Fish Biologist

Position: FISH BIOLOGIST

USACE Organization Great Lakes and Ohio River Division (LRD) - Chicago District

Announcement Type DHA - Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)

Position Type Permanent

Locations (City, State) Chicago, IL

Position Overview /Duties

INTRODUCTION: The Chicago District Planning Branch is seeking to hire a fish biologist in our Fisheries Assessment and Monitoring Section. The position is a 5/7/9 ladder position and the duty station is the Chicago District Headquarters office, located in downtown Chicago.

POSITION: FISH BIOLOGIST GS-0482-5/7/9

DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT/DUTIES: The incumbent serves as a fish biologist for project activities with the Chicago District Fisheries Assessment and Monitoring Section. The Fisheries Assessment and Monitoring Section participates in several studies that include but not limited to invasive Carp monitoring and telemetry, ecosystem restoration monitoring, and fish and habitat monitoring at Areas of Concerns within the Great Lakes. The incumbent will participate in field sampling of fish using standardized techniques in a variety of scenarios and habitats, assist with data analysis and reports and coordinate with partners and stakeholders.

A solid understanding of scientific principles related to general fisheries-based research and data analysis is necessary. Previous boat operation experience is preferred.

• Conduct and lead standardized fish sampling in the field for a wide variety of projects under various conditions throughout the Chicago Region.
• Safely operate and manage boat operations, equipment deployment, data management, and fish identification.
• Lead and assist in the development and implementation of fish and habitat monitoring plans utilizing region-specific protocols and standards for a wide variety of projects based on the goals, objectives and outcomes expected from each project.
• Assists with maintenance and operation of numerous fisheries related equipment.
• Leads coordination with internal project delivery teams, external partners, and stakeholders on a number of projects to ensure open communication and clear expectations for project delivery.
• Prepare and deliver technical/scientific presentations to Service personnel, other agency personnel, stakeholders, and the public.
• Assist with boat mounted vibracore sediment sampling throughout the Great Lakes region.

Other Conditions And Requirements

APPLICABILITY/AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD, Section 9905 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

WHO MAY APPLY: US Citizens

Applicant Qualifications

• Basic Requirement (
  
  Note:
  
  You must attach a copy of your transcripts.):
  Degree:
  Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in biological science that included at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects such as limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology; AND at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences in such subjects as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or research in these fields, or excess course work (beyond the required 6 semester hours) in aquatic subjects.

OR

Combination of

Education and Experience:

Courses equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), of which a minimum of 6 semester hours were in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours were in the animal sciences, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Requirements
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position at the GS-07 or GS-09 level you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

GS-07 Grade Level:

Specialized Experience For GS-07 One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the Federal service which includes:
Making observations on fish health, behavior, growth and/or maturation status and conducting fish handling activities such as rearing, tagging, trapping, releasing, and/or spawning.

OR

Education:

One…