Biologist

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Utah; On-site; USD 62,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Ouray National Fish Hatchery in Randlett, Utah, seeks qualified applicants for a hatchery position up to GS-11.

The role covers directing daily hatchery operations, assisting with spawning and propagation, and administering fish health surveys to protect stock health. Responsibilities include maintaining water quality, planning projects, generating annual culture reports, and coordinating field activities.

Qualifications

• Firm grounding in fisheries science.
• Excellent interpersonal communication abilities.
• Initiative, integrity, and adaptability.

Responsibilities

• Direct and accomplish daily hatchery operations to meet hatchery requests for multiple species.
• Assist with spawning and propagation of coldwater and conservation species.
• Administer fish health surveys to control disease and monitor treatments.
• Maintain water quality parameters to maximize production efficiency.
• Plan, schedule, and conduct projects across hatchery facilities and equipment.
• Prepare annual fish culture reports for a sixty-four pond facility.

Skills

Fisheries science

Interpersonal communication

Teamwork

Job description

Open: August 11, 2026 — Closes: August 24, 2026

Summary

This position is located within the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ouray National Fish Hatchery located in Randlett, Utah. Rate of Pay GS-09 - $61,722 - $80,243 GS-11 - $74,678 - $97,087 Pay may vary based on grade level and/or duty location for which you're selected. First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.

Major Duties

We are seeking motivated applicants with strong biological and analytical skills, sound professional judgment, and a commitment to teamwork to support fisheries conservation and enhancement. Successful candidates will possess a firm grounding in fisheries science, excellent interpersonal communication abilities, and the initiative, integrity, and adaptability needed to contribute to a collaborative hatchery program. At the full performance level (GS-11), the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following: Responsible for directing and accomplishing daily hatchery operational activities to accommodate hatchery requests for a variety of coolwater species. Assist with spawning and propagation of coldwater and conservation species. Administer fish health surveys to control disease outbreaks and monitors the use of investigational new drugs. Maintain water quality parameters to maximize production efficiency. Operational activities such as administrative procedures and reports, general hatchery administration, and maintenance activities. Plans, schedules, and conduct projects throughout the hatchery facilities, grounds, and equipment. Conducts various hatchery studies and evaluations. Is familiar with the propagational activities and fish cultural requirements of the wide variety of species reared at this station. Performs duties involving most phases of hatchery management, including planning extensive incubation schedules, developing ponds production schedules, daily pond information updating on computer software, and creating annual fish culture reports for a sixty-four pond facility. Computing and recording conversion rates and other dietary/growth information, observing and reporting results of treatments, preparing fish for shipment or distribution, and being state certified for the application of pesticides and chemicals (training provided if applicant does not have certification). Supervise and conduct hatchery effluent water quality monitoring to correlate with State Pollution Discharge Permit. Maintain water treatment system for the hatchery and residences. Responds to requests from the media, interested groups and/or leadership regarding the hatchery. Prepares correspondence in response to public inquiries and/or responds to interested fishery or other conservational groups. Perform routine hatchery operations required for safe and efficient operation, including operation of hatchery water systems, pumps, valves, feeders, alarms and other equipment. Other duties as assigned. Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level. Physical Demands: The work involves a substantial amount of field work. When engaged in field activities, the work is at times strenuous, requiring exertion such as walking over wet, rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities. The work requires average agility and dexterity. Travel to remote study sites may be required via boats, small aircraft, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and/or on foot. Extended periods of camping in tents or cabins in remote field camps may occur. Incumbent must be able to cope with the pressure of short time deadlines, responsibilities of logistics to remote areas, cultural conflicts, and adverse weather conditions. The incumbent may be required to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Work Environment: The work requires both office and outdoor work. The office is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. Frequent travel by various means of surface and air transportation is required to attend meetings and to conduct field work. A variety of temperature and weather extremes may be encountered while in the field. The incumbent may be subject to large numbers of biting insects and may be required to work in close proximity to large animals such as deer, elk, bear and moose. He/she may need to carry a firearm for personal protection from wildlife. In addition, the incumbent may be exposed to work situations involving hazardous substances, and must comply with Service health and safety policies, including appropriate safety clothing and equipment. The incumbent is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow workers, or property.