Fish Biology
GS-0482
Position Overview
Fish biologists at the Department of the Interior preserve, conserve, propagate, and manage the populations and habitats of fish and other aquatic species.
This position is represented at the following bureaus
Candidate Description
The ideal candidate is able to apply and communicate their scientific knowledge with a wide variety of people with varying levels of technical knowledge. They must have an ability and desire to learn how to use specialized equipment, be able to plan and conduct complex projects, analyze data, and manage programs.
Work Environment
Work is performed in an office, laboratory, and/or in the field. Field work may include exposure to inclement weather, physical hazards, and wild animals.
Minimum Education Requirements
Please see the Individual Occupation Requirements and the Professional and Scientific Positions Group Qualification Standard on the OPM websites.
Career Level Requirements
Responsibilities by Level
Entry:
- Collects data from field investigations and makes observations
- Assists in studying and preparing sections of reports on fishery biology investigations
- Prepares samples and performs data analysis
- Assists in planning, organizing, and implementing investigations that affect habitat conditions or fish biology
Mid:
- Plans data collection approaches for portions of investigations
- Recommends modifications to program activities
- Performs chemical, biochemical, physiological, or molecular analysis of environmental samples
- Deploys remote data collection systems and manipulates and analyzes data
- Monitors and surveys sensitive aquatic species and their habitats and evaluates and reports changes in habitat status
Journey:
- Identifies research needs
- Coordinates fishery and aquatic biology management strategies and programs
- Implements scientific monitoring protocols to identify, evaluate, and complete monitoring of fish populations and fisheries
- Prepares environmental assessments for projects
Senior:
- Establishes new and modified methods, techniques, and procedures to improve aquatic species biology or habitat
- Conducts program analyses and determines impact of new programs on targeted species
- Coordinates with other Federal, state, and local government agencies and external stakeholders and groups
- Provides reports, advice, and guidance to senior leadership
Strengths by Level
Entry
5-7
Mid
9-11
Journey
12-13
Senior
14-15
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AccountabilityHolds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Attention to DetailIs thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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ComplianceKnowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Creative ThinkingUses imagination to develop new insights into situations and applies innovative solutions to problems; designs new methods where established methods and procedures are inapplicable or are unavailable.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Customer ServiceWorks with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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EntrepreneurshipPositions the organization for future success by identifying new opportunities; builds the organization by developing or improving products or services. Takes calculated risks to accomplish organizational objectives.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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FlexibilityIs open to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Influencing/NegotiatingPersuades others to accept recommendations, cooperate, or change their behavior; works with others towards an agreement; negotiates to find mutually acceptable solutions.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Interpersonal SkillsTreats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Oral CommunicationExpresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Organizational AwarenessKnows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work and operates effectively within them; this includes the programs, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the organization.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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PartneringDevelops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Problem SolvingIdentifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Project ManagementKnowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting costs, work, and contractor performance.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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ReasoningIdentifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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TeamworkEncourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Technical CompetenceUses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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WritingRecognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
Common Pathways
Candidates who made this career change most commonly held these occupations...
Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences
38.7%
Biological Science Technician
36%
Microbiology
5.3%
0701 - Veterinary Medical Science 2.7%
Less Common Pathways (<2%)
Where We Are
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