Fish Biologist, GS-0482-11/12(975001)

Position Overview/Duties:

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) announcement for an Fish Biologist in the South Atlantic Division, Savannah District, Operations Division.

Position Title: Fish Biologist, GS-0482-11/12(975001)

Series/Grade: GS-0482-11/12, (0482 Fish Biologist)

Open Period: 28 May - 4 June 2026

Duty Location(s): Elberton, GA

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.

Minimum Education Requirement:

1. Degree: major 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. (Excess course work in aquatic subjects may be used to meet this requirement when appropriate.)

OR

1. 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.

OPM General Schedule Qualification Standards — https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=Occupational-Series

Specialized Experience:

Time-in-Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the GS‑09 or equivalent. (For the GS-11). Time-in-Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the GS‑11 level or equivalent. (For the GS-12).

- GS-12: One year of specialized experience which includes: 1) Managing and directing fishery and aquatic resource programs, including conducting water quality assessments and managing fishery habitat objectives related to hydropower operations; 2) Developing and implementing fishery management plans in coordination with state and federal agencies; and 3) Preparing long-range functional plans and budgets for fishery or water supply programs. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service.
- GS-11: One year of specialized experience which includes: 1) Assisting in the management of fishery and aquatic resource programs, such as by conducting water quality assessments or monitoring fishery habitats related to hydropower operations; 2) Applying fishery management principles to help develop management plans in coordination with state and federal agencies; and 3) Aiding in the preparation of functional plans or budgets for fishery or water supply programs. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service.

Other 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.
• All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
• A trial or probationary period may be required.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 20% of the time.
• 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. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• 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).
• Relocation (PCS) expenses may be authorized (subject to available budget) if the selecting official determines the relocation is in the best interests of the government.

• This position requires employee to obtain and maintain a USACE small boat operators license
  within 6 months of appointment.