Seasonal - Biological Science Technician (Fish)

Summary These positions are Biological Science Technician (Fish), GS- 0404-6. In addition to the yearly salary, this position is entitled to a cost-of-living allowance (COLA). This allowance is subject to annual review, adjustment, and rate decrease. Anchorage, AK and Fairbanks, AK 1.49% COLA Soldotna, AK 3.00% COLA Duties This is a temporary appointment intended for seasonal work that is less than 6 months or 1040 hours from the date of appointment/service year. It is expected this position will be terminated upon completion of the seasons work. The agency may non-competitively rehire an eligible temporary seasonal worker in subsequent years who works less than 6 months or 1040 hours in their service year. As a Biological Science Technician (Fish), GS-0404-06, you will be responsible for duties that include, but are not limited to, the following: Fieldwork and Operations: Conduct fisheries research across Alaska-monitoring salmon runs, estimating fish abundance, tracking movement with telemetry, sampling water quality, and surveying habitats. Work occurs in remote wilderness areas, often accessed by small aircraft or boat, and requires adapting to harsh weather and challenging living conditions. Project Support and Leadership:Lead small teams of technicians, provide training on field techniques, oversee data collection, and ensure camps are properly maintained, dismantled, and all equipment is accounted for and returned. Data Collection:Gather and analyze information on fish populations (e.g., habitat use, age/sex structure, movement, harvest characteristics), collect anatomical materials, and perform preliminary evaluations related to habitat preferences and population dynamics. Please note: Technicians will conduct fieldwork at diverse locations across the state, including remote areas of the Alaskan bush. Travel to field camps is typically by small aircraft or boat. These positions require resilience and adaptability, as challenging conditions such as harsh weather, biting insects, and remote living are common. At the same time, they offer a unique opportunity to study intact assemblages of native fish species while experiencing abundant wildlife and pristine wilderness-an experience that rewards those with an adventurous spirit. Requirements Conditions of employment Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation See Additional Information section for link to additional conditions of employment applicable to each position advertised Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov. Driver’s License: This position requires the incumbent to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of their official duties. Selectee must hold and maintain a valid state driver’s license throughout their employment in this position. Resume (See "Required Documents"). Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is provided on resume. Eligibility and Supporting documents - You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to AND submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section. Firearm: Selectees will be required to carry a firearm in the performance of their duties. Drug Testing Position: Selectees tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Qualifications Only experience and education obtained by 12/12/2025 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess the Minimum Qualification. Minimum Qualification [GS-0404-06]: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level or higher in the Federal service, or equivalent non-Federal experience. Specialized experience includes: collecting biological information for fish studies, field investigations, and surveys; performing fish surveys and field studies; capturing, measuring, counting, weighing, tagging, and tracking fish counting devices (e.g. weirs, sonar, screw traps). NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified. 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 There is no substitute of education for experience at this grade level. Additional information PCS - No PCS entitlements authorized. Telework: These positions are suitable for telework only in an emergency or natural disaster. Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area. Positions that require the use of a Firearm: Lautenberg Amendment: This position authorized the incumbent to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C. Section 922(g)(9). Candidates under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Temporary Benefits: Most Federal employees earn both annual and sick leave. For additional information, visit Leave Administration. Effective January 2015, employees on temporary appointments may be eligible for health benefits through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program and, if eligible, will receive the same government contribution as full-time permanent employees. To be eligible for consideration, temporary employees working full-time or part-time must be on appointments expected to last at least 90 days, or be on an intermittent work schedule and expected to work 130 hours per month for at least 90 days. Employees electing to participate in the FEHB will be responsible for the employee share of the premium while on the official agency roles, which is deducted from bi-weekly earnings. After separating from federal employment, employees will be offered to continue participation in FEHB under the Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) option. Employees electing to continue coverage under the TCC provision will be responsible for the full premium amount plus a 2% administration fee. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements) for the position with a score of 80 or above on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp. Reasonable Accommodation: The USFWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit USAJOBS Center | Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process. 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. Benefits 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. N/A Review our benefits 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.