FOsteology,
If I was you I'd jump at the opportunity, especially if it's just for a year or two.
I lived there for about 14 months in 2007-'08. Wonderful experience for an outsider. Stay out of downtown and there's not much of a problem with "bums". Folks I found were nice enough. Rents might shock you, but hopefully you'll be compensated with AK wages. Are you tough? Have an RV or camp trailer? I lived in one while there and it sure made rent a more likable proposition.
Wonderful hiking in the area, same with the scenery. I didn't hunt due to the one year wait for a resident license (don't get me going on "residency" issues, having moved to about 7 states in the past 20 years I have opinions
) I did fish though, and fishing from shore was enjoyable enough in the salt chuck. Couple of streams around there too. Friends with boats are nice, find one with some crab rings. Sea food is available at the docks direct from the fishers. If you're there for more than a year and set up residency deer bag limits are OK too. Again, a friend with a boat is nice. Grouse can be good some years from all I've heard.
I lived in Auke Bay and would certainly recommend it as it's only 11 miles or some such from the main part of town. Kinda quiet out that way, nice harbor, hiking trail starts there and goes inland and connects to others.
I wish you the best in your adventure (I'm having a positive attitude
)
PM me for more info if you'd like
Geno