Fish and Wildlife Biologist

U.S.-Fish-; Atascadero (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office, is seeking a Fish and Wildlife Biologist (GS-0401-11) to study and protect fish and wildlife resources in California.

The role emphasizes independently planning and conducting biological investigations, analyzing ecological data, reviewing permit applications, and supporting conservation plans in coordination with diverse partners. Qualifications include meeting basic education and specialized experience requirements,

Qualifications

• Basic Educational Requirement AND Specialized Experience for the series to which you are applying.
• Specialized Experience includes planning and conducting biological or ecological investigations.
• Experience reviewing permit applications or evaluating projects for compliance with environmental laws.

Responsibilities

• Independently plan and conduct biological investigations of low-to-moderate complexity.
• Analyze biological data and evaluate environmental impacts.
• Review standard permit applications for compliance with laws and policies.
• Assist in developing conservation plans in coordination with partners.

Skills

Biological investigations

Ecological data analysis

Environmental regulations

Education

Biological sciences degree

Tools

Transcripts

Job description

You will serve as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist, GS-0401-11 with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service working for Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office.

Pay will vary based on duty location for which you're selected. First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-11/09/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

Basic Educational Requirement AND Specialized Experience for the series to which you are applying.

Basic Educational Requirements

In addition to the specialized experience requirements for this position, you must meet at least one of the following:

• A. Degree: Possess a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.. You must submit transcripts. You must submit transcripts.

-OR-

• B. Combination of education and experience: course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

-AND-

Specialized Experience:

• A. Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: (1) Independently planning and conducting biological or ecological investigations of low-to-moderate complexity to evaluate the effects of land or water development projects on fish, wildlife, or their habitats. (2) Analyzing biological or ecological data, evaluating environmental impacts, and developing recommendations to address identified resource management concerns. (3) Independently reviewing standard permit applications or evaluating projects of low-to-moderate complexity for compliance with applicable environmental laws, regulations, and policies. (4) Assisting in developing comprehensive fish and wildlife conservation or management plans, conducting biological studies, and recommending improvements to management practices in coordination with diverse partners. You must include hours per week worked.

OR-

• B. Education: Successful completion of at least 3 years of graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or a directly related field appropriate to this position.. You must include transcripts.

-OR-

• C. Combination of education and experience as listed above.

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.