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Open: July 28, 2026 — Closes: August 11, 2026
Summary
This position is being filled using concurrent recruitment. This position is also open to the public under announcement FWS-DE-13013356-26-BLO. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods. Both announcements are posted concurrently to ensure the organization can fill critical vacancies with the best-qualified candidates, consistent with the Concurrent Recruitment Working Standard.
Major Duties
You will serve as a Fish Biologist in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, working in the Sea Lamprey Control Program at the Ludington Biological Station in Ludington, 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. Developmental Duties (GS-9 Fish Biologist) 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.
