Home / Federal careers / GS-0482
Fish Biology
Performs professional fish biology work including fish population studies, habitat assessment, and fisheries management.
What GS-0482 pays
2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.
| 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 |
Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for GS-0482, as written.
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.
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for GS-0482
1Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
2Find Your Grade Level
Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.
3Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Bioenvironmental Engineering
This role involves environmental assessments and data analysis, which are crucial for fisheries management.
Skills that carry over: Environmental Assessment, Data Analysis, Field Research.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Conduct fish population studies
- Assess aquatic habitats
- Develop fisheries management plans
- Monitor fish health
- Conduct research
- Advise on conservation
Key competencies
Fisheries Science
Knowledge of fish biology and ecology.
Field Research
Skill in fish sampling and population assessment.
Data Analysis
Ability to analyze fisheries data.
Aquatic Ecology
Understanding of freshwater and marine systems.
Management Planning
Skill in developing fishery plans.
Scientific Communication
Ability to prepare research reports.
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about GS-0482
What is a federal Fish Biologist?
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.
How much does a federal Fish Biologist make?
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.
What are the requirements for GS-0482 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0482?
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.
What is the career progression for Fish Biologists?
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.
How do I apply for GS-0482 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to apply for GS-0482?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.