Biological Science Laboratory Technician.

About the role

This position is located within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 1, Abernathy Fish Technology Center, ARD Fishery Resources, duty stationed in Longview, Washington.

Responsibilities

• Receive genetic samples and biodata from partners, confirm accuracy, and commit to agency database and archive.
• Prepare laboratory solutions, extract DNA from tissue samples, and conduct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on extracted DNA.
• Complete all steps associated with library construction for next-generation DNA sequencing, including GT-Seq and RADSeq.
• Work with the laboratory manager to maintain an adequate level of supplies, assist with evaluating and selecting new or replacement laboratory equipment, and maintain standard solutions and reagents.
• Assist laboratory manager in performing statistical analyses of genetic data and sharing results of analyses with partners.

Physical Demands

• The work is primarily in a laboratory setting, requiring walking and sitting or standing for prolonged periods.
• Field work may require physical exertion such as walking over wet, rough, uneven, or rocky terrain with heavy equipment (including handling equipment up to 50 lbs. in weight under a variety of environmental conditions), bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or other similar activities.

Work Environment

• The majority of the work is performed in a laboratory and office setting, which includes handling of toxic chemicals, operation of laboratory equipment, and adherence to laboratory and safety protocols, including the required use of safety clothing and eye wear provided by the lab.
• The incumbent will infrequently work in field or hatchery settings, in or around running or impounded water, both indoors and outdoors, and oftentimes in inclement or rainy weather.

Uniform Required

The position is required to wear the Service Uniform in accordance with Service Uniform Policy 041 FW 4. Employees required to wear the uniform receive a uniform allowance.

Driver's License

A valid State Driver’s License is required and must be maintained throughout employment.

Travel

Travel is required for meetings, trainings, and occasional field visits and/or to hatcheries.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct Deposit participation required.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment.
• Required to wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards; a uniform allowance is provided.
• Must serve a 1-year probationary period.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement (09/09/2026) unless otherwise stated.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

To qualify for the GS-07, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service.

Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience:

• Experience with laboratory safety protocols, including the safe handling, storage, and/or disposal of hazardous chemicals, as well as proper operation of potentially dangerous laboratory instruments to ensure a safe working environment.
• Experience with fundamental genetics laboratory instrumentation, such as micropipettors, centrifuges, and automated liquid-handling systems, including the ability to calibrate, operate, and maintain these tools during routine and specialized laboratory procedures.

OR

Education: One full year of graduate-level education directly related to the work of the position (e.g., major study in fish biology, aquaculture or fish culture, limnology, ichthyology). One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study; if that information cannot be obtained, 18 semester hours should be considered as satisfying the 1 year of full-time study requirement.

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience as described above which together equals 100% of the requirement.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs and other organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills.

Education

You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; if selected and education was used to qualify, official transcripts must be provided before starting work.