Special Projects Assistant

What you will be doing:
This position provides primary administrative support to the Commissioner and all staff within the Commissioner’s Office, serving as the Commissioner’s direct secretary and the department’s designated records custodian. It guides department-wide administrative processes involving the Commissioner, including approvals, signatures, scheduling, correspondence, and coordination with state agencies, federal partners, and the public. The role also manages the Commissioner’s calendar, travel, and official obligations while delivering comprehensive administrative support to other Commissioner’s Office staff such as the Deputy Commissioners, Communications Director, and Legislative Liaison.

Our mission, values and culture:
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s mission is to manage, protect, maintain, and improve Alaska’s fish, wildlife, and aquatic plant resources under the sustained yield principle for the long-term benefit of the state’s people, economy, and environment. This position directly supports that mission by handling the essential administrative responsibilities that allow the Commissioner and Commissioner’s Office staff to focus on policy development, executive decision-making, and high level leadership across the department. By managing all Commissioner-level approvals, official correspondence, scheduling, travel, and daily administrative demands, this role ensures the Commissioner remains fully informed, prepared, and able to respond promptly to the wide range of issues requiring his attention.

The Alaska Department of Fish & Game strives for a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and wellbeing are paramount and employees at all levels promote a culture where everyone is valued, treated equitably, and treated respectful.

The benefits of joining our team:
This position offers exceptional flexibility, with the ability to adjust work hours, attend personal appointments during the day, and make up time without using leave, as well as opportunities for telework for an incumbent who can remain responsive outside standard business hours. Whether based in Juneau or Anchorage, the Commissioner’s Office provides a comfortable and well-equipped workspace, including beautiful channel views from the Juneau headquarters. The role also offers strong opportunities for growth, including serving as backup to the Legislative Liaison or Communications Director and participating in department-wide projects that match the incumbent’s skills and interests, allowing for broad professional development and advancement.

The Special Projects Assistant is responsible for all administrative duties in the Commissioner’s Office, this includes payroll, management of the Commissioner’s schedule, and office management. Other duties include department records custodian, constituent response coordination, and the liaison for all department travel to the Governor’s Office.

The State of Alaska offers a competitive salary, a solid benefit package that includes retirement plans (with employer contributions), health insurance for medical/dental/vision (with employer contributions), and group-based insurance benefits such as term life, short/long-term disability, pet insurance, and much more. Click on the Benefits tab of this posting to learn more.

The working environment you can expect:

Our Juneau DFG Headquarters building next to the boardwalk, which provides ample parking and a great place to walk during breaks.
The Anchorage DFG Headquarters building is located on Raspberry Road, which provides ample parking in a central location in Anchorage.

Who we are looking for:
We are looking for a candidate with the following competencies:

• Organizational Skills – Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and maintain project documentation efficiently.
• Communication Skills – Responds in a timely, effective, and professional manner. Maintains open lines of communication and adapts messaging to suit diverse audiences.
• Time Management – Effective time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• Documentation Skills – Proficiency in producing clear and concise documentation for projects plans, reports, and communication with stakeholders.
• Discretion and Confidentiality – Ability to handle sensitive information regarding executive discussions.

Minimum Qualifications

Positions in this job class are in the exempt service.

Background and credentials specific to the requirements of individual positions will receive primary consideration on a position-by-position basis.

Additional Required Information

• Transcripts, if using to meet qualifications (unofficial copies are acceptable).

To verify education is being used to meet and/or support the required minimum qualifications/competences, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials used to meet or support the minimum qualifications/competencies for a position and are required. (Unofficial is okay; please ensure the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts).

Contact Information

The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.

For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)

Insurance Benefits

• Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
  • The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
    • AVTEC
    • Confidential
    • Correctional Officers
    • Marine Engineers
    • Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
    • Supervisory
    • Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman’s Union
    • Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
  • The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
    • General Government
    • Labor, Trades and Crafts
    • Public Safety Employees Association
    • Masters, Mates & Pilots
• Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)

• Group-based insurance premiums for
  • Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
  • Long-term and short-term disability
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
  • Supplemental Survivor Benefits
• Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS)
• Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
• Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
• Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
• Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
• Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options

Paid Leave & Other Benefits

• Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
• Twelve (12) paid holidays a year