JOB SUMMARY: This position is a Fish Health Biologist, GS- 0401-11 working in Bozeman, Montana for the R6-Bozeman Fish Health Center. MAJOR DUTIES: As a Fish and Wildlife Biologist (Fish Health Biologist) your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Conducts parasitological, bacterial, virological, and molecular assays at the Center by processing aquatic species tissue samples collected from cultured species at hatcheries and propagation facilities for infectious agents. Analyzes and interprets assay results for Region 6, other regional fish and aquatic programs, and various Federal, State, Tribal, academic, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Conducts comprehensive health inspections and certifications of federal hatchery facilities, performing necropsy, tissue sample collection, laboratory pathogen screening, and approved confirmatory assays under the guidance of the American Fisheries Society-Fish Health Section Suggested Procedures for the Detection of Pathogens in Finfish, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Aquatic Animal Health Policy (713 FW 1-2) and State or Tribal policies or regulations. Coordinates sampling of aquatic species health samples with federal culture facilities or partnering agencies. Maintains chain of custody (COC) records and accurate laboratory case histories for each case submission. Independently conducts specialized analysis of aquatic species samples to detect parasites and other pathogens of concern. Examines moribund fish, tissues, and blood samples submitted to the Center for analysis and interpretation by biologists, fishery managers and other partners. Diagnostic work includes: 1) Diagnosis of etiologies for the disorders or diseases found; and 2) Confirmatory examinations of parasitic or other diseases.Performs extremely delicate, exact, and technical diagnostic procedures utilizing appropriate tissue collection, processing, testing and interpretation. These techniques are unique, highly technical laboratory procedures used to provide comprehensive analysis on a variety of freshwater fish species. Communicates closely with Federal, State, Tribal and NGO partners to plan and coordinate wild fish health survey collections throughout USFWS Region 6. IMPORTANT: Click the 'Apply for this job' button to view a complete job description.
