Fish Biologist - Surveyor

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Open: March 16, 2026 — Closes: March 23, 2026

Summary

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), with 4 vacancies located in Seattle, WA; Newport, OR; Juneau, AK; Kodiak, AK; Anchorage, AK; Woods Hole, MA; or Narragansett, RI.

Major Duties

As a Fish Biologist - Surveyor, you will perform the following duties: Oversee, lead, or participate in the planning, coordination, logistics, and execution of fishery-independent, ecosystem monitoring, or specialized biological surveys aboard National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) research vessels, chartered vessels, or in the field. Collect, process, and analyze research data, including identifying and sampling marine species (fishes, invertebrates, protected species), collecting life history and environmental samples, and performing at-sea data entry and rigorous quality assurance/quality control checks. Serve in key operational roles during research deployments, such as Field Party Chief, Chief Scientist, Watch Leader, or Deck Lead, and coordinate all aspects of the research cruise or field operation, often requiring extensive time at sea or away at field sites. Produce, manage, and disseminate scientific data products and analyses (including statistical and spatial modeling) that provide critical information on the abundance, distribution, and ecology of marine resources to inform stock assessments and ecosystem-based fisheries management.

NOTE: These duties are described at the full performance level of the ZP-4; the ZP-3 is developmental leading to such performance. For more information about these positions, please visit the NOAA Fisheries is Hiring Webpage: This position will be filled under the DOC Alternative Personnel System (CAPS). Under CAPS, positions are classified by career, pay plan, and pay band. The ZP-3 is equivalent to the GS-11/12. The ZP-4 is equivalent to the GS-13/14.

• Positions in Seattle, WA, Juneau, AK, Kodiak, AK, Anchorage, AK, and Newport, OR may be covered under bargaining unit 2274;
• Positions in Woods Hole, MA and Narragansett, RI are not in the bargaining unit.

Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: The incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license to operate a government vehicle in completion of assigned tasks.