Department of the Interior

Seasonal - Biological Science Technician (Fish)

Anchorage, Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska, Soldotna, Alaska Full time

Seasonal - Biological Science Technician (Fish)

Department: Department of the Interior

Location(s): Anchorage, Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska, Soldotna, Alaska

Salary Range: $21.85 - $28.4 Per Hour

Job Summary: These positions are Biological Science Technician (Fish), GS-0404-5. In addition to the yearly salary, this position is entitled to a cost-of-living allowance (COLA). This allowance is subject to annual review, adjustment, and rate decrease. Anchorage, AK and Fairbanks, AK 1.49% COLA Soldotna, AK 3.00% COLA

Major Duties:

  • This is a temporary appointment intended for seasonal work that is less than 6 months or 1040 hours from the date of appointment/service year. It is expected this position will be terminated upon completion of the seasons work. The agency may non-competitively rehire an eligible temporary seasonal worker in subsequent years who works less than 6 months or 1040 hours in their service year. As a Biological Science Technician (Fish), GS-0404-05, you will be responsible for duties that include, but are not limited to, the following: Fieldwork and Operations: Conduct fisheries research across Alaska-monitoring salmon runs, estimating fish abundance, tracking movement with telemetry, sampling water quality, and surveying habitats. Work occurs in remote wilderness areas, often accessed by small aircraft or boat, and requires adapting to harsh weather and challenging living conditions. Work as Team Member: Contribute to population studies and habitat inventories while working within in a small team. Data Collection: Capture, anesthetize, measure, and tag fish (including assisting with radio tagging). Collect information on habitat use, age/sex structure, seasonal movement, and harvest characteristics through direct observation, video review, and sonar data. Please note: Technicians will conduct fieldwork at diverse locations across the state, including remote areas of the Alaskan bush. Travel to field camps is typically by small aircraft or boat. These positions require resilience and adaptability, as challenging conditions such as harsh weather, biting insects, and remote living are common. At the same time, they offer a unique opportunity to study intact assemblages of native fish species while experiencing abundant wildlife and pristine wilderness-an experience that rewards those with an adventurous spirit.

Qualifications: Only experience and education obtained by 12/12/2025 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess the Minimum Qualification. Minimum Qualification [GS-0404-05]: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 grade level or higher in the Federal service, or equivalent non-Federal experience. Specialized experience includes: fish surveys and studies; recording information in legible form; accomplishing field assessments; assisting with collection, population determination, migration studies and species identification; participating in fishery management surveys; assisting with preparing plans and presentations. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified. -OR- A 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university that included at least 6-semester hours of coursework directly related to the position being filled, such as fishery biology, ichthyology, limnology, aquaculture, etc. -OR- A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement; including at least 6-semester hours of coursework directly related to the position being filled, such as fishery biology, ichthyology, limnology, aquaculture, etc. (Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours may be used in this calculation). Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

How to Apply: Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below. The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents section. Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents. To preview the assessment questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12837491. Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application. Applications must be received by 12/12/2025, 11:59pm ET to receive consideration. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, in Applications tab, click the position title you applied to for the status. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact the Human Resources Office via email at fwshiring@fws.gov.

Application Deadline: 2025-12-12