Fish Biologist.

About the role

You will serve as a Fish Biologist in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, working in the Sea Lamprey Control Program at the Ludington Biological Station in Ludington, Michigan. In this role, you will support efforts to control sea lamprey populations and assess fishery conditions across the U.S. waters of the Great Lakes. You will help carry out scientific fieldwork, data analysis, and cooperative activities that contribute directly to protecting and restoring Great Lakes fisheries.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning field operations by helping draft annual work plans, identifying needed tools, summarizing biological data, and preparing materials for supervisory review, gradually building skills in selecting sampling sites and organizing field schedules.
• Data collection and analysis: Gather, record, and proof scientific data, prepare summaries for statistical analysis, and contribute to technical reports and presentations under the guidance of senior biologists.
• Develop cooperative working relationships by interacting with partner agencies, schools, service groups, and the public, while learning to represent the Program effectively and maintain professional networks.
• Career development: Coordinate specific program tasks by scheduling field activities, leading small work teams at times, adjusting plans for weather and access, and reinforcing safe practices while progressing toward independent field leadership.
• Maintain and operate specialized equipment by ensuring proper care, safe use, and basic repairs of fishery tools, watercraft, and sampling gear while adhering to procurement and safety policies, gaining proficiency over time.

Requirements

Conditions of employment include providing proof of U.S. citizenship, meeting background investigation and adjudication requirements, being registered for Selective Service, direct deposit participation, passing E-Verify, meeting medical standards for strenuous field work, passing a pre-employment medical examination, and maintaining medical clearance through periodic exams. You must also meet age, education, and experience requirements as detailed in the qualifications section.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must meet the basic education requirements and minimum qualifications as outlined in the announcement. For the GS-9 grade level, you must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in Federal service, or comparable experience in the private or public sector. For the GS-11 grade level, you must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in Federal service, or comparable experience in the private or public sector. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include activities such as conducting sea lamprey control and assessment activities, collecting biological and environmental data, operating and maintaining specialized fisheries equipment, and providing guidance to small field teams.