USGS · Nationwide / location varies · posted today
Fisheries Ecology Positions Two contractor opportunities | B.S. and M.S. levels Quantitative and Conservation Ecology Team • U.S. Geological Survey • Columbia, Missouri Position Description The Quantitative and Conservation Ecology (QCE) team at the U.S. Geological Survey Columbia Environmental Research Center is seeking two student-services contractors to support a broad portfolio of freshwater fisheries research. We anticipate hiring one early-career biologist who is nearing completion of, or has recently completed, a B.S. degree and a second biologist who is nearing completion of, or has recently completed, an M.S. degree. Both individuals will contribute to multiple projects rather than a single assigned study. Research occurs in the Great Lakes, Mississippi River basin, and other river systems, with the balance of field, laboratory, and analytical activities varying by season and project needs. Research Areas · Fish movement and habitat use: acoustic, radio, and PIT telemetry studies examining movement, survival, habitat selection, and connectivity. · River restoration and barrier effects: evaluating fish movements and community responses to dam removal, passage improvements, and other restoration actions, including work in the Cuyahoga River watershed. · Invasive species and fisheries sampling: invasive carp monitoring and removal, gear comparisons, sampling efficiency, and standardized fish surveys in large rivers and tributaries. · Population and community ecology: assessment of fish distributions, occupancy, abundance, survival, and recruitment using field observations and quantitative approaches. · Methods development and experimental research: side-scan sonar, habitat mapping, controlled field or pond experiments, and complementary monitoring techniques. Types of Services Required Field Activities · Deploy, maintain, and retrieve acoustic receivers, PIT equipment, radio telemetry systems, and other monitoring gear. · Conduct active fish tracking and standardized field sampling from boats, kayaks, and shorelines using appropriate sampling gear. · Collect biological and environmental measurements, maintain field records, and assist with fish handling and sample processing. · Participate in gear evaluation trials, habitat surveys, and aquatic research experiments. · Operate or learn to operate small vessels, trailers, and field equipment safely; participate in overnight and multi-day field assignments as required by the position. Data, Laboratory, and Research Activities · Download, organize, verify, and manage fisheries, telemetry, and environmental datasets. · Process spatial and sonar data and develop maps, tables, figures, and descriptive summaries. · Assist with analyses in R or other appropriate software, according to training and project needs. · Support reports, data releases, and project documentation; contribute to scientific manuscripts when appropriate to the assigned scope of work. Expectations by Position Level B.S.-level position: This is a field-intensive position requiring substantial travel. The selected contractor should expect frequent trips to study sites away from Columbia, including overnight travel and multi-day field assignments, especially during peak field seasons. Responsibilities emphasize high-quality field data collection, equipment maintenance, data management, and collaborative research. Candidates who recently graduated or are finishing a B.S. degree are encouraged to apply. M.S.-level position: Travel to field sites, including overnight trips, is required, but generally less frequent than for the B.S.-level position. The position may be structured as administrative support or research, depending on the successful candidate’s qualifications and the responsibilities of the award. · Administrative-support classification: Emphasis on coordinating project activities, supporting fieldwork, managing and quality-checking data, and preparing technical materials. Independent manuscript development or publication is not expected. · Research classification: For candidates with demonstrated analytical and scientific writing skills and an interest in research. Work includes substantive data analysis, interpretation, scientific writing, and development of manuscripts and other research products. Publication depends on project needs and timelines. Both positions contribute to ongoing team projects. Actual assignments will reflect each individual’s experience and demonstrated skills, the contracted scope of work, and team priorities. Project Ownership and Professional Development Both positions offer opportunities to take ownership of components of ongoing projects and develop professionally. Contractors whose assignments include research responsibilities may also contribute to publications and complementary research questions aligned with team objectives. Opportunities to present findings at professional conferences may be available if desired, if funding is available, and if the work aligns with project and team priorities. Conference participation and publication are not guaranteed; publication is not an expectation of the M.S. administrative-support classification. Qualifications Applicants should have completed, or be nearing completion of, a degree in fisheries, ecology, biology, environmental science, natural resources, or a closely related discipline. The two positions are intended for different educational stages, as described above. Required · Experience with, or relevant preparation for, aquatic field research and careful biological data collection. · Ability and willingness to work safely in and around water and to learn appropriate boating and field procedures. · Basic computer proficiency, including spreadsheets, data entry, and file management. · Good organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills for working in a collaborative team. · Valid driver’s license and ability to undertake overnight work travel. Preferred, but not required · Experience with acoustic, radio, or PIT telemetry; electrofishing or other fisheries sampling gear; or side-scan sonar. · Experience operating, trailering, or backing boats. · Experience with R, GIS, statistical analyses, database management, or scientific writing. Working Conditions Work is based in Columbia, Missouri, with field assignments at study sites in multiple states. The B.S.-level position requires frequent travel and substantial time away from the duty station during field seasons. The M.S.-level position requires travel as well, including overnight assignments, but generally less frequently. Fieldwork may involve early mornings, long workdays, and occasional extended work periods. Conditions can include heat, cold, rain, strong currents, debris, muddy terrain, insects, and uneven or unstable shorelines. Duties may require lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to approximately 50 pounds. Lodging and travel-related expenses for authorized official travel will be addressed in accordance with applicable contract and government travel requirements. Compensation and Appointment These are student-services contractor opportunities, not federal government employment positions. The calendar year 2026 direct-purchase-order hourly rates for the Columbia, Missouri duty station are: · B.S. degree: $21.01 per hour. · B.S. with superior academic achievement, or B.S. plus one year of graduate study: $26.03 per hour. · M.S. administrative-support classification: $31.83 per hour. · M.S. research classification: $38.52 per hour. The final hourly rate will reflect the contracted level of responsibility and expectations, verified qualifying education and credentials, the rate schedule applicable at the time of award, and contracting approval. In particular, the M.S. research rate is associated with substantive research and scientific-product expectations; the M.S. administrative-support rate does not carry an expectation of independently developing publishable science. Applicants nearing graduation are encouraged to apply, but degree-based rates depend on completion of the qualifying education. Contractors are responsible for applicable taxes and for transportation and living expenses at the principal duty station. The anticipated appointment is approximately one year, with possible extension dependent on funding and research needs. Start dates are flexible. Principal Duty Station U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201 How to Apply Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Initial interviews are expected in early December 2026. Both positions will remain open until filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply even after the initial interview period, as one or both positions may still be available. Email a cover letter, resume or CV, and an unofficial transcript to Matthew R. Acre at macre@usgs.gov. In the cover letter, indicate whether you wish to be considered for the B.S.-level or M.S.-level position, your anticipated or completed graduation date, and your earliest available start date. Briefly describe relevant field, analytical, or research experience and interests. M.S.-level applicants interested in a research-focused assignment should highlight their quantitative, scientific writing, and research experience. Selected applicants may be asked to provide an official transcript and complete required contractor registration, including obtaining a Unique Entity ID (UEI), before beginning work. A UEI is available without charge. Questions may be directed to macre@usgs.gov or 573-890-0300.
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