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Biological Science Technician (Fisheries), GS-0404-05/06 (37948)

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    WELCOME! 
     
    The information seen below is a vacant job opportunity with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).  
     
    Please carefully review the information and click the "Apply" button below if you would like to apply and be considered for this position. 
     
    Additional USACE Career Opportunities can be explored at the USACE Job Board (<- click here). 
     
  • Position Title:
    • Biological Science Technician (Fisheries)
  • Pay Plan:
    • GS
  • Occupational Series:
    • 0404 - Biological Science Technician (0404)
  • Grade:
    • 05
    • 06
  • Hourly vs Salary:
    • Salary
  • Job Posting Open Date:
    • 04/20/2026
  • Job Posting Close Date:
    • 05/11/2026
  • Announcement Type:
    • TARP - Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)
  • Position Type:
    • Permanent
  • High Salary:
    • $59,031
  • Low Salary :
    • $40,736
  • USACE Organization :
    • Northwestern Division (NWD) - Walla Walla District
  • Locations (City, State):
    • Starbuck, WA
  • Position Overview/Duties:
    • Duties:
      • Responsible for operation of juvenile fish transportation facilities and/or barges.
      • Collect and maintain data associated with the juvenile fish transportation program.
      • Provide detailed reports to Supervisor on facility or barge operations on a regular basis.
      • Responsible for collecting fish, loading raceways and barge holds, and for determining fish numbers, loading densities, and overall fish behavior and condition.
      • Make recommendations concerning facility and/or barge operations and equipment to improve overall operation.
      • Responsible for ensuring fish facilities and/or barges are operated within fish passage criteria.
      • Coordinate with and/or assist researchers working on fish facilities or barges.

  • Other Conditions and Requirements:
    • This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoW, Section 9905 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

      Who May Apply: US Citizens

      In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; *if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required at a later date. Not to be submitted with your application.

      GS-5 Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes experience in collecting and maintaining scientific data, operation of fish or other animal transportation equipment such as fish counters and other animal enumeration technology and electronic valves; and performing fish or other animal sampling operations using standard biological techniques. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-04).

      OR

      Education: Four-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as biology, fish and wildlife, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics.

      OR

      Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of education beyond two years (total semester hours minus 60) by 60. Add the two percentages.

      GS-6 Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes experience in the collection, holding and transportation of fish or other animals to include equipment operation such as electronic fish counters or other animal enumeration technology, electronic valves and pneumatic gates; and scientific data collection. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).

      OR

      Education: A half year (i.e., 9 semester hours) of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as biology, fish and wildlife, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics.

      OR

      Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 9. Add the two percentages.

      Education
      FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

      Other Conditions and Requirements:
      • Applications must be submitted after 12:01 AM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:45 PM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Close Date to receive consideration.
      • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
      • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
      • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
      • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
      • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of War referral system for displaced employees.
      • Appointment may be subject to suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
      • This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
      • This position has a requirement to lift up to 30 lbs. in the regular performance of duties.
      • This position requires that the incumbent possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles.
      • Hiring incentives such as a recruitment/relocation bonus, service credit for leave, and student loan repayment may be authorized (subject to available budget).
      • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
      • This is a full-time SEASONAL position with rotating shifts; duty time is approximately March through November.
      • This position requires shift work to provide coverage on evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations.
      • Incumbent may be scheduled for rotating shift work.
      • Management may select at any of the grade levels announced.
      • Noncompetitive promotion potential to target grade.
      • This position is eligible for situational telework only.

  • Life/Work Balance:
    • Life/Work Flexibilities Determined by Specific Position
  • Qualifications - Candidates will be evaluated in accordance with OPM General Schedule (GS) Qualification Standards or Federal Wage System (FWS) Qualifications and Job Elements:
    • GS Standards: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor:
    • To learn more, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity (https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector/federal-employees-job-applicants).
  • Reasonable Accommodation:
    • Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified employees with disabilities. You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application process, hiring process or while on the job. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
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