Biological Science Technician (Fish) (Seasonal) @ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Job Summary

Biological Science Technicians support fisheries, aquatic resource, and fish hatchery programs. Depending on the location, duties may include monitoring fish populations and habitats, collecting and managing biological data, and assisting with fish culture and hatchery operations. The anticipated entry-on-duty period is December - July 2027. but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/26/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your 2 page resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time).

If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. You may only submit one resume. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed. To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level, you must possess one of the following: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level in the federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector).

Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience may include: Performing or assisting with fisheries, hatchery, or aquatic resource field or laboratory assignments; collecting and recording fisheries or aquatic resource data using established methods; conducting fish counts, fish sampling, trapping, or other aquatic sampling activities; and using fisheries sampling equipment; and assisting with monitoring fish populations, aquatic species, or habitat conditions. -OR- B. Successfully completed at least four years of education above high school (120 semester hour or 180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelor's degree with a major study in a related field of scientific or technical study, such as in biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, mathematics, or other directly related subject matter; or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as those shown above.

At least 6 semester hours must be directly related to ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology. (You must include a copy of your transcripts). -OR- C. Equivalent combination of experience and education that, together, equal 100% of the qualification standards listed above when combined. For example, six (6) months of specialized experience (50% of the experience requirement) combined with one year of education as outlined above (50% of the education above), along with 50% of the course-specific education stated above.

To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level, you must possess one of the following: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector). Specialized experience is experience that equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience include: Independently conducting fisheries, hatchery or aquatic resource field or laboratory assignments using established methods and protocols; conducting fish population, aquatic species, or habitat surveys and monitoring; collecting, recording, and organizing biological and environmental data; operating and maintaining fisheries sampling and monitoring equipment; and assisting with the analysis, evaluation, or reporting of fisheries and aquatic resource data. -OR- B. Successfully completed a half year (9 semester hours or 13.5 quarter hours) of graduate level course work, from an accredited college or university, leading to a Master's degree with a major study directly related to the position to be filled.

Graduate study must have been in a field of study that is directly related to the work of this position such as: ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology. -OR- C. Equivalent combination of experience and education that, together, equal 100% of the qualification standards listed above when combined. To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess one of the following: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector).

Examples of specialized experience include: Planning, coordinating, and conducting fisheries, hatchery, or aquatic resource field or laboratory assignments; organizing and implementing fisheries monitoring or management projects; evaluating fisheries, aquatic species, habitat, or environmental data and identifying trends or resource conditions; ensuring the quality and completeness of field data; preparing technical summaries, reports, or recommendations; and providing technical guidance or field direction to staff, interns, or volunteers conducting fisheries or aquatic resource work. -OR- B. Successfully completed one full year (18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours) of graduate level course work, from an accredited college or university, leading to a Master's degree with a major study directly related to the position to be filled.

Graduate study must have been in a field of study that is directly related to the work of this position such as: ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology. NOTE: If you are qualifying based in part on education, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts. Qualifying experience may be obtained in the private or public sectors. The OPM Qualification Standards Handbook is available for review at: OPM Qualification Standards.

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.

Major Duties

• Some of the Biological Science Technician (Fisheries) Standard Duties include but are not limited to: Conduct surveys and monitoring of fish populations, aquatic organisms, and aquatic habitats.
• Collect biological and environmental data and specimens using established fisheries sampling methods and equipment.
• Record and maintain project data using Global Positioning System (GPS), Geographic Information System (GIS), and other data-management technology.
• Organize, enter, and maintain fisheries and aquatic resource project data.
• Depending on the location, assist with fish hatchery operations, including fish care and feeding; monitoring fish health, growth, and water quality; handling and inventorying fish or eggs; maintaining fish culture records; and cleaning and maintaining hatchery equipment and facilities.
• Additional duties for GS-05: You may carry out established fisheries, hatchery, and aquatic resource activities, including feeding and caring for fish, monitoring water quality, collecting and recording field or fish production data, and assisting with reports and project documentation.
• Additional duties for GS-06: You may independently carry out established fisheries, hatchery, and aquatic resource activities, including fish culture, monitoring fish health and water quality, and collecting and evaluating project data.
• You may operate and maintain sampling or hatchery equipment, maintain fish production records, and assist with project implementation, data analysis, and preparation of reports and plans.
• Additional duties for GS-07: You may coordinate and lead established fisheries, hatchery, and aquatic resource activities; schedule field projects or fish culture work; and provide technical guidance to staff, interns, and volunteers.
• You may train personnel in fish identification, sampling and fish culture methods, data collection, habitat assessment, and equipment use; monitor fish production and health data; ensure data quality; identify operational concerns; evaluate project results; and prepare draft reports and recommendations.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males must meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement.
• Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
• Occupancy of government quarters may be required.
• Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed.
• You may be required to wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards.
• A uniform allowance will be provided.
• Firearm: Some locations may be required to carry a firearm in the performance of their duties.
• Drug Testing Position: If in a firearm required position, then selectees tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and/or shift work.
• You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle.
• You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license will be required in such cases.
• You must be at least 18 years of age or older to operate government vehicles.
• You may be required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.

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.

Some locations require employees to carry a firearm while performing official duties.

• Employees in these positions must complete mandatory firearms training, maintain proficiency, and comply with all USFWS firearms policies.