Fish and Wildlife Biologist.

This position will be filled under the Field Unit Local Hiring Authority. Eligibility is limited to applicants who reside within the defined local commuting area (50 miles from the official duty station) at the time of application. Proof of residency is required.

Responsibilities

• Consult with federal action agencies under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (Act), including review and commenting on proposed actions in various habitat types involving terrestrial and aquatic taxa.
• Review and process recovery permits and other Act-related documents in coordination with Federal, Tribal, and state agencies, maintaining and updating all related files.
• Facilitate the implementation of recovery actions under section 4 of the Act, including development of 5-Year Reviews, Recovery Plans, and Species Status Assessments.
• Work on listing/delisting packages utilizing familiarity with all sections of the Endangered Species Act and related Service/Departmental Policy.
• Plan, evaluate, and conduct complex ecological investigations or inspections involving land and water resource development projects to determine potential impacts on fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats.
• Respond to written, telephone, and in-person inquiries from the public and news media, providing requested information within established guidelines.
• Represent the Service at professional meetings and provide technical assistance and regulatory information to other Service Programs and agencies (Federal, Tribal, and state) to satisfy requirements of the Act.
• Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

Requirements

• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct Deposit participation required.
• Must 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, during which fitness and continued employment will be evaluated based on performance, agency needs, and public interest.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement (08/12/2026).

Basic Educational Requirements

• Degree: Biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. Transcripts must be submitted.
• OR Combination of education and experience: course work as described above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Specialized Experience Requirement

You must possess at least one of the following:

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service, defined as:
  • Conducting biological or ecological investigations, including field investigations, to evaluate impacts on fish and wildlife resources.
  • Reviewing and providing technical input on Endangered Species Act Section 10 research and recovery permit applications.
  • Reviewing biological assessments and preparing written responses to Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation requests.
  • Working with Threatened, Endangered, and/or imperiled species, including their conservation and recovery.
• OR Two years (36 semester hours) of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master’s degree or equivalent in a closely related field.
• OR A combination of education and experience as described above, totaling 100% of the requirement. Transcripts must be included.

Volunteer experience (paid or unpaid) may be credited if it involved relevant competencies, knowledge, and skills.

Additional Information

• Foreign education must be evaluated by a private organization specializing in interpretation of foreign credentials and deemed equivalent to U.S. education programs.
• Situational telework may be authorized at supervisory discretion, consistent with DOI telework policy.
• Promotion to the full performance level is not guaranteed and depends on performance, existing work at the higher grade, and supervisor recommendation.
• DOI employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain certain rights in Federal lands, with limited exceptions.

Benefits

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility depends on the type of position (full-time, part-time, or intermittent). Contact the hiring agency for more information on specific benefits offered.