Biological Science Technician (Fish).

Job announcement number: FWS-25-12345678

About the role

As a Biological Science Technician (Fish), you will support conservation and management activities by assisting biologists and other technicians in monitoring fish populations, including aquatic invasive species.

Responsibilities

• Assist biologists and other technicians to monitor fish populations, including aquatic invasive species, by following strict protocols such as environmental DNA and field sampling gears.
• Plan, implement, and lead field crews for aquatic invasive species surveys in rivers and lakes using small watercraft. Operate field sampling gears and equipment (e.g., trawls, gillnets, fyke nets, electrofishing equipment, generators, trucks, and water sampling equipment) according to established protocols and safety measures.
• Work independently and with a team to carry out assigned surveys or field and laboratory tasks under established protocols to support surveillance of native fish populations and aquatic invasive species population status, trends, movement, and behavior.
• Support the fishery program by collecting and recording data, assisting and leading field and laboratory operations, maintaining field equipment and vessels (including nets, boats, and trailers), managing biological samples, summarizing data (including GIS and databases), and preparing basic report segments.
• Collect and document biological and environmental data using established techniques and standard operating procedures. Manage samples, enter, organize, and summarize data (including in GIS and databases), and assist biologists by preparing basic report segments and contributing ideas on project objectives, design, and potential improvements.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Merit promotion applicants must meet time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
• Suitability for employment, as determined by a background investigation.
• Must hold and maintain a valid state driver’s license to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of official duties.
• Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform is required.
• Must serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which fitness and continued employment will be evaluated.
• Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. Verify registration at SSS.gov.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 08/04/2026 will be considered.

GS-07

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 grade level in Federal service. Specialized experience includes:
  • Planning logistics (e.g., establishing schedules and following procedures) for fish rearing, feeding, and caring for fish, and carrying out multi-faceted fish propagation activities (spawning, egg care, sorting, sampling, stocking) at a fish hatchery.
  • Using established procedures to collect data daily, weekly, and monthly, organizing data, and training others in data entry.
  • Maintaining and using complex fish culture equipment.
  • Using specialized techniques and methods to culture fish.
• 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 the number of credit hours the school determines to represent one year of full-time study (typically 18 semester hours).
• A combination of education and experience as described above which together equals 100% of the requirement.

GS-08

• One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience includes:
  • Preparing, maintaining, or using fish and wildlife propagation equipment.
  • Leading all activities of fish propagation.
  • Collecting and preparing biological and water quality data.
  • Communicating with others to exchange information regarding changes in fish production strategies and implementation.
• Two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master’s degree, or a master’s or equivalent graduate degree directly related to the work of the position (e.g., major study in fish biology, aquaculture or fish culture, limnology, ichthyology).
• A combination of education and experience as described 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.

Education

• All applicants using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts including grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name.
• If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if a portion of a course should be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution’s registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course to be considered and the equivalent number of units.
• Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, original official transcripts will be required if selected for the position.
• If more than 10 percent of undergraduate coursework was taken on a pass/fail basis, superior academic achievement must be based on class standing or membership in an honor society.
• One academic year of graduate education is considered the number of credit hours the graduate school determines to represent one academic year of full-time study (typically 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours).
• For foreign education, credentials must be evaluated by a private organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education programs and deemed equivalent to a U.S. education program, or full credit must be given by a U.S. accredited college or university. Visit this link for more information.

Pay

• GS-07: $50,460.00 - $65,599.00 per year
• GS-08: $55,882.00 - $72,644.00 per year

Additional Information

• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moving expenses may be authorized for eligible applicants, excluding contractor-provided home sale.
• This position is not suitable for telework.
• One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area.
• Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply for surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated employees. Applicants must be well-qualified, score at least 85 on the assessment, and be able to perform the duties upon entry. Visit CTAP information for details.
• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.