Future Alaskans in Fisheries and Marine Science
This website is designed to help rural Alaskans and Alaska Natives pursue education towards professional careers in fisheries, marine and ocean sciences, and employment in these fields in Alaska. Future Alaskans in Fisheries and Marine Science is produced through the cooperation of a network of fisheries and marine science organizations.
Alaska Fisheries & Marine Science Job Board
This is the first comprehensive job board featuring fisheries & marine science jobs in the state. The purpose of the job board is to attract more Alaskan applicants to positions across the state.
For information about degree programs in fisheries and marine science, please visit our Degree Programs page.
This site is created by the Alaska Marine Science and Fisheries Careers Coalition (AMSFCC), a network of schools, management agencies, tribal, non-profit and fishing associations working together to support Alaskans, particularly rural Alaskans and Alaska Natives, who seek careers in fisheries and marine science.
If your organization would like to be listed as a partner in this effort, please contact the coordinator at coordinator.amsfcc@gmail.com, (907) 274-9699 or Toll Free 1-888-788-6333.
Steering Committee
Barbara Morgan - OceansAlaska
Beth Spangler - ANSEP
Bonita Nelson - NOAA Fisheries
Ginny Eckert - CFOS/UAF
Glenn Seamen - Graduate students
Ida Hilderbrand - CRRC
John Whissel- Native Village of Eyak
Mike Miller - Sitka Tribe
Mike Thalhauser - Kuskokwim Native Association
Rose Fosdick - Kawerak Inc.
Todd Radenbaugh - UAF Bristol Bay Campus
Sheila Cameron - ADF&G
Paula Cullenberg - Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program
Robin Dublin - COSEE Alaska
Trent Sutton - CFOS/UAF
David Tallmon - UAF, CFOS
Lisa Busch - Sitka Sound Science Center
Kara Johnson - Prince William Sound Science Center
Program Partners
- Alaska Department of Education, Career and Technical Education
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game
- Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program
- Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program
- Alaska SeaLife Center
- Bristol Bay Campus, UAF
- Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation
- Bristol Bay High School, Naknek
- Chugach Regional Resources Commission
- College of Rural and Community Development, UAF
- Cooperative Extension Service, UAF
- COSEE Alaska
- Gulf of Alaska Coastal Communities Coalition
- Icicle Seafoods
- Interior Aleutian Campus, UAF
- Kawerak, Inc.
- Ketchikan Fisheries Technology Program, UAS
- Kuskokwim Native Association
- Lower Kuskokwim School District
- NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region
- NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science
- Northwest Campus, UAF
- North Pacific Fishery Management Council
- OceansAlaska
- The Rasmuson Foundation
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, UAF
- Sitka Sound Science Center
- STEM AK
- Tanana Chiefs Conference
- Tribal Management Program, UAF
- US Fish and Wildlife Service
- Yukon River Drainage Fishermen’s Association
There are many opportunities for jobs in fisheries and marine science in Alaska, and professional careers in fisheries and marine/ocean sciences extend to many different levels. A qualified candidate can work for the Alaska State Government, the Federal Government, Alaska Native Groups, Community Development Quota (CDQ) Groups, and Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs). This is a partial listing of some of the largest fisheries and marine science employers in the state.
- Alaska State Government
- Federal Government Federal Government
- Alaska Native Groups Community Development Quota (CDQ)
- Groups Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) Helpful Websites
- Alaska Marine Jobs, Fellowships, and Internships
- Role Model Interviews
- Careers in Marine Mammal Science
The Society for Marine Mammalogy - Working in the Aquatic Sciences - American Society of Limnology and Oceanography
- Ocean Science Careers Portal
Hosted by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science - Oceanography and Marine Related Careers - Office of Naval Research
- Careers, Jobs and Internships - Marine Advanced Technology Education Center
Pathways (PDF)
Pre-College Preparation for High School Students
The Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP) is a longitudinal program that works with students from the time they are freshmen in high school all the way through graduate school. ANSEP increases university recruitment and retention rates through hands-on high school outreach initiatives, rigorous summer bridging programs, focused academic learning communities, organized student cohorts, networks of peer and professional mentors, community-based learning, professional internships and undergraduate research projects. Please visit their website to see all the wonderful opportunities that they have for pre-college students.
Each winter, Alaska holds a regional ocean sciences competition as part of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl. The Alaska regional NOSB has a unique research component for the competition. This component includes a research paper, which is submitted in December, and a 20-minute presentation at the Tsunami Bowl. This research component is conducted by teams of four or five students and is worth 50 percent of the final score. The other 50 percent comes from a competition in which four students, plus an optional alternate, compete against other teams in a timed quiz match. The winning team competes against other regional teams from across the United States.
