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Remote Marine Biologist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

*US Citizenship Required *Full-time Remote Position with field work required *Position is Subject to ... science, biology, ecology, fisheries biology, marine biology, natural resource management ...

Remote Marine Biologist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$38.6K

$93.2K

$143.8K

How much do remote marine biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote marine biologist in Reston, VA is $93,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,000.00 and $126,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote marine biologist?

A Remote Marine Biologist studies marine ecosystems, species, and environmental changes while working away from traditional field locations. They use remote sensing technology, data analysis, and virtual collaboration tools to conduct research, analyze marine data, and contribute to conservation efforts. This role often involves interpreting satellite imagery, reviewing environmental reports, and working with teams across different locations. It is ideal for those with expertise in marine science who prefer or require a flexible, remote work environment.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a remote marine biologist?

To thrive as a Remote Marine Biologist, you need a background in marine science or a related field, experience in data collection and analysis, and a relevant degree such as a BSc or MSc in Biology or Marine Science. Familiarity with GIS software, remote sensing tools, underwater video analysis, and certifications like scuba diving or scientific diving are often required. Excellent communication, self-motivation, and organizational skills help you manage projects independently and collaborate with remote teams. These skills ensure accurate scientific research, contribute to conservation efforts, and support effective teamwork despite working remotely.

What are common challenges faced by remote marine biologists, and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge for remote marine biologists is coordinating fieldwork and sample collection without being physically present onsite, often relying on local collaborators or automated monitoring systems. Managing data quality and troubleshooting equipment issues from a distance can require proactive communication and strong problem-solving skills. Adapting to different time zones and maintaining teamwork across dispersed teams is also important. Effective project management tools, establishing clear protocols, and maintaining regular virtual check-ins can help overcome these obstacles and ensure smooth research operations.

What are popular job titles related to Remote Marine Biologist jobs in Reston, VA?

For Remote Marine Biologist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Marine Biologist jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Marine Biologist jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Remote Marine Biologist jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Remote Marine Biologist job openings:

WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$121K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Summary
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is ranked within the top 5 mid-size agencies as a "Best Place to Work" in the Federal government! This WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST position is located in the Office of Energy Projects. For more information visit: Office of Energy Projects (OEP) | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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This position is available in the Division of Hydropower Licensing in the Office of Energy Projects.
As a WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST some of your typical work assignments include:
  • Evaluating highly complex and diverse wildlife, plant, terrestrial ecology, marine biology, and terrestrial and marine environment related matters.

  • Coordinating the activities of multidisciplinary teams assigned the responsibility of preparing NEPA documents associated with Commission action.

  • Writing NEPA documents, letters, biological assessments and participating in meetings.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • A one-year probationary period may be required.
  • A background investigation is required.
  • This is a bargaining unit position (AFGE Local 421).
  • Generally, male applicants must be registered with the Selective Service.
  • This position has an education requirement; you must submit transcripts.
  • Relocation expenses will not be paid.
  • If hired, you may be required to divest certain energy-related securities.

Qualifications
You must meet the qualification (experience and/or education) requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
To view the eligibility and qualification requirements of a WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST, GS-0486, please visit: Wildlife Biology Series, 0486 | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
In addition to the education required for this position, you must have one full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 level. Specialized experience is defined as: Preparing documents that assess complex wildlife-related issues related to existing or proposed infrastructure projects, at least one of which must be in a water environment.
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 any volunteer experience.
Please do not cut and paste the "Duties" section, specialized experience statement, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume, as this will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
Education
This position has an education requirement and therefore, transcripts are required. Failure to submit a copy of your transcripts at the time of application will result in your application being marked incomplete and you will not receive further consideration.
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 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.
Additional information
The duty location of this position is Washington, DC.
If selected for this position, you will be required to:
  • Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) to determine your suitability for Federal employment.
  • Have your Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choice.
  • Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9. Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S. FERC also participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). For more information about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.
  • Attend a mandatory ethics training. We are governed by the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Standards of Conduct, the criminal conflict of interest statutes, and FERC's supplemental ethics regulation, which specifically prohibits FERC employees from holding certain energy-related securities. To comply with these regulations and statutes, divestiture of at least some energy securities is likely to be required after you begin employment. See 5 C.F.R. 2634-41; 18 U.S.C. 201-208; 5 C.F.R. 3401. If selected, you may also be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of appointment.
  • Receive authorization from OPM on any job offer you receive, if you are or were (within the last 5 years) a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a one-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.