the weirs. 

Successful applicants will possess some or all the following qualities: 

• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
• Desire to work outdoors
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and produce quality data in adverse environmental conditions
• Detail oriented
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Familiarity with hand and power tools
• Ability to problem solve
• Ability to be transported in small aircraft and boats
• Ability to live with limited personal communications
• Ability to carry a firearm once trained
• Willingness to work in brown bear habitat

Bonus qualities: 

• Experience handling and identifying salmonids
• Experience with biological sampling
• Experience living and working in a remote setting 
• Experience collecting, organizing, and summarizing biological samples and data
• Experience with troubleshooting outboard motor problems
• Experience operating outboard motor and skiff on rivers and lakes
• Experience in field work
• Experience entering data into various databases and spreadsheets
• Minimum Qualifications:
  
  
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and walk on uneven terrain. 18+ years of age. 
• High school graduation. OR 
• Three months as an entry level fish and wildlife technician or aide. This experience is equivalent to Fish and Wildlife Technician I with the State of Alaska. OR 
• Six months of work experience involving fish or wildlife, or outdoor manual labor or in a laboratory. 

EEO STATEMENT The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or 465-4095 in Juneau or (907) 465-3412 (TTY) or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer. 

FIREARMS This position requires the use or possession of a firearm or ammunition. In accordance with the federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (PL 104-208), if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you may not hold this position.