Biological Science Technician (Fish)
What you'd do
You will serve as a Biological Science Technician (Fish) with Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation. The Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office's team supports sportfish, native and imperiled species, and invasive species management across the Mississippi River Basin. From diving for mussels in Ozark streams to trawling rivers, restoring habitat, improving stream connectivity, and creating new tools for invasive species challenges, our team is ready to serve.
Major duties
Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Fish and/or Wildlife Surveys, Studies, and Field Investigations Assists in planning and carrying out multifaceted fish and/or wildlife studies. Independently monitors, plans, and implements activities related to conservation, management, and/or control of fish/wildlife often in inclement weather on rivers from a small vessel. Assists in planning and carrying out biological management actions designed to address needs of species and/or habitats and organizes and maintains field gear, vessels, and other equipment. Habitat Assessment and Monitoring Assists in planning and carrying out multifaceted habitat studies, assessments and monitoring by contributing ideas, determining research methods, establishing practical procedures for accomplishing and reporting the work, and determining other needs, such as costs, equipment and personnel. Data Management and Reports Uses specialized techniques and methods to collect biological and physical environment data from field and/or facility investigations and reports findings to determine actual and potential impact on fish, wildlife, or plant resources from aquaculture, research, restoration projects or habitat improvement projects and summarizes data using a variety of database software programs or other presentation approaches, ensuring records are detailed, precise and accurately transferred (e.g., terrestrial, geologic, geographic, hydrologic, ecologic, and environmental data). Enters and retrieves data from geographic information systems (GIS) and/or other information management systems. Public Use and Environmental Education Develops news release drafts for area media and/or develops and delivers informational and/or environmental education programs to individuals, local organizations, and schools. Provides basic information on fish and wildlife resources and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to groups and individuals.
What you need to qualify
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 08/18/2026 - unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Competitive candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. In order to qualify for this position, you must possess Minimum Qualification. Minimum Qualification [GS-07]: A. Possess one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-6 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the public or private sectors performing work in the field of or directly related to biological science. Qualifying experience includes 1) assisting with the preparation, maintenance, or use of fish and wildlife biological equipment; 2) conducting fish and wildlife biological field or lab surveys; and 3) assisting with preparation or implementation of biological plans or procedures. OR B. Possess one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. OR C. Possess a combination of graduate level education and specialized experience directly related to the position as described above. 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. Minimum Qualification [GS-08]: A. Possess one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-7 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the public or private sectors performing work in the field of or directly related to biological science. Qualifying experience includes 1) preparing, maintaining or using field sampling equipment; 2) participation in field surveys; or 3) assisting with preparing plans and presentations. OR B. Possess one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. OR C. Possess a combination of graduate level education and specialized experience directly related to the position as described above. 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
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