Fish Biologist

Overview

As a Fish Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service based in Suches, GA, you will perform a range of duties critical to hatchery operations and aquatic species management. Your work will support the care, culture, and protection of fish populations through hands-on hatchery tasks, disease monitoring, data collection, and technical support to hatchery management.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out diverse daily operational hatchery tasks which include managing fish culture activities, controlling diseases, handling broodstock spawning and egg incubation, feeding and caring for fry and fingerlings, maintaining cleanliness of tanks and raceways, and managing programs for tagging and marking fish.
• Perform visual and microscopic assessments of fish to detect diseases and parasites, diagnosing problems and advising on proper treatment methods.
• Maintain digital records and prepare reports documenting hatchery activities such as feeding, water quality, disease incidents, broodstock inventories, and production statistics.
• Gather, monitor, and analyze various water quality parameters and biological data critical to sustaining aquatic environments.
• Provide support to the Hatchery Manager in technical and administrative functions including drafting annual reports covering station operations, resource challenges, production planning, infrastructure maintenance, safety measures, training, budgeting, partnership development, public outreach, and identifying resource needs.

Qualifications and Requirements

• United States citizenship or national status is mandatory.
• Applicants from merit promotion lists must satisfy time-in-grade requirements per federal regulation 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
• Employment suitability will be assessed by a thorough background check.
• The position involves operating government or private vehicles; a valid state driver's license must be maintained throughout employment.
• Wearing the official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform is required.
• A probationary or trial period of one to two years applies to this role, assessing fitness and alignment with public service goals.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must register with the Selective Service System.
• Educational prerequisites include a bachelor's or higher degree in biological sciences with specific coursework in aquatic and animal science subjects, or an equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrative of appropriate knowledge and skills.
• Minimum qualifications at the GS-07 level require one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-5, graduate-level education pertinent to fish biology, or meeting provisions for Superior Academic Achievement based on GPA or class standing.
• Experience can include paid, unpaid, or volunteer work through recognized national service programs or community organizations, equivalent to the competencies required.
• Applicants must provide transcripts and related documentation verifying education credentials and grades. Foreign education must be evaluated for U.S. equivalence.

Additional Information

• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) entitlements will not be provided.
• Government housing might be available near the location.
• Telework capability exists and may be authorized with supervisory consent.
• Multiple vacancies may be filled from this announcement for this or other local U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices.
• Department of Interior Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) policies apply to eligible federal employees requiring placement assistance.
• The agency may provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.
• The probationary/trial period serves as an employment evaluation phase, focusing on performance, conduct, agency needs, and federal service efficiency.
• Employment beyond probation requires affirmative certification of continuing employment advancing public interest.
• The role demands commitment to federal service values, law compliance, and Constitution support.
• Federal employment includes access to comprehensive benefits tailored based on position type and work schedule.