Fish Biologist

Overview

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks a dedicated Fish Biologist to manage and execute daily fish culture operations at a cold water hatchery located in Iron River, WI. This position involves planning, coordinating, and directing activities related to fish production, health monitoring, distribution, and hatchery maintenance while supervising junior staff and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement daily operational plans for fish rearing techniques and production procedures, emphasizing cold water fish species.
• Maintain detailed records of fish production and distribution activities.
• Organize and schedule fish distribution trips in coordination with operational needs.
• Provide work direction and technical guidance to subordinate employees during spawning, rearing, harvesting, and inventory tasks.
• Review and innovate husbandry methods and operational procedures to enhance fish culture effectiveness.
• Observe fish health regularly, identifying signs of stress or disease for timely intervention.
• Oversee maintenance of grounds, buildings, and hatchery equipment by directing maintenance personnel.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Proof of U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
• Appointment depends on successful background check and adjudication.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct deposit enrollment is required for payroll.
• Must pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Hold and maintain a valid driver's license while employed.
• Pre-employment and random drug screenings are mandatory; verified positives disqualify appointment.
• Physical fitness standards must be met, validated by examination or certification.
• Uniform compliance is obligatory; uniform allowance provided.
• Training completion and possession of a government credit card with travel and purchase authority are required.
• TWIC license must be acquired within six months, including background check and drug testing.
• MMD credentials must be obtained within six months, including background and physical exams.
• Employment may be subject to a 1-year probation to evaluate performance and suitability.

Educational and Experience Criteria

Applicants must satisfy at least one of these educational pathways along with specialized experience:

• A bachelor's degree in biological science containing at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects (e.g., limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology) and 12 semester hours in animal sciences (e.g., zoology, ecology, physiology).
• A combination of education and experience equivalent to a biological science major meeting the aquatic and animal science semester requirements.
• Specialized Experience at GS-07 level: a full year performing daily fish culture operations including egg care, feeding, cleaning, health monitoring, and fish stocking, or equivalent graduate education.
• Specialized Experience at GS-09 level: a full year assisting with coordination of fish culture activities, monitoring fish health, performing sampling, planning spawning/rearing, or higher level graduate education equivalent to a master's degree in a related field.

Volunteer experience relevant to these duties counts toward qualification.

Additional Information

• Multiple vacancies may be filled through this announcement.
• Entitlements for basic moving expenses are authorized for eligible relocations, with relocation discretionary allowances excluding contractor home sale assistance.
• Promotion to full performance level depends on merit and supervisor recommendation.
• Reasonable Accommodations for disabilities are available for assessment procedures upon request.
• Previous relevant military or non-federal experience may be credited toward leave accrual at managerial discretion.
• Ethics regulations restrict employees and families from acquiring certain federal land claims or leases.
• Candidates must demonstrate commitment to federal service ideals and the rule of law.
• Federal employment benefits apply based on employment type and status.