Biological Science Technician (Fish)

U.S.-Fish-; Anderson (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S.-Fish- in California seeks Biological Science Technicians to perform field and technical work to monitor, manage, and protect aquatic resources and habitats. The role supports various seasons with an expected December–February entry period, depending on weather and program needs.

Qualifications emphasize specialized experience or education in biology or related fields, with a focus on fisheries, aquatic habitats, and data collection.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-4 level in the federal service.
• Education: four years of college leading to a bachelor's degree in a related scientific/technical field; or 24 semester hours with at least 6 related to ichthyology/fishery biology.
• Equivalent combination of experience and education to meet 100% of qualification standards.
• For GS-07, one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-06 level in the Federal service.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and conduct fisheries, hatchery, or aquatic resource field or laboratory assignments.
• Conduct fish population, aquatic species, or habitat surveys and monitoring.
• Collect, record, and analyze biological and environmental data.
• Operate and maintain fisheries sampling and monitoring equipment.

Job description

Biological Science Technicians perform field and technical work to monitor, manage, and protect natural resources, including plants, wildlife, aquatic resources, and their habitats.

The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for Division of Human Resources is December - Febuary, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/30/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your 2 page resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. You may only submit one resume. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.

To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level, you must possess one of the following:

A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level in the federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector). Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience may include:

1. Performing or assisting with fisheries, hatchery, or aquatic resource field or laboratory assignments;
2. collecting and recording fisheries or aquatic resource data using established methods;
3. conducting fish counts, fish sampling, trapping, or other aquatic sampling activities; and
4. using fisheries sampling equipment; and assisting with monitoring fish populations, aquatic species, or habitat conditions.

-OR- B. Successfully completed at least four years of education above high school (120 semester hour or 180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelor's degree with a major study in a related field of scientific or technical study, such as in biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, mathematics, or other directly related subject matter; or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as those shown above. At least 6 semester hours must be directly related to ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology. (You must include a copy of your transcripts).

-OR- C. Equivalent combination of experience and education that, together, equal 100% of the qualification standards listed above when combined. For example, six (6) months of specialized experience (50% of the experience requirement) combined with one year of education as outlined above (50% of the education above), along with 50% of the course-specific education stated above.

To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level, you must possess one of the following:

A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector). Specialized experience is experience that equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience include:

1. Independently conducting fisheries, hatchery or aquatic resource field or laboratory assignments using established methods and protocols;
2. conducting fish population, aquatic species, or habitat surveys and monitoring;
3. collecting, recording, and organizing biological and environmental data;
4. operating and maintaining fisheries sampling and monitoring equipment; and
5. assisting with the analysis, evaluation, or reporting of fisheries and aquatic resource data.

-OR- B. Successfully completed a half year (9 semester hours or 13.5 quarter hours) of graduate level course work, from an accredited college or university, leading to a Master's degree with a major study directly related to the position to be filled. Graduate study must have been in a field of study that is directly related to the work of this position such as: ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology.

-OR- C. Equivalent combination of experience and education that, together, equal 100% of the qualification standards listed above when combined. For example, six (6) months of specialized experience (50% of the experience requirement) combined with one year of education as outlined above (50% of the education above), along with 50% of the course-specific education stated above.

To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess one of the following:

A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector). Specialized experience is experience that equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience include:

1. Planning, coordinating, and conducting fisheries, hatchery, or aquatic resource field or laboratory assignments;
2. organizing and implementing fisheries monitoring or management projects;
3. evaluating fisheries, aquatic species, habitat, or environmental data and identifying trends or resource conditions;
4. ensuring the quality and completeness of field data;
5. preparing technical summaries, reports, or recommendations; and
6. providing technical guidance or field direction to staff, interns, or volunteers conducting fisheries or aquatic resource work.

-OR- B. Successfully completed one full year (18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours) of graduate level course work, from an accredited college or university, leading to a Master's degree with a major study directly related to the position to be filled. Graduate study must have been in a field of study that is directly related to the work of this position such as: ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology. (You must include a copy of your transcripts).

-OR- C. Equivalent combination of experience and education that, together, equal 100% of the qualification standards listed above when combined. For example, six (6) months of specialized experience (50% of the experience requirement) combined with one year of education as outlined above (50% of the education above), along with 50% of the course-specific education stated above.

NOTE: If you are qualifying based in part on education, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts.

Qualifying experience may be obtained in the private or public sectors. The OPM Qualification Standards Handbook is available for review at: OPM Qualification Standards.

Volunteer Experience: 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.