Fish Biologist

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Lodi, CA

9d

About The Position

The Fish Biologist serves with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Lodi Fish and Wildlife Office, supporting delta smelt release and supplementation studies and advancing multi-agency priorities and long-term Central Valley and State Water Project operations. The position contributes to annual supplementation planning and study design, and helps transition experimental releases into a comprehensive delta smelt supplementation program in coordination with the San Francisco Bay-Delta Fish and Wildlife Office.

The incumbent leads and carries out delta smelt release activities, including developing protocols, scheduling, and implementation in coordination with production facilities, agency offices, and partner agencies. The role also contributes to joint preparation and submission of release and supplementation reports, guides the Tagging and Data Coordinator in identifying priorities and needs, and facilitates the maintenance and acquisition of release vehicles and equipment.

Work includes both office and outdoor field duties. Telework may be allowed with supervisor approval. Field work occurs year-round and can involve demanding physical activity, varied weather and temperature extremes, wet watercraft, and potentially hazardous river and stream conditions.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or national status.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment.
• Meet the basic education requirement: a degree in biological science with specified coursework in aquatic subjects and animal sciences, or an equivalent combination of education and experience meeting those coursework requirements.
• Meet the GS-11 minimum qualification through at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to GS-09, three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent in a fisheries/aquatics-related major, or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
• Specialized experience, when used to qualify, must include experience in fish biology, ecology, or resource management; project planning and field implementation; communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders; and leading field crews and managing equipment efficiently.
• Provide transcripts and include hours worked per week in application materials as instructed; current Federal employees may need to provide a non-award SF-50 to validate work schedule and experience.
• Meet applicable time-in-grade requirements if a current Federal employee.
• Pass a background investigation and favorable adjudication, E-Verify employment verification, and any required probationary period.
• Wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards.
• Meet the announcement’s application and assessment requirements, including completing any required USA Hire assessments within the stated timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to annual supplementation planning and study design for delta smelt release methodologies.
• Assist in transitioning experimental releases to a comprehensive delta smelt supplementation program in coordination with the San Francisco Bay-Delta Fish and Wildlife Office.
• Lead and execute delta smelt release activities, including developing protocols, scheduling, and implementation, in coordination with production facilities, the San Francisco Bay-Delta Fish and Wildlife Office, and other agency partners.
• Collaborate with partner agencies and stakeholders to prepare and submit experimental release and supplementation reports.
• Guide the Tagging and Data Coordinator in identifying program priorities and needs.
• Acquire release vehicles and equipment and facilitate their maintenance, timely repairs, and necessary purchases.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• Uniform allowance.

What This Job Offers

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