FISH AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST.

Metadata: U.S. citizenship required; background investigation, E-Verify, and Selective Service registration (males born after 12-31-59) apply. Valid driver’s license and one-year probationary period required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, investigate, conduct, and review on-site ecological investigations on complex Federal land and water resource development proposals to determine effects on fish and wildlife resources, with emphasis on rare, candidate, proposed, federally listed threatened and endangered species habitat, riparian habitat, wetland ecology, and other habitats of concern.
• Plan and conduct status surveys for listed and candidate species in cooperation with Federal and state agency personnel, private organizations, and contractors; negotiate survey agreements with contractors and cooperating agencies.
• Act as technical advisor to Field Office staff on habitat needs of rare, candidate, proposed, and federally listed species for Section 7 consultations; prepare reasonable and prudent measures, alternatives, and conservation recommendations.
• Prepare objective written reports and deliver oral presentations analyzing impacts of project alternatives on fish and wildlife resources and economic/recreational uses.
• Investigate and review contaminant sites to determine effects on fish and wildlife resources and habitats, focusing on listed species and aquatic systems, including wetlands.
• Duties may be developmental if filled below the full performance level.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement (09/01/2026).

Basic Education Requirements

• Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; or
• Combination of education and experience: coursework as above plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Transcripts required if using education to qualify. Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application; official transcripts required if selected.

Specialized Experience for GS-11

One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level, including:

• Assisting in investigations to determine impacts of land and water development projects on fish and wildlife resources under senior biologist guidance.
• Reviewing and providing input on permit applications (e.g., Section 10 recovery permits, Corps of Engineers, EPA, or state permits) related to fish and wildlife resources.
• Participating in status surveys or field investigations for listed, proposed, or candidate species in coordination with agency staff or contractors.
• Assisting in preparation of biological opinions, species status assessments, environmental assessments, impact statements, or resource planning reports.
• Gathering, organizing, and summarizing biological or habitat data to support Section 7 consultation documents or fish and wildlife management plans.

OR 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in relevant fields OR a combination of education and experience as listed above. Transcripts required.

Specialized Experience for GS-12

One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level, including:

• Independently conducting Section 7 consultations and preparing draft Biological Opinions, including reasonable and prudent measures and conservation recommendations.
• Planning and conducting status surveys for listed and candidate species, including negotiating survey agreements with cooperating parties.
• Serving as technical advisor on habitat needs of rare, candidate, proposed, and federally listed species for Section 7 and Section 10 consultations.
• Planning, conducting, and reviewing ecological evaluations of complex Federal land and water resource proposals to determine effects on fish and wildlife resources.
• Preparing written reports, correspondence, and recommendations analyzing impacts on threatened, endangered, or candidate species and their habitats.

Volunteer experience (paid or unpaid) may be credited if relevant.

Additional Information

• Additional vacancies may be filled using this announcement.
• Promotion to the full performance level is not guaranteed and depends on performance and recommendation by the supervisor.
• Reasonable accommodations for disabilities covered under the Rehabilitation Act may be requested for competency-based assessments.

Foreign education must be evaluated by a private organization specializing in interpretation of foreign credentials to determine U.S. equivalency.