Fish Biologist

Fish Biologist

You will serve as a Fish Biologist in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, working in the Sea Lamprey Control Program at either the Ludington Biological Station in Ludington, Michigan, or the Marquette Biological Station in Marquette, Michigan. In this role, you will support efforts to control sea lamprey populations and assess fishery conditions across the U.S. waters of the Great Lakes.

You will help carry out scientific fieldwork, data analysis, and cooperative activities that contribute directly to protecting and restoring Great Lakes fisheries. Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

• Assist senior biologists with sea lamprey control and assessment work by following established protocols and supporting daily field operations across Great Lakes tributaries.
• Adjust field schedules, locate sampling sites, and coordinate day-to-day work of same or lower-graded staff and contractors at remote locations.
• Perform treatment and assessment tasks such as preparing chemicals, collecting water samples, conducting bioassays, measuring stream flow, sterilizing lampreys, and gathering biological and environmental data.
• Operate, maintain, repair, and occasionally fabricate components for specialized fishery equipment, watercraft, ATVs, nets, traps, and lampricide delivery systems.
• Install, monitor, and service instruments and equipment to support accurate treatment and assessment activities.
• Handle aquatic organisms safely, monitor fish health, and document field observations while assisting with basic report preparation.
• Maintain inventory, track equipment use, and help procure supplies while following administrative, safety, and hazardous-materials procedures.
• Coordinate access with landowners and partner agencies and participate in outreach or public-facing activities as needed.

• Assist in planning field operations by helping draft annual work plans, identifying needed tools, summarizing biological data, and preparing materials for supervisory review, gradually building skills in selecting sampling sites and organizing field schedules.
• Support data collection and analysis by gathering, recording, and proofing scientific data, preparing summaries for statistical analysis, and contributing to technical reports and presentations under the guidance of senior biologists.
• Develop cooperative working relationships by interacting with partner agencies, schools, service groups, and the public, while learning to represent the Program effectively and maintain professional networks.
• Coordinate specific program tasks by scheduling field activities, leading small work teams at times, adjusting plans for weather and access, and reinforcing safe practices while progressing toward independent field leadership.
• Maintain and operate specialized equipment by ensuring proper care, safe use, and basic repairs of fishery tools, watercraft, and sampling gear while adhering to procurement and safety policies, gaining proficiency over time.

Major Duties at Full Performance Level (GS-11 Fish Biologist):

• Lead field operations to control sea lamprey populations by planning, coordinating, and executing lampricide treatments, barrier operations, and biological assessments across Great Lakes tributaries. Manage field schedules, select sampling sites, and ensure protocols are followed.
• Analyze complex biological data using statistical software to recommend control actions, measure program success, and guide future efforts. Prepare technical reports, scientific papers, and presentations for workshops and professional meetings.
• Collaborate with partners from federal, state, tribal, and international agencies to develop and standardize techniques, share information, and evaluate progress. Represent the program to the public, service groups, and schools, and maintain cooperative relationships.
• Manage and train field teams, including permanent and seasonal staff and volunteers. Oversee compliance with safety, environmental, and hazardous materials regulations, and ensure proper handling of animals and equipment. Lead corrective actions and conduct outreach and recruitment.
• Maintain, operate, and ensure the safekeeping of specialized fishery equipment (such as lamprey sterilization devices, electrofishing gear, nets, traps, watercraft, and ATVs). Oversee inventory, procurement, and maintenance schedules, and adhere to contracting and liability policies.