Supervisory Fish Biologist
What you'd do
You will serve as a Supervisory Fish Biologist within the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 3, Carterville Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office, located in Wilmington, Illinois. Salary Range: GS-12: $100,059 - $130,080
Major duties
Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Conducts biological surveys on complex systems (e.g. Great Lakes and the Mississippi River) for the preservation, rehabilitation and enhancement of fish populations and associated sport and commercial harvest opportunities, and to determine status and trends of native or invasive aquatic species. Evaluates Federal stocking programs using standard methods and makes recommendations which affect the production, distribution and use of Federal hatchery fish. Evaluates results of fish management activities using standard and novel fish sampling methods and statistical analysis.Works with the Project Leader and partners to identify priority projects, determine objectives, and develop procedures for conducting studies. Ensures studies meet identified needs, that data will be statistically representative, and that results reported will be valid and reliable for decision-making. Oversees the work of biologists and biological science technicians to carry out the work in a professional manner.
What you need to qualify
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 09/01/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Competitive candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the work schedule requirement as the service dates will be reflected. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, your resume must state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. -AND- Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications: Basic Educational Requirement AND Specialized Experience for the series to which you are applying. Basic Educational Requirements: In addition to the specialized experience requirements for this position, you must meet at least one of the following: A. Degree: A major in biological science that included 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.) You must submit transcripts. -OR- B. Combination of education and experience: course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. To qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level: Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience:1) Conducting biological surveys for the management, preservation, rehabilitation, and/or enhancement of fish populations; 2) Evaluating results of fish and other aquatic species management activities using standard and novel fish sampling method and statistical analysis; 3) Preparing reports of scientific findings and delivering presentations at professional meetings, conferences, and symposia; 4) Leading biological and technical staff to complete work plan objectives and tasks; 5) Collaborating with others to solve biological problems encountered in fishery management; and 6) Preparing annual work plans, budget submissions, and annual reporting. You must include hours per week worked. -OR- Volunteer Experience: 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.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
Don't miss the next one.
Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.