Fish Biologist
Performs freshwater mussel and fish propagation operations. Plans, directs and makes decisions on mussel and fish propagation/culture operations in support of research, restoration, and recovery efforts. Operates appropriate equipment and machinery in furtherance of mussel and fish propagation/culture operations. Employs methods such as seining, marking; snorkel surveys, scuba diving surveys for freshwater mussels; and water flow measurements. This includes off site mussel broodstock collection and mussel surveys. Analyzes results and makes recommendations related to propagation and culture operations. Responsible for executing routine methods for the culture of various mussel and fish species and takes an active part in modifying culture systems. Performs recurring tests and analysis and makes minor modifications to established procedures and protocols as needed. Assists with planning and accomplishing production, marking and distribution of fish and freshwater mussels. Manipulates fish feeding to insure fish of adequate health, and proper size for mussel infestation and tests new diets. Recognizes fish disease and stress symptoms, makes microscopic examinations of fish to determine presence of disease, and administers chemical therapeutants as needed. Assists in hatchery operations for development of methods for the culture of endangered/threatened species of concern as well as taking an active part in modifying culture systems as needed. Responsible for recording data, maintaining accurate records and careful handling of fish/aquatic species. Trains lower graded employees or volunteer workers in furtherance of mussel project production goals. Implements production trials for cool water/warm water aquatic species to meet current and future management, restoration, and/or recovery needs and assists in the design of production trials. Assists with dietary and other cultural tests appropriate to ensure efficient freshwater mussel survival. Responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the freshwater mussel propagation facility. Gathers data by a variety of field data collection methods involving boating, wading, swimming, snorkeling, and or scuba diving in swift, cold water or traversing uneven terrain. Interprets and reports data for purposes of assessing the current state of fishery resources. Analyzes environmental conditions and prepares assessment reports on the environmental conditions and status of fish and mussel populations. Utilizes computer software and electronic databases such as the Fisheries Information System (FIS). Prepares scientifically defensible reports, issue papers, briefing documents and portions of management plans which summarize the results of field studies and propagation programs for verbal briefings to senior-level management or for publication in peer-reviewed scientific literature or presentation at professional meetings. Executes mussel propagation agreements/grants from sources both internal and external to the Fish and Wildlife Service related to research, settlements, restoration, or recovery plans. Only experience and education obtained by Basic Education Requirement for the 0482 Job Series (must meet A or B to qualify) A. Possess a Bachelor's Degree with a major in a biological science that includes the following course work:
1) 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 2) at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences subjects such as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or research in these fields. NOTE:
If you select this response, you will be required to provide a copy of your official college transcripts to show how you meet this requirement. OR B. Possess a combination of education and experience that is equivalent to a major in a 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 described in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. NOTE:
If you select this response, please provide a copy of your official college transcripts to show how you meet the educational requirement. Additional Qualification for the GS-0482-09 level (must meet A, B, or C, to qualify) A. Possess one year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-7 level in the Federal service. Qualifying specialized experience includes:
operating and maintaining aquatic species propagation and sampling equipment; fish and mussel identification and assessment; fish and mussel culture. OR B. Completion of two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in an accredited college or university leading to a Master's degree or Master's or equivalent graduate degree in a field directly related to fishery biology such as limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, fish and wildlife management, marine science, or other fields directly related to fishery biology OR C. Possess an equivalent combination of professional experience and graduate level education in excess of the first year which together equals 100% of the requirements. 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.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
1) 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 2) at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences subjects such as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or research in these fields. NOTE:
If you select this response, you will be required to provide a copy of your official college transcripts to show how you meet this requirement. OR B. Possess a combination of education and experience that is equivalent to a major in a 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 described in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. NOTE:
If you select this response, please provide a copy of your official college transcripts to show how you meet the educational requirement. Additional Qualification for the GS-0482-09 level (must meet A, B, or C, to qualify) A. Possess one year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-7 level in the Federal service. Qualifying specialized experience includes:
operating and maintaining aquatic species propagation and sampling equipment; fish and mussel identification and assessment; fish and mussel culture. OR B. Completion of two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in an accredited college or university leading to a Master's degree or Master's or equivalent graduate degree in a field directly related to fishery biology such as limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, fish and wildlife management, marine science, or other fields directly related to fishery biology OR C. Possess an equivalent combination of professional experience and graduate level education in excess of the first year which together equals 100% of the requirements. 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.
- Department:
0482 Fish Biology - Salary Range:
$51,440 to $66,868 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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