Fish Biologist.

About the Role

This position will support fish tagging, data collection, and data analysis efforts to measure the movement, growth, post-release survival, wild recruitment, and the general efficacy of salmon and trout stocking programs in the Great Lakes.

Responsibilities

• Leads operational missions to mark and tag fish at Federal and State fish hatcheries.
• Responsible for using, disinfecting, and maintaining fish tagging systems and equipment and handling live fish.
• Develops and coordinates schedules with partners, ensures hatchery readiness for tagging operations, and ensures projects are completed safely and on time with adequate measures of tag and mark quality.
• Helps develop and implement standard operating procedures for marking project objectives, biodata and specimen collection, tag extraction and reading, and quality assurance.
• Trains and directs seasonal technicians in fin clipping during tagging operations and in data collection and laboratory activities.
• Manages biological databases for tagging projects, fisheries field surveys, and coded-wire tag data.
• Prepares, analyzes, synthesizes, and disseminates quantitative and qualitative data using various methods and software.
• Prepares technical reports, presentations, and scientific papers on analytical findings and recommendations to address fishery management needs.
• Designs and conducts investigations, assessments, or inspections involving biological and fisheries processes.
• Coordinates and collects field and laboratory data and specimens according to established procedures and methods.
• Recommends strategies and plans to improve operational efficiency and efficacy.
• Develops and cultivates relationships with Federal, State, Tribal, and civic entities to coordinate fish production activities, disseminate scientific information, and enhance conservation efforts.

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.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• May require working on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Required to wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards; a uniform allowance will be provided.
• May require a 1-year probationary period to evaluate fitness and continuation of employment.

Qualifications

Basic Educational Requirement:

• Bachelor's degree or higher with at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects (e.g., limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology) and at least 12 semester hours in animal sciences (e.g., zoology, physiology, ecology). Transcripts required.
• OR Combination of education and experience equivalent to the above.

Specialized Experience (GS-11):

• One year of experience equivalent to GS-09, including:
  • Leading field surveys and operating fisheries equipment.
  • Composing technical reports, briefings, presentations, or training materials.
  • Analyzing or managing biological data.
  • Working with partners, stakeholders, or the general public.
• OR 3 years of graduate education leading to a Ph.D. in Fishery Biology, Ecology, or related field. Transcripts required.
• OR Combination of education and experience.

Education

This position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field. Transcripts are mandatory for education-based qualifications. Foreign education must be evaluated for equivalency to U.S. standards.

Additional Information

• Additional vacancies may be filled from this announcement.
• Telework is situationally allowed with supervisory approval.
• Relocation expenses may be authorized for eligible applicants.
• DOI employees and their families have restrictions on acquiring rights in Federal lands.