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Fish Biology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Fish Biologist

Red Bluff, CA · On-site +1

$61K - $97K/yr

Summary This position is a Fish Biologist, GS- 0482-9 working in Red Bluff, California for the R8 ... Have one year (18 semester hours) of graduate education in biology or a closely related field which ...

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Fish Biologist

Jamestown, KY · On-site +1

$50K - $80K/yr

Summary This position is a Fish Biologist , GS- 0482-7/9 working in Jamestown, Kentucky at the Wolf ... OR * A bachelor's degree in biology, as described in the Basic Requirement above, with Superior ...

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Fish Biologist

Red Bluff, CA · On-site +1

$74K - $97K/yr

Experience with juvenile fish monitoring and research projects, conservation biology, and sampling of Threatened and Endangered Species under Endangered Species Act permit restrictions. * Performing ...

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Fish Biologist

Jamestown, KY · On-site +1

$74K - $116K/yr

D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree in a field directly related to fishery biology such as limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, fish ...

Montana

Fish Health Specialist

Great Falls, MT

This position requires considerable knowledge of fish disease, fish health management, fish biology, fish culture, microbiological techniques, statistics, algebra, chemistry, and computers, and must ...

State of Montana

Fish Health Specialist

Cascade, MT · On-site

This position requires considerable knowledge of fish disease, fish health management, fish biology, fish culture, microbiological techniques, statistics, algebra, chemistry, and computers, and must ...

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How much do fish biology jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for fish biology in the United States is $26.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges fish biologists face when conducting fieldwork?

Fish biologists often encounter challenges such as working in remote or difficult-to-access aquatic environments, dealing with unpredictable weather, and ensuring the safety and ethical treatment of wildlife during sampling. Adaptability and problem-solving skills are important, as field conditions can change rapidly. Additionally, coordinating with local stakeholders or regulatory agencies is often necessary to ensure compliance and effective data collection.

What is the difference between Fish Biology vs Marine Biology?

AspectFish BiologyMarine Biology
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Marine Biology, Fisheries Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Marine Biology, Oceanography, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, fieldwork in freshwater and coastal habitatsOpen ocean, coastal areas, research vessels
Industry UsageResearch, conservation, fisheries managementResearch, conservation, ecosystem studies

Fish Biology focuses specifically on the study of fish species, their physiology, behavior, and ecology, often involving freshwater and coastal environments. Marine Biology covers a broader range of marine organisms and ecosystems, including fish, invertebrates, and marine plants, typically in open ocean settings. Both careers require similar educational backgrounds but differ in their scope and work environments.

What do fish biologists do?

Fish biologists, also known as ichthyologists, study fish species, their habitats, and their interactions with the environment. Their work often involves conducting field research, monitoring fish populations, assessing the health of aquatic ecosystems, and developing conservation strategies. They may also work on projects related to fisheries management, endangered species protection, or habitat restoration. Fish biologists can be employed by government agencies, research institutions, or environmental organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fish Biologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fish Biologist, you need a solid understanding of aquatic biology, ecology, and research methodologies, typically supported by a degree in biology, fisheries science, or a related field. Experience with data analysis software (such as R or GIS), field sampling equipment, and often certifications in SCUBA diving or electrofishing are commonly required. Strong observation skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaboration and reporting findings. These competencies ensure accurate research, effective conservation efforts, and successful management of aquatic resources.
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Fish Biology jobs near you

Fish Biologist

Internships | Texas A&M University Kingsville

Jamestown, KY • On-site

$74K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

This position is a Fish Biologist, GS-0482-11/12 working in Jamestown, Kentucky for the R4-Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery. https://www.fws.gov/fish-hatchery/wolf-creekQualifications:Only experience and education obtained by 06/23/2026 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.
Basic Requirement:
  1. Possess a Bachelor's Degree with a major in a biological science that includes the following course work: 1) 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 2) at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences subjects such as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, cellular biology, parasitology, entomology, or research courses in such subjects. OR
  2. Have a combination of education and experience that is equivalent to a major in a 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 described in ?A? above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Minimum Qualification [GS-11]
  1. At least one year of full-time specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level (comparable to GS-09) in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience for this grade is defined as performing work in or directly related to Fish Biology including carrying out daily activities of hatchery production operations; propagating cold, cool and/or warm water aquatic species; assisting in program planning and administration; observing fish for signs of stress or disease and initiating the appropriate steps to alleviate stress or treat disease; maintaining records of fish production and distribution. OR
  2. Have completed three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree in a field directly related to fishery biology such as limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, fish and wildlife management, marine science, or other fields directly related to fishery biology. OR
  3. Possess an equivalent combination of professional experience and graduate level education beyond the second year which together equals 100% of the requirements.
Minimum Qualification [GS-11]: Possess one year of specialized experience comparable to the GS-11 grade level in Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience for this grade is defined as includes planning and carrying out daily activities of hatchery production operations; propagating cold, cool and warm water aquatic species; program planning and budget preparation; developing and carrying out hatchery work plans; planning and conducting fisheries studies, including design, collection, and analysis of biological data related to fish culture, fishery resources, and fish health.
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.
Time In Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet both eligibility and qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the JOA. Specifically,
i. Area of Consideration.
ii. Time-in-grade (TIG) requirements as specified in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
iii. Time after competitive appointment as specified in 5 CFR 330.502.
iv. Qualification requirements outlined in OPM's Qualifications Standards for General Schedule PositionsEducation:PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.
PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).Employment Type: OTHER

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