About this role
Job SummaryYou will serve as a Fish Biologist with US Fish and Wildlife Service. Quilcene National Fish Hatchery, operating since 1911 on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, raises Coho Salmon for Tribal Trust needs and local fisheries. It is co-managed by four Klallam and Skokomish Tribes. You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
QualificationsIn order to qualify for this position, you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification. 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. (Excess course work in aquatic subjects may be used to meet this requirement when appropriate). OR A 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 in the animal sciences, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. 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) performing standardized fish husbandry techniques and practices on cold-water fish species; (2) monitoring water quality and performing maintenance on fish hatchery equipment; (3) generating reports on hatchery operations; (4) maintaining and coordinating repairs/modifications to facilities; (5) participation in planning, budgeting, and procurement related to facilities, systems, and equipment. OR Two years of progressively higher-level graduate-level education leading to a master's degree OR a master's or equivalent graduate degree with a major study in or directly related to fisheries and/or aquatics. OR A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement 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. Time In Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet both eligibility and qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the JOA. Specifically, i. Area of Consideration. ii. Time-in-grade (TIG) requirements as specified in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. iii. Time after competitive appointment as specified in 5 CFR 330.502. iv. Qualification requirements outlined in OPM's Qualifications Standards for General Schedule Positions or for Federal Wage System (FWS) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probation period to evaluate your fitness and whether your continuation of employment advances the public interest. 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.
Major DutiesSome of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Performs a variety of operational tasks and applies standard methods and practices relating to daily hatchery operational activities including fish culture activities, disease control, collection, care, treatment, and spawning of broodstock; incubation of eggs; feeding, cleaning, and sample counting of fry and fingerlings; cleaning of raceways and tanks; distribution of eggs, fry, and fingerlings; and working cooperatively with the tagging and marking programs. Takes on a lead-role in fish-culture activities. Conducts visual and microscopic examinations of fish for diseases and parasites. Identifies issues and makes recommendations regarding appropriate course of action. As directed, administers prophylactic and therapeutic treatment for control of fish diseases. Maintains electronic records and generates reports of ongoing hatchery operation activities including feeding records; water quality; incidence of disease/stress and treatment; brood stock inventory; and production records. Assists the Hatchery Manager with a variety of technical and administrative duties associated with hatchery management and operations, e.g. assists with the development of annual hatchery reports detailing all station operations, resource issues, hatchery production, planning, facility and infrastructure management and maintenance, safety, training, budget, partnerships, outreach, public relations, and resource needs. Operates, maintains, repairs and modifies installed equipment and related systems throughout the hatchery including in the office, laboratory, quarters, and related buildings. Inspects equipment and systems for safe and proper operation; identifies the need for and plans repair and maintenance following manufacturer's technical manuals and guidance. Activities include regular preventive maintenance to ensure proper equipment operation and necessary repairs to ensurecontinued operation. Assists with the implementation of the hatchery outreach program by providing tours, maintaining the hatchery visitor center, and conducting events on and off-site to promote access to public resources, the conservation of species and habitats, and the mission of the USFWS. Responds to alarms as necessary to maintain health and safety of staff, real property, and aquatic life on station. Mandatory participation in after-hours alarm response program on a weekly rotating basis with the requirement to respond to alarms outside of a normal work schedule. When assigned duty, must remain within a distance that permits response to any alarms within a minimum of 15 minutes.RequirementsMust be a U.S. Citizen or National. 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 https://www.e-verify.gov/. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment. Occupancy of government quarters is required. Government quarters are available. You are required to wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. Relocation Incentive If otherwise eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive. A continued service agreement may be required if it is determined you are eligible for a permanent change in duty station (PCS), recruitment, or relocation incentive.