Rural Alaska Honors Institute (RAHI)
The Rural Alaska Honors Institute (RAHI) is a bridging program that assists students in Rural Alaska in making the academic and social transition between high school and college. RAHI is for college-bound students who are wiling to work hard and who are dedicated to excellence. RAHI was organized by the University of Alaska Fairbanks to serve rural and Alaska Native high school honors students. Those who apply should have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and plan to have finished their junior or senior year. They should read at or above grade level and be committed to earning a college degree.
Summer Opportunities for High School Students Camps, Internships, College Bridging Programs
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game
- Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program Summer Bridge Program, University of Alaska Anchorage
- Alaska Science Research Academy
- The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
- Northwest Arctic Career and Technical Education Center (NACTEC) Field Biology
- Rural Alaska Honors Institute (RAHI), University of Alaska Fairbanks
- ASRA Advanced Marine Biology Module
- Ocean Science and Leadership Expedition
- Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies internships
- STEM AK (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)
- NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science Center
- Bristol Bay Fly Fishing & Guide Academy
Contact: Tim Troll
Email: ttroll@tnc.org
Tel: (907) 276-3133
Degree Programs in Fisheries and Marine Science
There are many educational pathways toward a professional career in fisheries and marine sciences. In Alaska, there are many institutions across the state that offer degree programs.
Associate's Degree and Certificates : University of Alaska Southeast - Ketchikan Bachelor's Degrees : Alaska Pacific University
UAF College of Fisheries & Ocean Sciences
University of Alaska Southeast - Juneau
University of Alaska Anchorage
Master's and Doctorate Degrees : Alaska Pacific University (Anchorage)
UAF College of Fisheries & Ocean Sciences (Juneau, Fairbanks)
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Financial Aid for College Students
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education
The Brindle Loan Program was established in memory of A.W. "Winn" Brindle who was
president of the Wards Cove Packing Company and Columbia Ward Fisheries. It is funded
by private donations and contributions from fisheries in exchange for state tax credits.
The funds provide renewable educational loans to Alaska residents for full-time study
in fisheries, seafood processing, food technology or related programs for Alaska residents.
The loan provides up to 50% forgiveness benefits if recipient returns to Alaska for
employment in fisheries-related field. Applicant must be a full-time student. Deadline:
5/15.
- Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program
University of Alaska - American Indian Science and Engineering Society Scholarships
- Henry Rodriguez Reclamation Scholarship and Internship ($5,000 annually). Bachelor's degree seeker in engineering or science relating to water resources.
- A. T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship ($1,000 annually). Major must be within several scientific disciplines including science or natural resources. Must be considered American Indian or Alaskan Native
- EPA Tribal Lands Environmental Science Scholarship ($4,000 annually). Must be a full time junior or senior or full time graduate student and be studying environmental studies, science or engineering fields. Aboriginal Canadians, Native Alaskans (Aleuts, Inuit, Eskimos), Native Americans, Native Pacific Islanders (Hawaiians, Polynesians or Micronesians)
- American Institute of Biological Sciences Diversity Outreach Directory
A directory of diversity programs in science including biology and environmental science - Association for Women in Science
- A.W. "Winn" Brindle Memorial Education Loan Program
- Building Engineering and Science Talent (BEST)
- College Scholarships, Graduate Fellowships and Postdoctoral Awards
For Aboriginal Canadians, Native Alaskans (Aleuts, Inuit, Eskimos), Native Americans, Native Pacific Islanders (Hawaiians, Polynesians or Micronesians) - Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Designed to increase undergraduate training in ocean and atmospheric science, research, technology and education. Up to $29,000 available per student for studies and internships in the area of ocean and atmospheric sciences and education. - Ecological Society of America's Strategies for Ecology Education, Development and Sustainability (SEEDS)
- International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC)
IPHC funds several Merit Scholarships to support university and technical college education. The scholarship fund has been established to assist the further education of Canadian and U.S. students connected to the halibut fishery and its industry. Generally, a single scholarship valued at $2,000 (US) per year will be awarded. The scholarships for 2011 will be for educational entrance or continuation in Fall 2011. - Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement (MESA USA)
- Morris K. Udall Undergraduate Scholarships
The Udall Scholarship provides up to $5,000 to sophomore and junior level college students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to tribal public policy or health care, and are Native American or Alaska Native and also who are studying science or resource management. - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Educational Partnership Program
(EPP)
