Fish and Wildlife Biologist

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

Job summary

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 1, Washington Fish and Wildlife office in Lacey, WA, seeks a Fish and Wildlife Biologist at the GS-11 level to support federal wildlife programs and habitat management.

This position requires a four-year degree in biological sciences or related fields and relevant experience or graduate study. Qualifications include a combination of education and experience as described for the GS-11 level, plus the ability to collaborate with agencies, landowners, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related field; transcripts required.
• One year of specialized experience at GS-09 level or 3 years of graduate study toward Ph.D. as described by the position.
• Experience coordinating with agencies, landowners, and the public on ESA/NEPA and related regulations.

Skills

Biological research

Interagency coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related field

Job description

You will serve as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist within the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 1, Washington Fish and Wildlife office, Lacey, Washington.

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-09/21/2026-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.

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

1. Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. You must submit transcripts. OR
2. Combination of education and experience: course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Minimum Qualification [GS-11]

1. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-09 in the Federal service. Experience may include: 1) conducting biological or ecological investigations to determine the impact of various land or water development projects on the fish and/or wildlife resources of an area; 2) reviewing biological portions of environment assessment/impact statements or resource planning reports; 3) writing/conducting biological assessments or evaluations; 4) Coordinating activities with other agencies, government agencies, landowners, private interest groups, organizations, the public regarding requirements of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and other Federal and state legislation/regulations; 5) assisting with implementing biological work or habitat preservation and development work for endangered, threatened, proposed, and candidate species and their habitats; and implementing federal environmental laws (i.e., Endangered Species Act, specifically Sections 7 and 10; Clean Water Act; Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act; National Environmental Policy Act), regulations or policies involving natural resource issues. You must include hours per week worked. OR
2. 3 years of progressively higher level 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. OR
3. A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement. Only education beyond the second graduate year (36 semesters) is creditable to meet this standard. You must include hours per week worked and transcripts.

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.