BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (FISH).
About the role
Duties at the full performance level (GS-07) include assisting in hatchery fish culture operations such as breeding, rearing, feeding, cleaning, caring for fertilized eggs, and observing fish behavior to support propagation programs. The incumbent collects and records biological and environmental data (hard copy and digital) related to hatchery populations, fish health, husbandry efficiency, and water quality. They operate and maintain aquaculture equipment including gates, pumps, valves, filters, alarms, and other support systems essential for maintaining optimal fish health. The position assists with fish disease detection and treatment, including administering treatments as directed and supporting fish health assessments across hatchery systems. The incumbent participates in data collection and project activities to support fish propagation studies, coordinates timelines, calibrates equipment, and provides preliminary data summaries for biological review. Routine facility, equipment, and grounds maintenance are performed, including minor repairs using hand tools or power equipment and general upkeep of hatchery structures and systems. The incumbent prepares and organizes data for reports using automated databases and basic statistical methods to support biologists in analyzing fish health, propagation methods, and environmental conditions.
Requirements
Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Appointment is subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. Direct Deposit participation is required. Must 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 will be provided. Required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority. Acceptance of this position requires serving a 1-year probationary period during which fitness and whether continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.
Qualifications
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of the announcement (08/12/2026) or the applicant cut-off date, whichever is earlier.
GS-05
Specialized Experience (one full year equivalent to GS-04): demonstrated experience recording instrument readings; assisting with daily feeding, tank cleaning, and basic water quality measurements (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, etc.); assisting with fish handling, gamete collection, and egg incubation of multiple fish strains; accurately recording biological fish data to support hatchery operations, fish health monitoring, and management decisions.
OR
Education: 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor’s degree with at least 24 semester hours in biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics, including at least 6 semester hours directly related to the position.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: a combination equaling 100% of the requirement, including at least 6 semester hours directly related to fishery biology, ichthyology, limnology, aquaculture, etc.
GS-06
Specialized Experience (one full year equivalent to GS-05): demonstrated experience assisting with daily feeding, tank cleaning, and basic water quality measurements; assisting with fish handling, gamete collection, and egg incubation of multiple fish strains; accurately recording biological fish data; performing routine hatchery operations and facility maintenance including operation of water systems, pumps, valves, feeders, alarms, hand tools, and power equipment.
OR
Education: one-half year of graduate education directly related to fish biology, aquaculture, fish culture, limnology, or ichthyology (9 semester hours if not otherwise specified).
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: education and experience combined to equal 100% of the requirement (education divided by 18 semester hours plus experience divided by 12 months).
GS-07
Specialized Experience (one full year equivalent to GS-06): demonstrated experience independently feeding, tank cleaning, and basic water quality measurements; independently conducting fish handling, gamete collection, and egg incubation of multiple fish strains; accurately recording biological fish data; performing routine hatchery operations and facility maintenance including operation of water systems, pumps, valves, feeders, alarms, hand tools, and power equipment; and using and troubleshooting fish culture equipment including water quality meters, nets, seines, tagging equipment, and ultrasound.
OR
Education: one full year of graduate-level education directly related to fish biology, aquaculture, fish culture, limnology, or ichthyology (18 semester hours if not otherwise specified).
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: education and experience combined to equal 100% of the requirement (education divided by 18 semester hours plus experience divided by 12 months).