SUPERVISORY BIOLOGIST

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Arcata (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Arcata, CA seeks a Supervisory Biologist (GS-0401-13) to provide broad administrative and scientific leadership for a major program.

The role oversees long-range planning, budget submissions, and coordination with partners, field staff, and stakeholders to meet program goals. Responsibilities include directing field activities, guiding policy implementation, and evaluating progress against objectives, while mentoring staff and ensuring compliance with funding

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and supervisory abilities
• Budget planning and program management
• Public coordination and partner engagement
• Policy interpretation and guidance dissemination

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative, scientific, and technical leadership for a large program.
• Develop long-range plans, objectives, priorities, and techniques.
• Oversee budgeting, allocations, and financial tracking for projects.
• Coordinate field activities with local governments and private actors.
• Review materials and provide senior scientific input and training materials.

Job description

Open: August 28, 2026 — Closes: September 10, 2026

Summary

This position is a Supervisory Biologist, GS- 0401-13 working in Arcata, CA, for the R8-Arcata Fish and Wildlife.

Major Duties

As a SUPERVISORY BIOLOGIST your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Provides administrative, scientific, and technical leadership for a large, complex scientific program/project. Manages the formulation of program objectives, priorities, and techniques. Provides long range resource planning, program direction, coordination, and evaluation. Lead the development of overall program goals, objectives, policies and strategies necessary to direct the program. Evaluates and monitors the program's accomplishments against stated goals and objectives. Monitors and coordinates with partners. As needed, directs, and oversees program and field work/activities such as monitoring, inventory, surveys, invasive species monitoring and control, research, impacts of point and non-point pollution, restoration, project reviews, and other related field activities. When required, provides on the ground support and assistance, and arranges for or directs additional monitoring efforts designed to gather specific information that supports the FWS and program position or the development of strategies for achieving targets and goals. Coordinates field activities with local governments and other public and private entities to minimize conflicts with subsistence, commercial, and recreational activities. Conducts public meetings for coordination and information exchange, and presentation and interpretation of project. Reviews or prepares or performs senior scientific reviews of materials in their areas of expertise. May develop training materials or training vehicles needed to convey changes or revisions to policy, guidance or data standards to Service personnel. Develops budget proposals and other documents including the FWS budget estimates and submittals, OMB budget estimates, and the President's budget justification. As appropriate, makes funding allocation recommendations for high-priority projects within the assigned program area and associated Headquarters, Regional and/or field offices. Assists in the execution of the program/project allocations including tracking budgets and expenditures to ensure they are in line with allocations. Conducts budget reviews, including direct/indirect cost analysis, and negotiates changes as appropriate. Works closely with appropriate FWS staff to ensure compliance with any constraints concerning source, timing, delivery, and amounts of appropriated funds. Responds to Congressional inquiries and actions relative to budget development and execution, and program/project implementation. Monitors and oversees the financial tracking systems to document and report on projects, funding needs, and work accomplishments. Coordinates the preparation, review, and distribution of program and project reports as needed, including annual reports, and special reporting requirements or requests to meet GPRA, OMB and HQ needs. Provides administrative and technical supervision necessary to accomplish the work. Plans the work to be accomplished, assigns work to employees, and establishes production or quality standards for the work. Sets priorities and prepares schedules for completion of work. Establishes and communicates guidelines and performance expectations for employees. Conducts formal performance reviews. Identifies and provides for the developmental and training needs of employees. Approves leave and certifies time and attendance, and interviews candidates for positions. Hears and resolves informal complaints and grievances, effects minor disciplinary measures, and recommends action in more serious cases. Provides advice and counsel to employees on both work and administrative matters. Develops and mentors employees to help them be successful in their position and grow in their career.