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Fish Health Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Biologist

Riverdale, ND · On-site

$61K/yr

... fish health observations, administer basic treatments, and document results accurately; maintain biological, water quality, fish health, and growth datasets with precision; prepare routine summaries ...

Fish Biologist

Quilcene, WA · On-site +1

$69K - $90K/yr

Responds to alarms as necessary to maintain health and safety of staff, real property, and aquatic ... biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field ...

CO · On-site

$21/hr

Description of Job Fish health laboratory technician with experience in microbiology related to ... The candidate must have knowledge and experience in biological and molecular laboratory techniques ...

CO · On-site

$21/hr

Description of Job Fish health laboratory technician with experience in microbiology related to ... The candidate must have knowledge and experience in biological and molecular laboratory techniques ...

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Fish Health Biologist information

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$37K

$89.4K

$138K

How much do fish health biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for fish health biologist in the United States is $89,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Fish Health Biologist do?

A Fish Health Biologist is responsible for monitoring, diagnosing, and managing the health of fish populations, often in aquaculture facilities or natural habitats. They conduct research on fish diseases, develop health management plans, and may be involved in disease outbreak investigations. Their work helps ensure the sustainability and productivity of fisheries by preventing and controlling disease, improving fish welfare, and supporting ecosystem health.

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

To thrive as a Fish Health Biologist, you need a strong background in aquatic biology, fish pathology, and a relevant degree such as biology, fisheries science, or veterinary medicine. Familiarity with laboratory diagnostic tools, statistical analysis software, and fish disease surveillance systems is typically required. Strong observation skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help in assessing fish health and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills are crucial for ensuring the health of aquatic populations, supporting sustainable fisheries, and preventing the spread of disease.

What are some typical challenges a Fish Health Biologist faces when diagnosing and managing fish diseases in aquaculture settings?

Fish Health Biologists often encounter challenges such as rapidly identifying the cause of disease outbreaks, managing biosecurity to prevent the spread of pathogens, and adapting treatment protocols to different species and environmental conditions. They must also balance disease control with regulatory compliance and sustainability practices. Effective communication and collaboration with hatchery staff, veterinarians, and regulatory agencies are crucial to implementing successful health management strategies.

How much does a fish health biologist make?

The average salary for a fish health biologist ranges from $45,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with advanced certifications or specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often with opportunities for fieldwork and research roles.

How to become a fish health biologist?

To become a fish health biologist, typically a bachelor's degree in biology, fisheries science, or a related field is required, with advanced positions often requiring a master's or Ph.D. in fish health, pathology, or aquatic sciences. Gaining experience through internships, research, or work in aquatic environments, along with developing skills in laboratory techniques and disease diagnosis, is also important. Certification or training in fish health or aquatic animal health can enhance job prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Fish Health Biologist jobs?

For Fish Health Biologist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Fish Health Biologist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,403 per year, or $43 per hour.

$53K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

418th of 857 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

You will serve as a Fish Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Warm Springs Fish Health Center in Georgia.
These are GS-7 and GS-9 term positions (more than 1 year) with an initial appointment expecting to last at least 13 months but may be extended up to a total of four years, or more based on any changes to regulations governing the number of years term appointments may last, without further competition at management's discretion.

Qualifications:

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-08/31/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
To receive credit for experience, 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. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.
Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

Basic Educational Requirement AND Specialized Experience and/or Education 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: 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.) You must submit transcripts.

-OR-
  • B. 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 12semester hours were in the animal sciences, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.


-AND-

To qualify for this position at the GS-7 grade level:
  • Specialized Experience Requirement: you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience:
    • Assist with daily hatchery operations including fish culture, disease control, broodstock care, egg incubation, feeding, cleaning, and tagging programs.
    • Conduct visual and microscopic examinations of fish for diseases and parasites and implement disease control plans under supervision.
    • Collect and help analyze water quality and biological data to support healthy fish production and apply corrective measures as directed.
    • Maintain electronic records and generate reports on hatchery operations, including feeding, water quality, disease incidents, inventory, and production.
    • Support technical and administrative tasks such as annual reporting, facility management, safety, training, budgeting, partnerships, outreach, and public relations. You must include hours per week worked.
-OR-
  • Education: Successful completion of at least one year of graduate-level education in biological science or related field of study. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
  • Combination of education and experience: Successful completion of a combination of education and experience described above. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts

To qualify for this position at the GS-9 grade level:
  • Specialized Experience Requirement: you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience:
    • Lead daily hatchery operations by managing fish culture activities, disease control, broodstock care, egg incubation, feeding, cleaning, and tagging programs.
    • Conduct visual and microscopic examinations of fish for diseases and parasites, recommend actions, and administer treatments as needed.
    • Collect, monitor, and analyze water quality and biological data to ensure healthy fish production and implement corrective measures.
    • Maintain electronic records and generate reports on hatchery operations, including feeding, water quality, disease incidents, inventory, and production.
    • Assist with technical and administrative tasks such as annual reporting, facility management, safety, training, budgeting, partnerships, outreach, and public relations.
-OR-
  • Education: Successful completion of at least two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degreein biological science or related field of study. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
  • Combination of education and experience: Successful completion of a combination of education and experience described above. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts

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. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualification

Employment Type: OTHER

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