Launch Your Career in Conservation: Fish Biologist Role in Yakima
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is seeking a passionate and skilled Fish Biologist to join their team in Yakima, Washington. This position is ideal for individuals dedicated to protecting our nation’s natural resources and contributing to sustainable fisheries management. If you possess a strong academic foundation in biological sciences and a talent for field-based scientific research, this role offers a pathway to impactful public service.
Job Responsibilities
As a Fish Biologist, your daily tasks will be dynamic and multifaceted. Responsibilities include:
- Data Management: Utilizing software such as R to organize and interpret complex fisheries data.
- Field Investigations: Designing and executing field studies, including sampling and biological investigations.
- Reporting: Formulating detailed reports on project outcomes and providing actionable recommendations to leadership.
- Partnership Engagement: Working closely with state, federal, and tribal work groups to coordinate conservation efforts.
- Mentorship: Providing guidance and training to junior personnel to ensure quality data collection and adherence to safety standards.
Comparison: Office vs. Field Work
| Feature | Office Environment | Field Environment |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Data analysis & reporting | Biological sampling & monitoring |
| Equipment Used | Computers & software (R) | Field gear & watercraft |
| Physical Exertion | Minimal | High (up to 50 lbs) |
| Conditions | Controlled | Variable (Weather extremes) |
Requirements
To be eligible for this GS-09 role, you must meet strict federal qualifications. Key requirements include:
- Education: A degree with a major in biological science, including 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects and 12 in animal sciences.
- Experience: One full year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level or equivalent.
- Compliance: Must be a U.S. Citizen, pass a background check, and hold a valid driver's license.
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $61,722 to $80,243 per year, depending on qualifications and performance history.
Benefits
Employees of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance.
- Federal Retirement System participation.
- Paid leave and holiday scheduling.
- Career advancement opportunities within the Department of the Interior.
Application Tips
To stand out, ensure your resume is concise (max 2 pages) and explicitly details your specialized experience in terms of hours per week. Double-check that all required documents, especially transcripts and SF-50 forms for current federal employees, are attached correctly. Missing documentation is the most common reason for application disqualification.
Serving as a Fish Biologist in Yakima provides a unique opportunity to contribute to vital environmental work. If you are ready to combine your scientific knowledge with field-based conservation, submit your application via the USAJobs portal today.
Why This Fish Biologist Job Matters
Dive into a meaningful career in conservation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where your expertise in fisheries biology directly impacts the health of our nation's aquatic ecosystems.
Fish Biologist Job Overview
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking a dedicated Fish Biologist to join our team in Yakima, Washington. This role is pivotal in the management, protection, and enhancement of fish populations and their habitats. You will balance complex analytical data work with hands-on field investigations, contributing to critical conservation efforts while collaborating with diverse inter-agency teams.
Requirements for Fish Biologist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
- Must pass a background investigation and suitability/fitness check.
- Successfully pass an E-Verify employment check.
- One-year probationary period required.
- Must meet basic educational requirements in biological science, including 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours in animal sciences.
Preferred Qualifications for Fish Biologist
- Experience in developing and reviewing fisheries management reports.
- Proven track record in designing and conducting complex fisheries investigations.
- Proficiency in managing and analyzing large datasets using software like R.
- Experience training and mentoring lower-grade personnel.
- Strong interpersonal skills for collaborating with state, federal, and tribal partners.
- Graduate-level education (Master’s or higher) directly related to fisheries biology.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance programs
- ✓Federal retirement benefits
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Potential recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates
💡 How to Apply Fish Biologist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Fish Biologist Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement on the USAJobs portal.
- Prepare a 2-page resume highlighting specialized experience and hours worked per week.
- Gather supporting documentation, including transcripts and most recent performance appraisals.
- Complete the online application questionnaire and required assessments.
- Submit your application and all required documents by the November 3, 2026, deadline.
- Monitor your status via your USAJobs account dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to 2 pages; applications exceeding this length will be rejected.
- Ensure your resume explicitly states hours worked per week to qualify for specialized experience.
- Use the month/year format for all job history dates.
- Submit your most recent performance appraisal signed within the last 18 months.
- Do not include personal photographs or Adobe portfolio documents in your package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary work environment for this role?
The role involves a mix of office-based analytical work and rugged outdoor field work, which may include wading in swift streams and operating watercraft in various weather conditions.
Can I use volunteer experience to qualify?
Yes, volunteer experience and work through organizations like the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps can be credited if it demonstrates the required specialized skills.
Job from U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service
The Department of the Interior, through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, works tirelessly to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. By joining the FWS, you become part of a professional community dedicated to the long-term health of American ecosystems and the benefit of the American people.