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Fish Biology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Interior

Fish Biologist

Yakima, WA · On-site

$74K/yr

A. Degree : with 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 ...

The University of Oklahoma

Curator Archivist

Norman, OK · On-site

$18.99/hr

Studies, or a related field, with an emphasis in fish biology. * 36-48 months of collection-related experience in natural history museum collections, including some to all the following: curation ...

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Fish Biology information

What does a fish biologist 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?

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 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.

How much does a fish biologist make?

A fish biologist's salary varies by experience, education, and location, but the median annual wage in the field is around $60,000 to $70,000. Entry-level positions typically start lower, while experienced professionals or those with advanced degrees can earn over $80,000 annually. Skills in research, data analysis, and fieldwork are important for higher earning potential.

What can you do with a fish biology degree?

A fish biology degree prepares individuals for careers in research, conservation, and management of aquatic ecosystems. Graduates can work as fish biologists, environmental consultants, aquaculture specialists, or in wildlife agencies, often requiring fieldwork, data analysis, and knowledge of aquatic species and habitats.
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What states have the most Fish Biology jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Fish Biology jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Fish Biology jobs are:

Fish Biology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fish Biology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Fish Biologist

Yakima, WA • On-site

US Department of the Interior
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

415th of 851 rated public administrative organizations

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Learn more about US Department of the Interiorexternal

$74K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

You will serve as a Fish Biologist with R-1 Mid-Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office working in Yakima, Washington.
You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.

First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.

Qualifications:Qualifications:
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 08/27/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Competitive candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the work schedule requirement as the service dates will be reflected. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, your resume must state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience.

Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:
Basic Educational Requirement AND Specialized Experience for the series to which you are applying.

Basic Educational Requirements: In addition to the specialized experience requirements for this position, you must meet at least one of the following:
A. Degree: with 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).. You must submit transcripts.
-OR-
B. Combination of education and experience: course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
- AND -

To qualify for this position at the GS-11 grade level:
A. Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: 1) developing and sustaining effective working relationships with partners, stakeholders, and interagency collaborators to support and advance conservation objectives. 2) collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and summarizing biological, ecological, or programmatic data and communicating findings clearly through written reports, briefings, and oral presentations. and 3) formulating and providing resource management recommendations that promote the conservation of fish and wildlife resources while considering and balancing the needs of diverse water users and other competing interests.. You must include hours per week worked. -OR-
B. Education: Successful completion of at least 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. (Degree must reflect the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.). You must include transcripts. -OR-
C. Combination of graduate education beyond the first two years of progressive graduate study and appropriate experience as listed above.

Volunteer Experience: 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.Education:This position has a mandatory education requirement.
You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualificationsEmployment Type: OTHER

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