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Supervisory Fish Biologist-Director
NOAA Fisheries
People & HR, Operations
San Diego, CA, USA
USD 169,001-197,200 / year
Posted on Mar 25, 2026
Summary
This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC), with one vacancy in Santa Cruz, CA, and one vacancy in San Diego, CA.
Summary
This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC), with one vacancy in Santa Cruz, CA, and one vacancy in San Diego, CA.
Overview
HelpAccepting applications
Open & closing dates
03/25/2026 to 03/31/2026
- Salary
- $169,001 to - $197,200 per year
- Pay scale & grade
- ZP 5
Locations
San Diego, CA
1 vacancy
Santa Cruz, CA
1 vacancy
- Remote job
- No
- Telework eligible
- Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
- Travel Required
- 25% or less - Up to 25% foreign and domestic travel may be required
- Relocation expenses reimbursed
- No
- Appointment type
- Permanent
- Work schedule
- Full-time
- Service
- Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
- Supervisory status
- Yes
- Security clearance
- Not Required
- Drug test
- No
- Position sensitivity and risk
- Moderate Risk (MR)
Trust determination process
- Financial disclosure
- Yes - This position requires the submission of a Financial Disclosure Form, SF 450.
- Bargaining unit status
- No
- Announcement number
- NMFS SWFSC-26-12913413-DHA
- Control number
- 862290300
This job is open to
HelpClarification from the agency
Open to the Public and Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL).
Videos
Duties
Help
As a Supervisory Fish Biologist - Director, you will perform the following duties:
- Serve as a Principal Investigator preparing, coordinating, and directing the implementation of ecosystem research programs involving an assigned area of science. Define the research area while identifying specific problems which are essential to the investigative objectives or conceptually related studies. Collaborate in leadership-level discussions with similarly situated Principal Investigators and management regarding implementation of science programs within a broader organization.
- Coordinate program matters and subdivide assigned team members and resources to meet objectives. Plan and distribute work to be accomplished, develop performance standards, design effective organizations, recommend appointments, promotions, or reassignments, and identify and implement training needs.
- Identify scientific and technical resource requirements to support assigned projects or programs. Serve as a recognized authority and consultant to the scientific and technical personnel of other agencies, government contracts, and foreign countries. Publish results of experimental and theoretical findings in contributions to scientific journals.
- Prepare and submit written budget proposals to obtain funding and establish and maintain the project or program budget. Articulate and direct assignments, projects, problems to be solved, actionable events, milestones, and deadlines and timeframes for completion.
Requirements
HelpConditions of employment
This position will be filled under the DOC Alternative Personnel System (CAPS). Under CAPS, positions are classified by career, pay plan, and pay band. The ZP-5 is equivalent to the GS-15.
Key Requirements:
- Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
- Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
- More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Additional Information.
- Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov)
- Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
Additional Considerations:
- One year probationary period may be required.
- A one year supervisory probationary period may be required (probationary period can be served concurrently).
- Payment of relocation expenses (PCS) is not authorized.
- Payment of relocation incentives OR recruitment incentives may be authorized. Note: Relocation incentives are for current federal employees only.
- This position requires Moderate Risk Security Clearance.
- Background investigation will be required. Continued employment is subject to applicant's successful completion of security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, for those required to serve a 1-year probationary period, 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;
- 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.
Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system.
Qualifications
Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/
To qualify for the 0482 series:
BASIC REQUIREMENTS: This position requires applicants to meet a Basic Education Requirement in addition to at least one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience in order to be found minimally qualified. Transcripts must be submitted with your application package. You MUST meet one of the following basic education requirements.
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.)
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 12 semester hours were in the animal sciences, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.
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.
To qualify at the ZP-5 or GS-15 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-4 or GS-14 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:
- Planning and executing scientific analysis or research supporting environmental and living marine resource systems;
- Leading projects or teams, including assigning work, setting priorities, and providing feedback on work assignments; and
- Communicating scientific findings to stakeholders through briefings, reports, or presentations.
Education
College Transcript: If you are qualifying based on education, submit a copy of your college transcript that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., Bio 101, Math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours and grade earned. You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume. You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcript at the initial phase of the application process. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
Note: Your college transcript is used to verify successful completion of degree, or college course work. An official college transcript will be required before you can report to duty.
Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: OPM Foreign Education Evaluation.
Additional information
During the application process you will have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
NOTE: A one year probationary period will be required under the Direct Hire Authority unless you are a current Department of Commerce (including NOAA) employee and are in the same line of work and with no more than a 30 day break in service.
Any selections made under this notice will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Therefore, Current Federal employees would be given new appointments to the civil service and may have to serve a new probationary period under CFR 315.802 (b).
Salary for selectee's pay may be set at any point within the pay band except for intervals 4 and 5 197,200 which is reserved for supervisory performance or for current supervisors within CAPS who already have a salary within intervals 4 and 5.
ICTAP and CTAP Candidates: Eligible for selection priority if it is determined that the applicant is well qualified. Information about ICTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at: Employee Guide to Career Transition.
ICTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:
- Copy of your RIF separation notice; notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate; notice of disability annuity termination; certification from your former agency that it cannot place you after your recovery from a compensable injury; or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement;
- Copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" documenting your RIF separation, noting your positions, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc;
- Copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
- Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.
CTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:
- Copy of your specific RIF notice; notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate; a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES); or certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, a notice eligibility for discontinued service retirement, or similar notice).
- Copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action", noting current position, grade level, and duty location;
- Copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
- Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.
NOAA participates in e-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees.
The Federal Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
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.
Help
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
Additionally, applicants will be evaluated using Structured Resume Reviews conducted by a panel of Subject Matter Experts. The reviews are in a Pass/Fail format and are conducted to ensure that the applicant meets the Specialized Experience required for the position and grade level.
Veteran's Preference does not apply to direct hire recruitment procedures.
To preview the announcement questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12913413
Help
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.
Required Documents
Help REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (may be: (1) uploaded directly from your desktop; or (2) uploaded directly from your USAJOBS stored attachments):
1. Resume:
- Only resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Reference the USAJobs Help Center for additional recommendations and instructions.
- You are encouraged to make your resume and profile searchable https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/account/profile/searchable.
- You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume.
- If you use your own resume or curriculum vitae, for each work experience at a minimum, your resume should include; job title(s) (including job series and grade, if Federal); description of duties or work performed; starting and ending dates (month and year).
- Part-Time work must be clearly identified and include the number of hours per week; if not identified, then work will be assumed to be Full-Time. (NOTE: A full-time work schedule requires most employees to work 33-40 hours during the work week. A part-time schedule requires an employee to work less than full-time, typically 16-32 hours per week.)
- Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. You MUST provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation by the closing date of the announcement will result in lost consideration.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Help
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
- Click the blue "Apply Online" button.
- If you are not a registered USAJOBS user, please create a new account and follow the instructions to complete your application process. If you are a registered user, login to access your existing USAJOBS profile.
- As a registered user, select a stored resume and select one or more of your stored documents to attach to your application.
- Check the "Certification" box and click the "Apply for this position now!" button located at the bottom of the screen.
- Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
- Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
- If you experience technical difficulties during the online application process, please contact the USAJOBS helpdesk
Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
Agency contact information
Applicant Inquiries
- Address
- NOAA Office of Human Capital Services (OHCS)
1315 East West Hwy
SSMC4
Silver Spring, MD 20910
US
Next steps
This Job Opportunity Announcement may be used to fill other equivalent positions throughout the Federal government. The position must be alike (e.g.: within the same geographic locations, equivalent grade/band and requires the same qualifications and specialized experience as indicated in this vacancy announcement).
Salary ranges will vary based on the location. Please visit: OPM Salary Charts for specific salary information related to a specific location.
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website and clicking on "Track Your Online Application." The four points of notification are:
- Application Received
- Application assessed for qualification;
- Referred or Not Referred; and
- Selected or Not Selected.
By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, Veterans' Preference, proof of disability, etc.).
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Required Documents
Help REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (may be: (1) uploaded directly from your desktop; or (2) uploaded directly from your USAJOBS stored attachments):
1. Resume:
- Only resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Reference the USAJobs Help Center for additional recommendations and instructions.
- You are encouraged to make your resume and profile searchable https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/account/profile/searchable.
- You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume.
- If you use your own resume or curriculum vitae, for each work experience at a minimum, your resume should include; job title(s) (including job series and grade, if Federal); description of duties or work performed; starting and ending dates (month and year).
- Part-Time work must be clearly identified and include the number of hours per week; if not identified, then work will be assumed to be Full-Time. (NOTE: A full-time work schedule requires most employees to work 33-40 hours during the work week. A part-time schedule requires an employee to work less than full-time, typically 16-32 hours per week.)
- Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. You MUST provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation by the closing date of the announcement will result in lost consideration.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
HelpPlease read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
- Click the blue "Apply Online" button.
- If you are not a registered USAJOBS user, please create a new account and follow the instructions to complete your application process. If you are a registered user, login to access your existing USAJOBS profile.
- As a registered user, select a stored resume and select one or more of your stored documents to attach to your application.
- Check the "Certification" box and click the "Apply for this position now!" button located at the bottom of the screen.
- Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
- Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
- If you experience technical difficulties during the online application process, please contact the USAJOBS helpdesk
Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
Agency contact information
Applicant Inquiries
- Address
- NOAA Office of Human Capital Services (OHCS)
1315 East West Hwy
SSMC4
Silver Spring, MD 20910
US
Next steps
This Job Opportunity Announcement may be used to fill other equivalent positions throughout the Federal government. The position must be alike (e.g.: within the same geographic locations, equivalent grade/band and requires the same qualifications and specialized experience as indicated in this vacancy announcement).
Salary ranges will vary based on the location. Please visit: OPM Salary Charts for specific salary information related to a specific location.
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website and clicking on "Track Your Online Application." The four points of notification are:
- Application Received
- Application assessed for qualification;
- Referred or Not Referred; and
- Selected or Not Selected.
By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, Veterans' Preference, proof of disability, etc.).
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.