Become a Fish Biologist: Join the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Red Bluff

Are you looking to turn your passion for aquatic science into a meaningful career? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is seeking a dedicated Fish Biologist to join our team in Red Bluff, California. This role is a vital component of our mission to manage and protect our nation’s fish and wildlife heritage.

Job Responsibilities

As a Fish Biologist, you will play a hands-on role in aquatic resource management. Key duties include:

Developing and reviewing fishery management plans.
Monitoring stream ecology, fish abundance, and population distribution.
Evaluating the impacts of hatchery programs on wild populations.
Performing data analysis and drafting technical reports for publication.
Coordinating with regional programs to ensure resource sustainability.

Comparison: Role Levels

Feature	Entry/Developmental	Full Performance (GS-11)
Independence	Supervised tasks	High level of autonomy
Research	Assisting in data collection	Leading study design
Reporting	Drafting segments	Finalizing peer-reviewed docs

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must meet strict federal requirements, including:

Education: A degree in biological science with specific credit hours in aquatic and animal sciences.
Experience: One year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-07 level.
Documentation: You must provide official or unofficial college transcripts to verify your academic credentials.

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary range of $61,722 to $97,087 annually, commensurate with experience and grade level. Beyond the paycheck, you will enjoy:

Robust federal health and life insurance options.
The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Application Tips

Success in federal hiring requires attention to detail. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer, use clear fonts, and explicitly state your hours worked per week for every position listed. Always verify that your transcript clearly displays your GPA and major field of study.

If you are ready to contribute to significant conservation efforts, this Fish Biologist role in Red Bluff is an outstanding opportunity. Apply today to bring your expertise to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and help us ensure the health of our aquatic ecosystems for generations to come.

Why This Fish Biologist Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on aquatic ecosystems! The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is looking for a dedicated Fish Biologist to join our team in Red Bluff, California.

Fish Biologist Job Overview

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking a motivated Fish Biologist (GS-0482-9) to contribute to vital conservation efforts at the Red Bluff Fish and Wildlife Office. This role is essential for managing aquatic resources, supporting hatchery operations, and conducting data-driven research to protect our nation's fish populations. As part of our team, you will engage in habitat restoration planning, monitor ecological interactions, and contribute to scientific literature, all while working in a dynamic environment dedicated to preserving natural heritage.

Requirements for Fish Biologist

U.S. Citizenship.
Degree in biological science including 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours in animal sciences.
Combination of education and experience equivalent to a major in biological science.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level or equivalent.
Superior Academic Achievement (GPA of 3.0+ or 3.5+ in major, class standing, or honor society membership).
Submission of transcripts and supporting documentation (SF-50, performance appraisals).
Successful completion of required online assessments.
Meeting Time-in-Grade requirements for current federal employees.

Preferred Qualifications for Fish Biologist

Experience in hatchery quality control and fishery management assistance.
Proficiency in biological database development and statistical analysis.
Skilled in fish marking and tagging methods (e.g., coded-wire, radio-telemetry, PIT tags).
Strong technical writing capability for drafting scientific reports and peer-reviewed documents.
Proven track record in analyzing the environmental consequences of land and water development projects.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance plans.
✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
✓Opportunities for professional development and career ladder advancement.
✓Life insurance and flexible spending accounts.
✓Structured federal holiday schedule.

💡 How to Apply Fish Biologist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Fish Biologist Job

Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
Create or update your resume in the USAJOBS Resume Builder.
Select your desired eligibility paths and upload required documents (transcripts, SF-50).
Submit your application and questionnaire through the online portal.
Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the required online competency assessments within 48 hours.
Track your application status via your USAJOBS account.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all dates, hours per week, and job descriptions are included.
If your transcripts aren't clear, provide a letter from your registrar explaining the credit breakdown.
Don't wait until the last minute; give yourself enough time to complete the 3-hour assessment.
Double-check that your resume is under two pages and follows the formatting guidelines (10-point font, 0.5-inch margins).
Clearly label your federal experience including pay plan, series, and grade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the career potential for this position?

This is a career ladder position with a full performance level of GS-11. Promotion is based on performance, availability of work, and funding.

Are transcripts mandatory?

Yes, you must submit transcripts (official or unofficial) to verify that you meet the education requirements for the biological science series.

What if I need a reasonable accommodation for the assessment?

You can request a reasonable accommodation directly in the online application. Ensure you initiate this request before starting the online assessments.

Is relocation assistance provided?

*A: No, PCS entitlements are not authorized for this position.*

How do I handle the online assessment?

*A: Once you submit your application, you will receive an email with a unique link to the USA Hire assessments. You must complete these within 48 hours of the announcement closing.*

Job from U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the premier government agency dedicated to the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish, wildlife, and plants. Our work in Red Bluff is essential to managing hatchery operations, evaluating ecological health, and providing scientific guidance for sustainable water and land development projects.