Biological Science Technician (Fish)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Utah; On-site; USD 41,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Ouray National Fish Hatchery in Randlett, UT seeks a Biological Science Technician (Fish) to support native fish recovery efforts in the Upper Colorado River Basin.

You will assist with hatchery operations, collect biological and environmental data, operate and maintain aquaculture equipment, and participate in data summaries for biological review. Duties are developmental in nature below the full performance level.

Responsibilities

• Assists in hatchery fish culture operations, including breeding, rearing, feeding, cleaning, caring for fertilized eggs, and observing fish behavior to support propagation programs.

Job description

Open: August 31, 2026 — Closes: September 14, 2026

Summary

You will serve as a Biological Science Technician (Fish) with the Ouray National Fish Hatchery in Randlett, UT.

Major Duties

This position is located within the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fish &W/l Svc Region 6, Ouray Nat Fish Hatch-vernal Ut, Randlett, Utah. We are seeking motivated applicants with a strong work ethic, integrity, and a commitment to teamwork to support native fish recovery efforts in the Upper Colorado River Basin. Successful candidates will possess sound biological skills, excellent interpersonal abilities, and a willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute to a collaborative work environment.

• Assists in hatchery fish culture operations, including breeding, rearing, feeding, cleaning, caring for fertilized eggs, and observing fish behavior to support propagation programs.
• Collects and records biological and environmental data (hard copy and digital) related to hatchery populations, fish health, husbandry efficiency, and water quality.
• Operates and maintains aquaculture equipment, such as gates, pumps, valves, filters, alarms, and other support systems essential for maintaining optimal fish health.
• Assists with fish disease detection and treatment, including administering treatments as directed and supporting fish health assessments across hatchery systems.
• Participates in data collection and project activities to support fish propagation studies, including coordinating timelines, calibrating equipment, and providing preliminary data summaries for biological review.
• Conducts routine facility, equipment, and grounds maintenance, including minor repairs using hand tools or power equipment and performing general upkeep of hatchery structures and systems.
• Prepares and organizes data for reports, using automated databases and basic statistical methods to support biologists in analyzing fish health, propagation methods, and environmental conditions.

Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

Physical Demands Physical demands will range depending on the project and use of the position. Most locations will be in locations around running water and requiring regular and recurring physical activity such as prolonged standing, walking over wet and/or rocky surfaces, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, and carrying heavy items may occur.

Work Environment Most locations will be in locations in and around running water where the incumbent could be exposed to extreme weather conditions, insects/wildlife, and/or other environments that would require the incumbent to use protective clothing or gear such as hard hats, masks, gowns, ear plugs, coats, boots, goggles, gloves, or shields to mitigate risks.

Salary Range Information (Per Annum): *First time hires to the federal government typically start at the beginning salary in the range for their respective grade level. GS-05, Step 01- $40,736- Step 10 $52,957 GS-06, Step 01-$45,409- Step 10 $59,031 GS-07, Step 01-$50,460- Step 10, $65,599