Become a Lead Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Texas

Are you a seasoned biologist with a passion for protecting endangered species while navigating the complexities of modern infrastructure? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is seeking a highly skilled individual for a GS-12 Biologist position based in the heart of Texas. This role serves as a crucial bridge between federal environmental oversight and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

Provide expert technical assistance regarding Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.
Lead consultations on priority transportation projects throughout Texas.
Develop programmatic consultation documents and species determination-keys.
Coordinate with federal, state, and private entities to address environmental challenges.
Serve as an advisor on federal environmental law and resource planning.

Comparison: Standard vs. Specialized Biological Roles

Feature	Standard Biologist	Senior Transportation Biologist (This Role)
Scope	General fieldwork	Statewide policy & interagency coordination
Focus	Research/Data collection	ESA regulatory compliance & consultation
Interaction	Local teams	TxDOT, Federal Highway Admin, Public

Requirements

Education: A degree in biological sciences, agriculture, or related disciplines.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level.
Compliance: Full adherence to the 2-page resume limit and specific formatting guidelines.

Salary and Benefits

This GS-12 position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $92,023 to $119,633. Beyond the base pay, federal employees enjoy:

Robust health and life insurance options.
Significant retirement contributions via FERS.
Ample paid leave and federal holiday schedules.

Application Tips

Focus on the Resume: Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure you capture all necessary metrics.
Highlight Accomplishments: Use your performance appraisals to demonstrate your impact on past projects.
Follow Guidelines: Do not exceed the 2-page resume limit; this is a strict exclusionary criterion.

This is an exceptional opportunity to influence major infrastructure projects while directly contributing to the survival of Texas’s most vulnerable species. If you possess the required technical expertise and strong communication skills, submit your application package before August 4, 2026.

Why This Biologist Job Matters

Protect Texas ecosystems while shaping critical infrastructure! Join the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a senior biologist and lead transportation-focused environmental conservation.

Biologist Job Overview

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking a dedicated Biologist (GS-12) to join the R2-Austin Ecological Services Field Office. Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, this role is essential for navigating the intersection of transportation infrastructure and endangered species protection. You will act as a key liaison, providing technical guidance to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and ensuring compliance with the Endangered Species Act.

Requirements for Biologist

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must meet specialized experience requirements comparable to the GS-11 level.
Completion of a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, or a related field.
Resume must not exceed two single-sided pages (minimum 10-point font, 0.5-inch margins).
Must be able to successfully pass a background investigation.
Must submit all required documentation including transcripts, SF-50 (if applicable), and performance appraisals by the closing date.

Preferred Qualifications for Biologist

Demonstrated expertise in Section 7 consultations under the Endangered Species Act.
Proven ability to manage complex ecological investigations and environmental assessments.
Experience developing habitat conservation or restoration plans.
Exceptional ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders, including state agencies and private landowners.
Strong technical writing skills for scientific and policy-related documentation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Generous leave policies, including paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Flexible work arrangements (telework) available under specific emergency/disaster conditions.

💡 How to Apply Biologist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Biologist Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement and eligibility criteria.
Prepare your federal resume according to the strict 2-page limit and formatting guidelines.
Gather supporting documents such as transcripts, SF-50 forms, and recent performance evaluations.
Complete the online application questionnaire and upload all documents.
Submit your application package before 11:59 PM ET on August 4, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information (hours per week, dates, and duties) is included.
Be specific about your experience with environmental laws and ESA regulations.
Double-check your document formatting—applications exceeding the 2-page limit or using improper margins will be disqualified.
Clearly label your supporting documents to ensure they are correctly identified by the hiring panel.
If you are a veteran or current federal employee, ensure your DD-214 or SF-50 is clearly attached.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely for this position?

This position requires presence at the Austin or San Marcos office. Telework is available, but primarily restricted to emergency or natural disaster scenarios.

What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?

Per the vacancy requirements, any resume exceeding the two-page, single-sided limit will not be accepted and will result in the loss of consideration.

Is a drug test required?

No, a drug test is not listed as a requirement for this specific position.

What is the primary focus of this role?

The primary focus is providing technical assistance to the Texas Department of Transportation regarding Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.

Can I apply if I am not currently a federal employee?

Yes, the job is open to qualified applicants as specified by the hiring paths.

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. Working at the Austin Ecological Services Field Office, you will join a team of professionals committed to preserving the unique biodiversity of the Texas Hill Country. You will be at the forefront of policy implementation and ecological stewardship.