Geneticist.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) seeks a qualified conservation genetics researcher to lead advanced genetic studies and oversee laboratory operations in support of aquatic species conservation.

The role requires coordinating projects, collaborating with partners, and communicating findings to advance conservation strategies and funding. This GS-13 level position emphasizes leadership, rigorous data analysis, and methodological excellence.

Qualifications

• Advanced genetics expertise applicable to conservation challenges.
• Experience leading complex genetics research using molecular and statistical methods.
• Ability to coordinate lab activities and meet project deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Leads Conservation Genetics Research Programs and Scientific Study Design.
• Directs Genetic Monitoring, Laboratory Operations, and Technical Leadership.
• Develops and Manages Conservation Genetics Projects, Partnerships, and Resources.
• Communicates Scientific Findings and Advances Conservation Genetics Practices.
• Provides Recommendations and Technical Guidance for Conservation Strategies.

Skills

Conservation genetics

Molecular methods

Statistical analysis

Lab leadership

Education

Genetics degree

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Duties

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following:

• Leads Conservation Genetics Research Programs and Scientific Study Design.
• Directs Genetic Monitoring, Laboratory Operations, and Technical Leadership.
• Develops and Manages Conservation Genetics Projects, Partnerships, and Resources.
• Communicates Scientific Findings and Advances Conservation Genetics Practices.
• Provides Recommendations and Technical Guidance for Conservation Strategies.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct Deposit participation required.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• You cannot hold an active real estate license, nor can you have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Lands.
• You are required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.

Probationary Period

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.

This Probationary Period Is An Extension Of The Appointment Process And Therefore Requires The Agency To Determine If Continued Employment Would Advance The Public Interest, Meet The Organization Goals And Mission Of The Agency, And/or Otherwise Promote The Efficiency Of The Service. In Determining If Your Employment Advances The Public Interest, The Agency Will Consider

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-09/22/2026-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 Requirements

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

• A. Degree: genetics; or one of the basic biological sciences that included at least 9 semester hours in genetics. Graduate Education: Genetics, or a curriculum or pattern of training that placed major emphasis on genetics. Graduate study in related fields such as agronomy, horticulture, animal, dairy, or poultry husbandry, entomology, microbiology, plant pathology, chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, and physiology that involved cross-training in genetics is qualifying, provided it placed sufficient emphasis on genetics. You must submit transcripts.

-AND-

To qualify for this position at the GS-13 grade level:

• Specialized Experience Requirement: you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: This experience must include all of: (1) Applies advanced genetics and resource management to address conservation challenges for aquatic species; (2) Leads and interprets complex conservation genetics research using molecular and statistical methods; (3) Coordinates team activities to achieve lab goals and meet project deadlines; (4) Collaborates with stakeholders to advance research and secure funding; (5) Publishes and presents conservation genetics findings and prepares scientific products.. You must include hours per week worked.

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.

Education

This position does not allow substituting education for experience.

This position has a mandatory education requirement.

You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

Foreign Education:

To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education.

Additional information

Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.

Physical Demands: The work is primarily performed in an office, laboratory, and research environment and involves activities requiring prolonged concentration, analysis of scientific data, operation of laboratory equipment, and performance of detailed technical procedures. The incumbent routinely uses computers, scientific instrumentation, and laboratory tools requiringmanual dexterity, visual accuracy, and attention to detail.

The position occasionally requires physical activity associated with laboratory operations and field research activities, including standing for extended periods, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, and handling scientific materials and equipment. Items weighing up to approximately 10 pounds may be lifted and carried routinely, and heavier items, generally up to 50 pounds, may occasionally be handled with assistance or appropriate equipment.

Occasional travel is required to conduct field activities, attend meetings, collaborate with partners, and participate in scientific conferences or technical forums. Field activities may occur in remote locations and may involve uneven terrain, variable weather conditions, hatchery environments, and work near or on water from boats or vessels. Irregular or extended work hours may occasionally be required to meet research, monitoring, reporting, or program objectives.

Work Environment: The work is performed primarily in office and laboratory environments involving scientific research, data analysis, laboratory procedures, technical consultation, and coordination of conservation genetics activities. The incumbent occasionally performs duties in outdoor and field environments associated with genetic monitoring, sample collection, research activities, and collaboration with fisheries and conservation programs.

Outdoor work may involve exposure to variable environmental conditions, including temperature extremes, inclement weather, uneven terrain, and remote field locations. Certain field activities may occur in or near aquatic environments, including work from boats or other vessels, hatchery facilities, or other research locations. The incumbent follows applicable safety procedures and requirements when conducting field activities.

The position requires occasional travel to conduct research activities, attend scientific meetings, coordinate with partners, and support program objectives. Travel may include overnight stays and periods of extended work hours when necessary to complete research, monitoring, or operational requirements.

All Department of Interior (DOI) employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here,

The duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.