Financial assistance to support research and training of students who are conducting a course of study in a NOAA related science field. The EPP actually is comprised of four competitive programs: (1) Cooperative Science Centers which have been established at Minority Serving Institutions to advance research and provide training related to NOAA's mission; (2) Environmental Entrepreneurship Program (EEP), a program which offers grants to attract historically underrepresented groups to environmental sciences for program development and environmental demonstration projects; (3) the Graduate Sciences Program which is designed to recruit and provide graduate level training in NOAA-related sciences; and (4) the Undergraduate Scholarship Program which offers internships and scholarships to 10 students annually. This program targets sophomores and juniors who have or are about to declare a major in atmospheric, oceanic or environmentally-related sciences. Scholarships ($650/wk) are provided for 10-week internships plus travel costs to and from NOAA sites. A maximum of $4,000 is provided per academic year plus a housing allowance if the student is not living at home. (EPP Flyer - Undergraduate) (EPP Flyer - Graduate) - National Council for Science and Environment (NCSE)
NCSE works with EnvironMentors to help minority high school students connect with college and university environmental programs - Quality Education for Minorities (QEM) Network Mathematics, Science and Engineering Program
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Internships & Summer Opportunities for College Students-
Alaska Department of Fish & Game
"Future Biologists Get Hands-On Experience" by Nancy Long
Contact the Fish and Wildlife Careers for Alaskans Program Coordinator at (907) 465-2915 and check out the State of Alaska Internship Website for possible internships. - Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association
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Bristol Bay Native Association
Contact: Courtney Carty
Fisheries Education Outreach Coordinator
Tel: (907) 842-5257
E-mail: ccarty@bbna.com - Cook inlet Regional Aquaculture Association
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International Pacific Halibut Commission (Seattle)
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Kuskokwim Native Association
Contact: Mike Thalhauser
Tel:(907) 675-4384
E-mail: mthalhauser@kuskokwim.org -
Native Village of Eyak
Contact: Keith van den Broek
Director of Environment and Natural Resources
Native Village of Eyak
P.O. Box 1388
Cordova, AK 99574
Tel: (907) 424-7867 - Bristol Bay Fly Fishing & Guide Academy
Contact: Tim Troll
Email: ttroll@tnc.org
Tel: (907) 276-3133 - NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science Center
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NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region
Alaska Fisheries Science Center and the Alaska Region office
The Alaska Fisheries Science Center (in Seattle) and the Alaska Regional office (in Juneau) accepts applications for a variety of internships (mostly summer) in the biological sciences, marine sciences and other disciplines. NOAA can hire students under either the STEP or SCEP Programs:
- JustGarciaHill
JustGarciaHill is an organization committed to increasing the number of minorities entering science careers. There are listings of internships provided. - Native American Fish and Wildlife Society (NAFWS)
NAFWS has a website that is 30 pages in length and lists both fellowships/internships and scholarships, most with websites and often mailing addresses. - Quality Education for Minorities (QEM) Network Mathematics, Science and Engineering
Program
The QEM Network is dedicated to improving the education of minority children, youth, and adults, and assists the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, and the National Institutes for Health (NIH) with its minority programs and in preparing grants to provide internships for minority students. - Rochester Institute of Technology
RIT has a website that lists Co-op/Internship Opportunities for Minority and underrepresented students and one that lists Co-op/Internship Opportunities in Ecology, Animal and Plant Biology and Marine Biology, which are 10 and 13 pages long, respectively. The opportunities listed are throughout the US. My reading of these many opportunities lead me to believe that few are specific to fisheries sciences, but the marine science training would be invaluable to students intending to major in fisheries science. - Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
SACNAS provides listings of internships, undergrad research experiences, and summer programs.
- Entry Point!
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Entry Point! is a program of the AAAS offering internship opportunities for students with disabilities in science, engineering, math, computer science, and some fields of business.
- Environment Canada’s Science Horizons Youth Internship Program
Over the past 9 years this program has assisted close to 1000 students obtain practical work experience in environmental projects in areas such as climate and ecosystem research, wildlife research and management, ecological monitoring and assessment and development of scientific tools such as standards and guidelines of environmental quality. The program matches youth with mentors and makes approximately 100 youth placements/year for 6-12 months with $12,000 (Canadian) per placement available for projects. - Environmental Careers Organization (ECO)
ECO places 750 students and graduates in paid internships across the country. - Strategies for Ecology Education, Development, and Sustainability (SEEDS)
Ecological Society of America (ESA)
SEEDS provides a listing of internships available for undergraduates, provides some details, and a web link for each. - Minorities in Marine Science Undergraduate Program (MIMSUP)
Seeks to increase the representation of minority individuals in marine sciences including fisheries sciences. This is a program that has been in existence for over 15 years, includes two 10-week quarters of intensive marine science study, presented to 8 students who are recruited annually from across the nation. The NSF funding covers tuition and fees for two quarters, housing costs, travel to the Shannon Point Marine Center and the outreach work-study programs.
Contact Us For more information about the Future Alaskans in Fisheries and Marine Science (FAFAMS) Program or the Alaska Marine Science & Fisheries Career Coalition (AMSFCC) please contact: Madison Kosma
Marine Advisory Program
Program Coordinator, AmeriCorps VISTA
E-mail: coordinator.amsfcc@gmail.com