Fish Biologist
Summary
This position is being filled using concurrent recruitment.
This position is also open to the public under announcement FWS-DE-13013356-26-BLO. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
Both announcements are posted concurrently to ensure the organization can fill critical vacancies with the best-qualified candidates, consistent with the Concurrent Recruitment Working Standard.
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Duties
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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.
Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.
Developmental Duties (GS-9 Fish Biologist)
- 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.
- Support data collection and analysis by gathering, recording, and proofing scientific data, preparing summaries for statistical analysis, and contributing 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.
- 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.
Major Duties at Full Performance Level (GS-11 Fish Biologist):
- Lead field operations to control sea lamprey populations by planning, coordinating, and executing lampricide treatments, barrier operations, and biological assessments across Great Lakes tributaries. Manage field schedules, select sampling sites, and ensure protocols are followed.
- Analyze complex biological data using statistical software to recommend control actions, measure program success, and guide future efforts. Prepare technical reports, scientific papers, and presentations for workshops and professional meetings.
- Collaborate with partners from federal, state, tribal, and international agencies to develop and standardize techniques, share information, and evaluate progress. Represent the program to the public, service groups, and schools, and maintain cooperative relationships.
- Manage and train field teams, including permanent and seasonal staff and volunteers. Oversee compliance with safety, environmental, and hazardous materials regulations, and ensure proper handling of animals and equipment. Lead corrective actions and conduct outreach and recruitment.
- Maintain, operate, and ensure the safekeeping of specialized fishery equipment (such as lamprey sterilization devices, electrofishing gear, nets, traps, watercraft, and ATVs). Oversee inventory, procurement, and maintenance schedules, and adhere to contracting and liability policies.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
- 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. To learn more, visit [click to reveal website link].
- Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
- Must meet medical standards required to safely perform strenuous field work, including passing a pre-employment medical examination and maintaining medical clearance through periodic exams.
- Must successfully complete a physical capability test, which includes lifting, carrying, and emptying containers of lampricide (approximately 50-60 lbs), immediately upon entering on duty and periodically thereafter.
- Must apply for and maintain a Government travel charge card; failure to obtain or maintain the card may result in removal from the position.
- Must properly wear required uniform components, in accordance with Service uniform policy.
- May be required to obtain and maintain pesticide applicator certification depending on duty location and program needs.
- You must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements: This position involves strenuous outdoor fieldwork in remote areas, requiring long hikes over uneven or steep terrain, working directly in streams, and performing frequent physical movements while carrying heavy equipment. Fieldwork occurs year-round in very hot, cold, wet, or otherwise adverse weather and includes exposure to swift water, chemicals, machinery, and other hazards that require protective gear. Duties may take place during daytime or nighttime hours, weekends, and holidays, and can involve public interaction in situations where pesticide use may raise questions or concerns.
*Additional Requirements located under qualifications*
Qualifications
Requirements Continued...
As 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.
This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated.
Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Qualifications:
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 08/11/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Competitive candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the work schedule requirement as the service dates will be reflected. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, your resume must state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience.
To qualify for this position, you must meet the following basic education requirements and minimum qualifications.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
1.Degree: major in biological science that included:
- 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. (Excess course work in aquatic subjects may be used to meet this requirement when appropriate.)
-OR-
Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), of which a minimum of 6 semester hours were in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours were in the animal sciences, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
- AND-
To qualify for this position at the GS-9 grade level, you must possess the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
EXPERIENCE: 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) that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties of a Fish Biologist.
Specialized experience is experience that demonstrates the ability to carry out the tasks and responsibilities of the position and must be equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level.
Examples of qualifying specialized experience includes activities such as:
- Conduct sea lamprey control and assessment activities and collect biological and environmental data using established methods.
- Perform water chemistry measurements, bioassays, and sampling to support treatment planning and evaluation.
- Operate and maintain specialized fisheries equipment, electrofishing gear, lampricide systems, and watercraft.
- Contribute to annual work planning by identifying field needs, tools, and sampling locations.
- Prepare data summaries, draft reports, and technical graphics for program documentation.
- Coordinate with federal, state, tribal, provincial, and international partners to complete assigned tasks.
- Provide guidance to small field teams and ensure adherence to protocols, safety, and equipment accountability requirements.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degreein biological science or related field of study. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
To qualify for this position at the GS-11 grade level, you must possess the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
EXPERIENCE: 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) that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties of a Fish Biologist. Specialized experience is defined above.
Examples of qualifying specialized experience includes activities such as:
- Independently plan, coordinate, and lead sea lamprey control and assessment operations across multiple Great Lakes tributaries.
- Develop annual field plans identifying priorities, staffing, equipment, and schedules.
- Analyze complex biological and environmental datasets and prepare scientific reports, statistical analyses, and publications.
- Lead and train field teams to ensure compliance with scientific protocols, safety standards, and hazardous-materials regulations.
- Operate, maintain, repair, and modify specialized fisheries, sampling, and chemical-delivery equipment and watercraft.
- Coordinate large-scale activities and partnerships with federal, state, tribal, provincial, and international entities.
- Represent the program in public, stakeholder, and scientific settings and manage inventory, procurement, and property for efficient field operations.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degreein biological science or related field of study. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts.
Volunteer Experience: 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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
This position has a mandatory education requirement.
You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: [click to reveal website link]
Additional information
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
Promotion to the full performance level is neither guaranteed nor implied and will be based solely on your ability to satisfactorily perform the work of the position, existing work at the higher grade level, and recommendation by the position's supervisor.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. ([click to reveal website link])
All DOI employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, DOI Ethics Prohibitions | U.S. Department of the Interior.
Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.
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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.