Become a Fish Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is seeking a motivated and skilled Fish Biologist to join our team in Fairbanks, Alaska. This role is essential to our mission of conserving and enhancing aquatic habitats. If you are passionate about science, policy, and field work, this position offers the chance to make a lasting impact in one of the most unique wilderness regions in the world.
Job Responsibilities
As a Fish Biologist, you will be responsible for a variety of technical and administrative tasks:
- Technical Advisory: Serve as a subject matter expert for refuges and partner agencies.
- Management Planning: Develop fishery management plans and review work products for project approval.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with Tribal governments, state officials, and industry representatives.
- Field Research: Conduct investigations into life history, migration, and habitat requirements of native fish species.
Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following baseline criteria:
- Education: A major in biological science with specific credit requirements in aquatic and animal sciences.
- Experience: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Comparison of Grade Levels
| Requirement | GS-11 | GS-12 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Independent project tasks | Full project design & analysis |
| Supervision | Frequent oversight | Intermittent supervision |
| Statistical Usage | Basic significance testing | Complex modeling/R programming |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary structure ranging from $84,439 to $131,571 per year, depending on grade level. Additionally, employees receive a 1.49% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA). Federal benefits include comprehensive health coverage, life insurance, and a robust retirement plan.
Serving as a Fish Biologist in Alaska is a challenging yet rewarding career path. If you are ready to apply your technical expertise to real-world conservation, we encourage you to submit your application before the closing date. Join us in protecting the natural wonders of Alaska.
Why This Fish Biologist Job Matters
Shape the future of Alaska's aquatic ecosystems and protect our natural heritage with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Fish Biologist Job Overview
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking a dedicated Fish Biologist to join our team in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this role, you will provide critical technical expertise, manage fishery investigations, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders—including Tribal governments, state agencies, and the public—to ensure the conservation of fish, wildlife, and their habitats. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact management decisions in one of the most rugged and beautiful environments in the world.
Requirements for Fish Biologist
- U.S. Citizenship or National status
- Must be able to pass a federal background investigation
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
- Must be eligible for direct deposit of salary
- Successful completion of E-Verify employment check
- Willingness to serve a one-year probationary period
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level
- Must meet basic educational requirements in biological and aquatic sciences
Preferred Qualifications for Fish Biologist
- Experience in in-season fishery management and data analysis
- Proficiency with statistical programming languages such as R
- Proven ability to negotiate with Tribal, state, and stakeholder groups
- Experience in designing and executing complex field-based research projects
- Advanced graduate education (Ph.D. or equivalent) in biological or natural resource sciences
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with annual cost of living adjustments
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs
- ✓Retirement planning through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave accrual
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Participation in federal life insurance and long-term care programs
💡 How to Apply Fish Biologist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Fish Biologist Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two single-sided pages
- Gather required documentation, including official transcripts and SF-50 forms
- Submit your application through the online portal before the deadline
- Complete all required questionnaires and assessments
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS account dashboard
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly mentions hours worked per week to verify specialized experience
- Format your resume with at least 0.5-inch margins and 10-point font
- Do not include photographs or Adobe portfolio files in your submission
- Check that your most recent performance appraisal is signed and dated within the last 18 months
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No, your resume must strictly adhere to a maximum length of two single-sided pages. Any content exceeding this will not be reviewed.
Is travel required for this position?
Yes, approximately 30% of your time will be spent on travel and field activities, which may involve small aircraft, boats, and working in remote locations.
What happens if I forget to submit my transcripts?
Failure to provide mandatory transcripts to support your educational qualifications may result in your application being rated as unqualified.
Job from U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a bureau of the Department of the Interior, works to ensure the health of our nation's fish, wildlife, and plant populations. Our employees are committed to scientific integrity and collaborative management to ensure that America's natural heritage is preserved for future generations.