The North Pacific Fishery Management Council recommends management measures for fisheries in the federal waters off Alaska, ranging from 3 to 200 miles offshore. Established under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the regional Council system gives fishery managers the flexibility to use local-level input to develop management strategies appropriate for each region’s unique fisheries challenges and opportunities.

About this job

As a fishery analyst or fishery economist for the Council, you will lead the evaluation of economic and/or environmental impacts of proposed changes to the management of some of the nation’s largest and most valuable commercial fisheries, the groundfish and crab fisheries off Alaska. Your work has a meaningful impact, as it supports decision-making by the Council based on the best available science and connects directly to the on-the-water implementation of measures to conserve and sustain fisheries, fishermen and communities, marine resources, and ecosystems.

In this role, you will gain expertise in a wide range of fisheries, management approaches, vessel and processor operations, fisheries science, and other topics. In addition to possessing the qualifications listed below, the ideal candidate will demonstrate intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to work on interdisciplinary issues that may extend beyond their specific academic training or prior experience. While we strive to align projects with individual interests and strengths, successful analysts are flexible and capable of applying their skills to new and emerging issues as organizational priorities evolve.

The ideal candidate will be motivated to learn unfamiliar subjects, independently scope and develop analytical approaches, and carry projects through to completion. This position is well suited for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, integrating information from multiple disciplines, and continuously developing new skills, tools, and analytical methods.

What you will be doing

Your responsibilities and job duties as Council staff include but are not limited to the following:

• Prepare and contribute to a variety of social, economic, and environmental impact analyses, discussion papers and reports to assist the Council in developing fisheries policy and changes to fishery management plans.
• Present the results of written work to the Council, advisory committees and public. Communicate complex analyses at a variety of levels for decisionmakers, scientific review bodies, and user groups.
• Provide rapporteur and logistical support for Council advisory committees.
• Act in a neutral advisory capacity in discussions with the Council and the Council's committees on matters relating to the impacts of proposed fishery management regulations.
• Work independently and as a team with other Council analysts, and in collaboration with staff from other agencies (e.g., National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC)). Serve as project manager lead including coordinating roles and timelines internally and across contributing agencies.
• Attend Council meetings, public hearings, and other meetings, including travel as required.

About you

• Excellent written and oral communicator. Ability to write clearly and succinctly, skilled in making and delivering effective oral presentations and communicating complex issues to non-technical audiences. Experience in the compilation and/or review of environmental assessments or environmental/economic analyses supporting regulatory actions is a plus.
• Strategic thinker and planner. Ability to conceptualize the scope of a problem, develop a workplan for project development/completion, and analyze potential impacts. Capable of managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Experience in fisheries-related discipline. Master’s degree or higher in resource management, environmental policy, resource economics, fisheries science, public policy, or other related discipline. Education may be substituted with 3 or more years professional experience in management/policy, analysis, or research related to fisheries or other renewable natural resources.
• Independent and adaptable. Resourceful and self-directed with a strong sense of ownership for responsibilities. Must be flexible and demonstrate willingness and ability to readily respond to critical feedback, changing circumstances and priorities.
• Interpersonal skills. Ability to work professionally with people from multiple scientific and technical backgrounds. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships, and to work effectively as part of a team.
• Familiarity with marine fisheries. Knowledge of the various policies, laws, and management programs pertaining to the fishing industry. Familiarity with operations of North Pacific fisheries, and current management issues is a plus.

Salary and benefits: This is a non-federal GS-11/12/13-equivalent position, plus Alaska cost of living adjustments. Salary range $85,000 - $138,000/year, depending on experience. Benefits include:

• Employer-paid health, dental, vision, audio, and life insurance
• Retirement plan through the State of Alaska, and additional 403(b) and 457(b) plan options
• Flexible spending account – pre-tax health and dependent care
• Vacation, sick, parental, civic, administrative, and military leave commensurate with Federal employment policies
• Paid time off during 11 Federally-recognized holidays
• Moving expenses may be authorized
• Some telework flexibility

Working conditions: The daily environment will include working at a desk at the Council office in Anchorage, Alaska, with some opportunities for flexible scheduling and telework. You will occasionally be required to work outside normal business hours and on weekends or holidays preparing for or during meetings. Travel is required to participate in some meetings and conferences. Council staff support at minimum four Council meetings per year, each lasting approximately 9 consecutive days, with one of the meetings per year outside of Anchorage. Some physical lifting required to support meeting setup.

How to apply for this opportunity: Please submit a letter of interest clearly describing how you are uniquely qualified to carry out the duties described above and a current resume in a single PDF format to jobs@npfmc.org.

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.