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Fish Biology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$43.89K/yr

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 ...

$43.89K/yr

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 ...

$43.89K/yr

... 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 ...

$43.89K/yr

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

Fish Biologist

Elberton, GA · On-site +1

$74.68K - $116.36K/yr

... 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 ...

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Fish Biology information

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$8

$26

$58

How much do fish biology jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 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 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.

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 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 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.

More about Fish Biology jobs
What cities are hiring for Fish Biology jobs? Cities with the most Fish Biology job openings:
What states have the most Fish Biology jobs? States with the most job openings for Fish Biology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Fish Biology job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,730 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Fish Biologist

$43.89K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


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Job description

Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense
About the Position: At the full performance level, you will serve as a Fish Biologist responsible for portions of the fish management programs at Bonneville Dam. At the full performance level, you will assist in developing recommendations to the Supervisory Fish Biologist regarding the maintenance or enhancement of fish populations and will observe the effects of the project's operations on fish resources.Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirements:
A. Education: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a 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-
B. Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience that together meets the qualification requirements for this position. The education must have courses equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), of which a minimum of 6 semester hours are in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours that are in the animal sciences (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.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below.
Qualifications at the GS-05, you must meet the educational requirement which is a Bachelors degree with a major in biological science that included at least six 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.
Qualifications at the GS-07, your resume must describe at least one year of experience which prepared you to do the work in this job. Specialized experience is defined as applying fish evaluation and monitoring methods to assist with activities associated with fish habitat, migration, and passage. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).
-OR-
Education:
One full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: [insert applicable field(s) of study].
-OR-
Superior Academic Achievement:
In order to be creditable under this provision, Superior Academic Achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled, such as that identified in Education above. Superior Academic Achievement is based on:(1) Class Standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; OR(2) Grade-Point Average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a grade-point average of either (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.; OR (3) Honor Society Membership - Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the approved national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies (https://www.achsnatl.org/).
-OR-
Combination of Education and Experience:
A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages.
Qualifications at the GS-09, your resume must describe at least one year of experience which prepared you to do the work in this job. Specialized experience which includes applying fish evaluation and monitoring methods activities associated with fish habitat, migration, and passage. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).
-OR
-
Education:
Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.-OR-
Combination of Education and Experience:
A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.Education: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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/Employment Type: OTHER

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