Fish Biologist.

About the role

This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-09. At lower grade levels, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-09.

Responsibilities

• Performs daily operational tasks required at a large scale salmonid hatchery, including incubation of eggs; cleaning of raceways and tanks; grading, sample counting, and inventorying; water quality monitoring and management; and disease diagnostics, control and treatment as directed to maintain fish health and quality.
• Executes a conventional feeding program in accordance with established guidelines, utilizing mechanical and hand methods, observes for overfeeding, or fish not eating.
• Performs loading fish on to trucks, safely transport and release fish at target sites.
• Performs facility maintenance and assist with hatchery public use, environmental education and outreach programs.
• Afford assistance with hatchery imperiled species work including freshwater mussels and small body fishes.

Requirements

Conditions of employment include: Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Merit promotion applicants must meet time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation. Driver’s License: This position requires the incumbent to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of their official duties. Selectee must hold and maintain a valid state driver’s license throughout their employment in this position. Uniform: Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform is required. A condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.

Qualifications

• Basic Requirement: A degree with a major in biological science that includes at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects such as limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology; AND at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences in such subjects as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or research in these fields.
• Minimum Qualification [GS-07]: One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience includes: (1) Monitoring water quality and performing maintenance on fish hatchery equipment; (2) performing fish health assessments and observing fish behavior to ensure there are no potential fish health issues; (3) gathering fish production data using software for data collection and record keeping; and (4) preparing fish/eggs for shipment or distribution and assisting with stocking activities.
• Minimum Qualification [GS-09]: One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience includes: (1) Monitoring water quality and performing maintenance on fish hatchery equipment; (2) Performing fish health assessments and observing fish behavior to ensure there are no potential fish health issues and participating in the development of project plans to conduct assessments of aquatic species populations; (3) Working with various stakeholders (Federal, State, Tribal, and civic entities and agencies), to coordinate fish production activities (release and transport of juvenile fish and eggs, transferring fish, etc.); (4) Gathering fish production data using software for data collection and record keeping; (5) Preparing fish/eggs for shipment or distribution and assist with stocking activities; and (6) Generating reports on hatchery operations.