Fish Biologist
What you'd do
This position is a Fish Biologist, GS- 0482-11 working in Whiteriver, AZ for the Alchesay/Williams Creek NFH Complex. The Complex operates two cold-water hatcheries on White Mountain Apache Tribal land and is the primary trout supplier for Tribal recreational fisheries in the Southwest. It maintains the only Apache Trout broodstock, supports species recovery, and provides eggs to Arizona Game and Fish for state fishing programs. Come work with Apache Trout in the White Mountains of Arizona!
Major duties
As a Fish Biologist your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Assists the Project Leader with the establishment of hatchery policy based on the interpretation of directives, regulations and requirements set forth in broad based guidance documents. Assists the Project Leader with the preparation and accuracy of Station Action Plans, Program Planning Documents, Annual Reports and other fiscal reports as required. Updates the plans and coordinates with Tribal, State, and Federal entities concerning the production and the fish-stocking programs. Works closely with Project Leader in research activities by identifying current information and technology gaps related to propagation of current aquatic stocks and future stocks to more closely match the Service's priorities and continue to meet program responsibilities. Monitors fish health, growth, and quality, and implements corrective measures or administers therapeutic and prophylactic treatments, as needed. Performs the full range of technical and administrative supervision, which includes outlining objectives, determining scope of work and developing overall plans. Plans the work to be accomplished, sets and adjusts priorities, and deadlines. Schedules, assigns and directs the work, administers supervisory personnel functions, evaluates work performance, and takes necessary action to assure that the work of subordinate employees meet standards of quantity and quality. Develops and cultivates partnerships with other Federal, State, Tribal and civic entities and conservation agencies to coordinate fish production activities and enhance conservation efforts to meet Service objectives.
What you need to qualify
Only experience and education obtained by 07/20/2026 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification. Basic Requirement: A Degree- 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 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 A combination of education and experience: 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 A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Minimum Qualification [GS-11] One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience includes: (1) monitoring water quality and performing maintenance on fish hatchery equipment; (2) performing fish health assessments and observing fish behavior to ensure there are no potential fish health issues and participating in the development of project plans to conduct assessments of aquatic species populations; (3) working with various stakeholders (Federal, State, Tribal, and civic entities and agencies), to coordinate fish production activities (release and transport of juvenile fish and eggs, transferring fish, etc.); (4) gathering fish production data using software for data collection and record keeping; (5) preparing fish/eggs for shipment or distribution and assist with stocking activities; and (6) generating reports on hatchery operations. NOTE: Your resume must contain the sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified. OR Three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. (Degree must reflect the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do 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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