Biological Science Technician (Fish).

About the role

Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

Responsibilities

• Assist biologists and other technicians to monitor fish populations including aquatic invasive species by following strict protocols including environmental DNA and field sampling gears to support conservation and management activities.
• Plan, implement and lead field crews for aquatic invasive species surveys in rivers and lakes on small watercraft with the ability to operate field sampling gears and equipment (such as trawls, gillnets, fyke nets and electrofishing equipment, small watercraft, 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 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 in GIS and databases), assisting biologists by preparing basic report segments and contributing to project objectives and survey designs.
• 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), 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.
• 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 possess and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment.
• May be required to serve a 1-year probationary period to evaluate fitness and whether continuation of employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement—09/07/2026—unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

GS-07

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level in the Federal service, including:
  • Planning logistics for fish rearing, feeding, and multi-faceted fish propagation activities (spawning, egg care, sorting, sampling, stocking) at a fish hatchery.
  • Collecting data daily, weekly, and monthly, organizing data, and training others in data entry.
  • Maintaining and using complex fish culture equipment.
  • Applying specialized techniques and methods to culture fish.
• OR one full year of graduate-level education directly related to the work of the position (e.g., fish biology, aquaculture, fish culture, limnology, ichthyology). One year of full-time graduate education is considered 18 semester hours unless otherwise specified by the school.
• OR an appropriate combination of education and experience totaling 100% of the requirement.

GS-08

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service, including:
  • 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 regarding changes in fish production strategies and implementation.
• OR two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master’s degree directly related to the work of the position.
• OR possession of a master’s or equivalent graduate degree directly related to the work of the position.
• OR an appropriate combination of education and experience totaling 100% of the requirement.

Volunteer experience is creditable as qualifying experience.

You must submit transcripts to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for initial qualification; official transcripts are required before beginning work.