Fish Biologist Job in Neah Bay, WA

Vacancy No. R1-25-12645597-CU-SDHA Department U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Salary $81,242.00 to $126,585.00 Grade 11 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/18/2024 Close Date 1/2/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Neah Bay, WA


Summary

This position is a Fish Biologist, GS- 0482-11/12, working in Neah Bay, WA, for the Makah National Fish Hatchery.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This position will be filled under the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority and is open to all United States citizens and U.S. nationals. Veteran's preference and traditional rating and ranking of applications do not apply. All qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration for this position.

Duties

As a Fish Biologist your duties will include but are not limited to the following:

  • Assist Project Leader with: establishment of hatchery policy based on the interpretation of directives, regulations and requirements set forth in broad based guidance documents; preparation and accuracy of Station Action Plans, Program Planning Documents, Annual Reports and other fiscal reports as required; updating plans and coordinating with Tribal, State, and Federal entities concerning cold water production and the fish-stocking programs at Makah National Fish Hatchery.
  • Work closely with the Project Leader in research activities by identifying current information and technology gaps related to propagation of current aquatic stocks and future stocks to more closely match the Service's priorities and continue to meet federal tribal trust responsibilities.
  • Work with other governmental and non-governmental experts to solve and identify obstacles to successfully culture and propagate aquatic species in a challenging rearing environment. Oversee and perform daily operation and administration of the facility's fish culture and propagation programs (e.g., submitting acquisition requests, fish husbandry, scheduling and overseeing/ performing daily fish culture and propagation activities, monitoring and managing water quality and usage in ponds, determining feed and feeding requirements, and maintaining accurate and retrievable records of all aspects of fish culture and propagation activities).
  • Provide biological expertise and operational oversight to ensure successful fish propagation and distribution programs. Evaluation of hatchery production programs requires a close working relationship with the various fisheries offices (Western Washington Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, Fish Health Center, and/or Fish Technology Center). Work closely with Makah tribal government and staff to assure implementation of fish propagation programs and watershed management/habitat programs; and data collection, management, and analysis are properly executed to meet program goals.
  • Work with hatchery manager and administrative staff to plan the budget for the Hatchery and forecast future resource expenditures. Assist with planning short and long term maintenance programs, construction projects, and ensuring operational protocols are followed. Work with the hatchery manger and maintenance staff to ensure minimal conflicts with fish propagation and hatchery maintenance activities associated with the facilities complex water delivery and system. Work with staff to manage the fish production program including care, treatment, and spawning of broodstock; incubation of eggs; feeding, cleaning and sample counting of fry and fingerlings; distribution of eggs, fry and fingerlings; and the tagging and marking programs.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
  • Driver’s License: This position requires the operation of a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of official duties. Selectee(s) must hold and maintain a valid state driver’s license throughout their employment in this position.
  • Uniform: Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform is required.
  • Unusual Tour of Duty: This position requires working a non-standard tour of duty that may include weekends, holidays, night shifts, and alarm response.
  • Government Housing: This position requires the selectee(s) to live on station in government-provided housing.
  • Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 01/02/2025 will be considered.

In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.

Basic Requirement:
  1. Degree with a major in biological science that includes (a) at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects such as limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology; and (b) at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences in such subjects as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or research in these fields. (Excess course work in aquatic subjects may be used to meet this requirement when appropriate.). OR
  2. A combination of education and experience that includes courses equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), of which a minimum of 6 semester hours were in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours were in the animal sciences, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. This combination, taken together, is comparable to a degree as described above.

Minimum Qualification [GS-11]
  1. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service. Qualifying experience may include: 1) assisting in hatchery data collection for evaluation of hatchery operations and management practices; 2) assisting in production, rearing, and release of healthy fish for both harvest and population restoration efforts; 3) preparing responses regarding hatchery issues to other federal agencies, state agencies, Tribal organizations, and other interested parties to provide requested information; 4) conducting feeding and treatment scenarios to maintain all life stages of fish species under culture. OR
  2. Three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. -OR- possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a course of study directly related to the position (e.g., fishery biology, ichthyology, fish culture, etc.) which provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. OR
  3. A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement.

Minimum Qualification [GS-12]
  1. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Qualifying experience may include: 1) assisting in the development, implementation, and coordination of hatchery data collection for evaluation of hatchery operations and management practices; 2) conducting a variety of management actions to produce, rear, and release healthy fish for both harvest and population restoration efforts; 3) preparing responses regarding hatchery issues to other federal agencies, state agencies, Tribal organizations, and other interested parties to provide requested information within established office guidelines and in conformance with agency and departmental policy; 4) conducting a variety of feeding and treatment scenarios to maintain all life stages of fish species under culture; 5) leading, directing the work of, and/or training a staff in all aspects of cold water fish culture.


Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.

PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).

Additional information

PCS INFORMATION: Yes, entitlements for payment of basic moving expenses, as required and to the extent allowed by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 302-3.101, are authorized for eligible applicants changing duty station when the change meets the distance tests as provided in FTR 302-1.1 and 302-2.6. All moving expenses are taxable. In addition, relocation discretionary entitlements May be authorized for this position excluding contractor-provided home sale.

Telework: This position is suitable for telework only in an emergency or natural disaster.

Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements) for the position with a score of 85 or above on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.

Reasonable Accommodation: The USFWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

All applicants who submit a complete and legible application by the closing date of this vacancy announcement will have their qualifications reviewed to determine if they possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the work of this position.

  • Knowledge of fishery management operations (e.g., animal husbandry, aquaculture, facilities management, water operations, etc.). (GS-11/12)
  • Ability to direct a full fish production program from spawning through release / distribution. (GS-11/12)
  • Knowledge of supervisory principles, policies, and practices to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate subordinate employees. (GS-12)
  • Ability to manage and provide leadership to a diverse staff in a variety of facility maintenance and animal husbandry activities. (GS-11/12)
  • Knowledge of data collection and record keeping in regards to fish production and distribution. (GS-11/12)

Required Documents

You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.

Required Documents:

1. Resume: Your resume must describe your job-related qualifications (paid and non-paid work experience) that includes job title, beginning and ending dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and description of job duties. Current and former Federal employees should alsoinclude pay plan, series, and grade level for relevant federal experience. You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form, you must ensure this information is provided. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications.

  • DO NOT INCLUDE the following types of information in your resume:
    • Classified or government sensitive information
    • Social Security Number (SSN)
    • Photos of yourself
    • Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
    • Encrypted and digitally signed documents.
  • Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.


2. College Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected. Official and unofficial transcripts MUST INCLUDE student name, institution name (or identifying information such as an acronym or URL web address), degree conferral date, major, grades, credit hours earned, grade point average or class ranking. Please refer to the education section above for additional information.


Additional Documentation if applicable:

1. Cover Letter

2. CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.

3. Current and former federal employees: It is recommended that you submit a copy of your SF-50(s) (Notification of Personnel Action) to support your experience. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include appointments/separations, promotions, within-grade increases.


Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below. The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text. You may qualify for more than one eligibility, so please choose carefully. If you respond that you do not meet any of the eligibility criteria, you will not be considered for this position under this announcement.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents section.

Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
  1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents. To preview the assessment questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12645597.
  2. Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
  3. Applications must be received by 01/02/2025, 11:59pm ET to receive consideration.
  4. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, in Applications tab, click the position title you applied to for the status. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact the Human Resources Office via email at fwshiring@fws.gov.

Agency contact information

Human Resources Staffing Division
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Next steps

Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted by the hiring official.

You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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