Fish Biologist
What you'd do
This position is located within the Department of the Interior, U.Ss. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 8, Coleman National Fish Hatchery, located in Anderson, California.
Major duties
As a Fish Biologist your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Plans and conducts a variety of complex investigations including the design, collection, and analysis of biological data pertaining to species reared and released from National Fish Hatcheries in the assigned area. Plans and conducts a wide variety of complex investigations including the design, collection, and analysis of biological data to: determine the effects of various fish culture techniques, evaluate the impact of land and water development practices upon the fishery resources of an area; or to assist in implementing hatchery reform initiatives. Manages and interprets large sets of data. Uses analytical techniques to design studies and interpret results for hatchery evaluations and evaluations of ecological interactions between hatchery and wild fish populations. Prepares reports on progress and completion of activities and formulates recommendations that guide future programs and influences the improvements in hatchery/management/fish health practices. Responsible for the final collation, preparation and editing of contract reports, annual reports and scientific documents (to be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals) produced as a result of the fishery activity as well as preparing for and conducting briefings (for example, to regional office personnel). Presents project results at public and scientific meetings and conferences.
What you need to qualify
Only experience and education obtained by 07/10/2026 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification. Basic Requirement: possess a degree in biological science that included (a) at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects such as limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology; AND (b) at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences in such subjects as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or research in these fields. (Excess course work in aquatic subjects may be used to meet this requirement when appropriate.). OR Possess a combination of education and experience that included courses equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), of which a minimum of 6 semester hours were in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours were in the animal sciences, as shown in above, PLUS appropriate experience or additional education. This combination of education and experience is comparable to successful completion of a full 4-year course of study as described above. Minimum Qualification Possess at least one year of full-time specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level (comparable to GS-09) in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience required for this grade is defined as performing work in or directly related to Fish Biology including carrying out daily activities of a large fish hatchery production operations; propagating cold, cool and/or warm water aquatic species; assisting in planning hatchery operations and schedule; observing fish for signs of stress or disease; writing reports or results of studies; communicating biological or hatchery operations to an external audience; compiling and maintaining records of fish production and distribution. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified. OR Possess 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a field of study that is directly related the position and which provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work. OR A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Time In Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet both eligibility and qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the JOA. Specifically, i. Area of Consideration. ii. Time-in-grade (TIG) requirements as specified in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. iii. Time after competitive appointment as specified in 5 CFR 330.502. iv. Qualification requirements outlined in OPM's Qualifications Standards for General Schedule Positions
Before you apply
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