Fish Biologist
Summary
Serves as the principal advisor on fisheries-related matters. Provides recommendations regarding the development, planning, budgeting, and execution of fish monitoring programs and research coordination activities at the assigned hydropower facility. Coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to support fisheries management objectives, and evaluates biological data and operational impacts. Ensures research efforts are conducted in compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
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Duties
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- Reviews work reports and research proposals submitted by state and Federal fishery agencies and Indian tribes covering fish facilities operation, fish protective programs, and effects of dam operations on fish resources.
- Monitors and makes direct observations of anadromous fish passage conditions as well as general fish conditions.
- Keeps abreast of latest developments and techniques in fish conservation and management through review of technical bulletins, research reports, and attendance of professional society and Corps resource management meetings, seminars, and schools.
- Prepares a variety of reports, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and memorandums for fish related activities.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
- Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
- Heavy lifting required of at least 50 pounds.
- This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
- Incumbent required to have a valid state driver's license at time of appointment.
Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirement for Fish Biologist:
Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in biology, zoology, or biological oceanography that included at least 30 semester hours in biological and aquatic science and 15 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences. This course work must have included:
1. At least 15 semester hours of preparatory training in zoology beyond introductory biology or zoology in such courses as invertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, histology, physiology, embryology, advanced vertebrate zoology, genetics, entomology, and parasitology; and
2. At least 6 semester hours of training applicable to fishery biology in such subjects as fishery biology, ichthyology, limnology, oceanography, algology, planktonology, marine or fresh water ecology, invertebrate ecology, principles of fishery population dynamics, or related course work in the field of fishery biology; and
3. At least 15 semester hours of training in any combination of two or more of the following: chemistry, physics, mathematics, or statistics.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes 1) Applying knowledge of fishery issues related to Indian treaties, commercial and sport fisheries, Canadian treaty, fish passage, and /or water budget, etc., to understand the obligations and relationships; 2) Reviewing biological implications of proposed actions such as changes in project operations; and 3) Overseeing fish related operations and maintenance activities. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-09).
OR
Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: Biology, Zoology, Aquatic Biology, Wildlife Biology, or Biological Oceanography.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.
Education
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: [click to reveal website link]
Additional information
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
- You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
- This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
- Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
- Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
- If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
- This is a Construction, Engineering, Infrastructure Career Field position.
- Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
- Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
- When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit [click to reveal website link] for more information.
- Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations.
- Advanced-in-Hire, Enhanced Leave Accrual, Student Loan Repayment, and/or Recruitment/Relocation incentive MAY be authorized if determined to be in the best interest of the government.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.