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Performs professional fish biology work including fish population studies, habitat assessment, and fisheries management.
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0482
Nonresearch Positions:
Degree: major in biological science that included:
At least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects such as limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology; and
At least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences in such subjects as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or research in these fields. (Excess course work in aquatic subjects may be used to meet this requirement when appropriate.)
OR
Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), of which a minimum of 6 semester hours were in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours were in the animal sciences, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Research Positions: Applicants must show that they have a degree with major study in biology, zoology, or biological oceanography that included at least 30 semester hours in biological and aquatic science and 15 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences. This course work must have included:
At least 15 semester hours of preparatory training in zoology beyond introductory biology or zoology in such courses as invertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, histology, physiology, embryology, advanced vertebrate zoology, genetics, entomology, and parasitology; and
At least 6 semester hours of training applicable to fishery biology in such subjects as fishery biology, ichthyology, limnology, oceanography, algology, planktonology, marine or fresh water ecology, invertebrate ecology, principles of fishery population dynamics, or related course work in the field of fishery biology; and
At least 15 semester hours of training in any combination of two or more of the following: chemistry, physics, mathematics, or statistics.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal fish biology position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-0482
This role involves environmental assessments and data analysis, which are crucial for fisheries management.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Knowledge of fish biology and ecology.
Skill in fish sampling and population assessment.
Ability to analyze fisheries data.
Understanding of freshwater and marine systems.
Skill in developing fishery plans.
Ability to prepare research reports.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-0482 Fish Biologists conduct professional fisheries work: population studies, habitat assessment, management planning, fish health monitoring, and conservation research. They work for USFWS, NOAA Fisheries, Forest Service, and tribal programs managing freshwater and marine fisheries.
GS-0482 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) at entry to GS-13 ($90,025-$117,034) for senior biologists and program managers. Most journeyman positions are GS-9 to GS-11 ($52,205-$82,108). Hatchery managers and regional leads reach GS-12/13. Add locality pay.
A degree in fisheries biology, aquatic ecology, or related biological science is required. Coursework in ichthyology, limnology, and fisheries management is essential. Field research skills, fish sampling techniques, and data analysis abilities are key qualifications for higher grades.
Partially. A fisheries/biology degree is necessary, but military experience in environmental compliance, natural resource management, or water operations provides relevant background. Navy divers and those with marine experience have transferable skills. Veterans with biology degrees are well-positioned.
Entry at GS-5/7 with bachelor's, advancing to GS-9/11 with experience. Senior biologists reach GS-12, and program managers/hatchery managers reach GS-12/13. USFWS and NOAA offer the most positions. Specializing in endangered species or aquaculture enhances opportunities.
Search USAJOBS for 'Fish Biologist' or 'Fishery Biologist.' Primary employers are USFWS, NOAA, and Forest Service. Positions exist at fish hatcheries, field stations, and regional offices nationwide. Emphasize field research experience and specific species expertise. Veterans preference applies.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.