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Open: August 12, 2026 — Closes: August 25, 2026
Summary
This position is located within the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Grand Valley National Fish Hatchery located in Grand Junction, CO Rate of Pay GS-07 - $50,460 - $65,599 GS-09 - $61,722 - $80,243 Pay may vary based on grade level and/or duty location for which you're selected. First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.
Major Duties
You will serve as a Biologist that offers an exciting opportunity to directly support the conservation and recovery of threatened and endangered fish species in the Upper Colorado River Basin. As part of the Grand Junction Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, you will contribute to the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program through intensive, conservation-focused hatchery propagation and close coordination with partner agencies. We are looking for enthusiastic, collaborative individuals with a solid work ethic and commitment to scientific excellence, who are excited to develop their skills and contribute to our dynamic conservation program. Successful candidates will possess a firm grounding in fisheries science, excellent interpersonal communication abilities, and the initiative, integrity, and adaptability needed to support a highly collaborative hatchery mission focused on recovering listed fishes. At the full performance level (GS-11), the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following: Responsible for directing and accomplishing daily hatchery operational activities to accommodate hatchery requests for a variety of warm-water species. Assist with spawning and propagation of warm-water and conservation species. Identify, manage, and treat fish disease outbreaks, including the approved use of investigational new animal drugs, to ensure timely and effective fish health protection. Maintain water quality parameters to maximize production efficiency. Operational activities such as administrative procedures and reports, general hatchery administration, and maintenance activities. Plans, schedules, and conduct projects throughout the hatchery facilities, grounds, and equipment. Conducts various hatchery studies and evaluations. Is familiar with the propagational activities and fish cultural requirements of the wide variety of species reared at this station. Performs duties involving most phases of hatchery management, including planning extensive incubation schedules, developing ponds production schedules, daily pond information updating on computer software, and creating annual fish culture reports for a sixty-four pond facility. Computing and recording conversion rates and other dietary/growth information, observing and reporting results of treatments, preparing fish for shipment or distribution, and being state certified for the application of pesticides and chemicals (training provided if applicant does not have certification). Supervise and conduct hatchery effluent water quality monitoring to correlate with State Pollution Discharge Permit. Maintain water treatment system for the hatchery and residences. Responds to requests from the media, interested groups and/or leadership regarding the hatchery. Prepares correspondence in response to public inquiries and/or responds to interested fishery or other conservational groups. Perform routine hatchery operations required for safe and efficient operation, including operation of hatchery water systems, pumps, valves, feeders, alarms and other equipment. Perform all other duties as assigned. Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level. Physical Demands: The work involves a substantial amount of field work. When engaged in field activities, the work is at times strenuous, requiring exertion such as walking over wet, rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities. The work requires average agility and dexterity. Travel to remote study sites may be required via boats, small aircraft, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and/or on foot. Extended periods of camping in tents or cabins in remote field camps may occur. Incumbent must be able to cope with the pressure of short time deadlines, responsibilities of logistics to remote areas, cultural conflicts, and adverse weather conditions. The incumbent may be required to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Work Environment: The work requires both office and outdoor work. The office is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. Frequent travel by various means of surface and air transportation is required to attend meetings and to conduct field work. A variety of temperature and weather extremes may be encountered while in the field. The incumbent may be subject to large numbers of biting insects and may be required to work in close proximity to large animals such as deer, elk, bear and moose. He/she may need to carry a firearm for personal protection from wildlife. In addition, the incumbent may be exposed to work situations involving hazardous substances, and must comply with Service health and safety policies, including appropriate safety clothing and equipment. The incumbent is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow workers, or property.
