Fish Biologist

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Tupelo, MS

8d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is with the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 4, Lower Mississippi River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office in Tupelo, Mississippi. The Fish Biologist plans and conducts investigations involving biological data on native and invasive fish and aquatic species, invasive-species control, and aquatic habitat conservation and restoration. The role includes field assessments across rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and small streams; developing and overseeing a field sampling program; and working with partners on science-based planning and field sampling. The position also designs studies, develops and uses biological models and technological tools, evaluates invasive-species management activities, and communicates findings through reports, scientific documents, publications, and briefings. The role requires meeting federal employment conditions, including U.S. citizenship or national status, a valid driver’s license, uniform compliance, and potentially a one-year probationary period.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Must meet the basic educational requirement: a biological science degree with at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours in animal sciences, or the specified combination of coursework with appropriate experience or additional education. Transcripts must be submitted.
• Must meet the minimum qualification through at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, qualifying graduate education (at least three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or a related doctoral degree), or the stated combination of education and experience.
• Specialized experience must include support for design, collection, and analysis of biological data related to native or invasive fish and aquatic species; fisheries and aquatic-species population and habitat assessments; biological data management and statistical analyses; assistance with fisheries management planning; and preparation and presentation of scientific data and assessments in written and oral forms.
• Must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements if a current Federal employee.
• Must provide a resume with hours worked per week; current Federal employees may need to submit a non-award SF-50 to validate work schedule and qualifying experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• Must pass a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Must participate in Direct Deposit and successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• Must wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period; continued employment requires written certification by the agency.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct complex investigations, including the design, collection, and analysis of biological data concerning native and invasive fish and aquatic species, aquatic invasive species control, and aquatic habitat conservation and restoration.
• Conduct fisheries and aquatic-species population and habitat assessments using sampling equipment and techniques in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and small streams.
• Develop and provide oversight for an office field-sampling program.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, leveraging resources and supporting collaboration and accountability.
• Provide partners with biological assistance for science-based planning and field sampling, and technical knowledge based on current published literature and professionally endorsed practices.
• Design project studies and develop and use biological models to quantify habitat conservation needs, evaluate invasive-species management activities, and develop identified technological tools.
• Compile, review, analyze, and report project and annual activities through reports, scientific documents, publications, and briefings.
• Communicate technical and non-technical information in writing and verbally to varied audiences.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Uniform allowance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level