Biological Sciences Jobs in the Federal Government
Individuals are employed in biological sciences work in many fields, in a variety of locations and as part of many agencies across the federal government.
WHAT Federal jobs are there for BIOLOGy majors?
- General Biological Scientists

- Entomologists
- Fishery Biologists
- Microbiologists
- Soil Conservationist
- Wildlife Biologists
- Zoologists
- Agronomists
- Botanists
- Forestry Technicians
- Geneticists
- Horticulturists
- Plant Pathologists and Physiologists
- Range Conservationists
- Environmental Protection Specialists
- Hydrologists
- Fish and Wildlife Refuge Management
Find more: www.usajobs.gov/EI23.asp
Job Profiles
Here are examples of recent job openings. Explore more and apply now at USAJOBS.
Biologist at the Department of the Navy
- Salary Range: $59,333 - $113,007 per year
- Duty Locations: Dahlgren, VA
- Job Summary: This is an entry, intermediate or journeyman level biologist position at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD). NSWCDD is the Navy's prinicipal research, development, test and evaluation laboratory for surface ship combat systems, ordnance, mines, and strategic systems support.
- Major Duties: Exciting opportunities exist in the following areas: infrastructure vulnerability, chem-bio defense systems, asymmetric weapons, surface ship combat systems architecture, war fighting assessment, combat systems, battle group interoperability, electromagnetic mission assurance, strategic warfare systems, strike warfare systems, surface launched weapons systems, underwater weapons, and amphibious warfare.
Biological Science Technician at the Department of the Interior
- Salary Range: $49,923 - $59,704 per year
- Duty Locations: San Francisco, CA
- Job Summary: Join the National Park Service and its mission to unite our past cultures and our special places, to establish important connections to the present, and build a rich and lasting legacy for future generations.
- Major Duties: The Biological Science Technician carries out site specific vegetation management work within the Presidio of San Franscisco, within Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The position will have co-responsibility for managing the new Sunday Presidio Park Stewards program.
Internship Examples
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Education offers practical research opportunities and experiences for fellows through its National Network for Environmental Management Studies. Fellowships are available for undergraduate and graduate students in environmental policy, regulation, and law; environmental management and administration; environmental science; public relations and communications; and computer programming and development.
www.epa.gov/ohr/careers/stuopp.html
The National Park Service is dedicated to conserving the natural and cultural resources of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of the public. Students are provided the opportunity to apply for federal jobs through the Student Educational Employment Program. It is available to all levels of students: vocational and technical, associate degree, baccalaureate degree, graduate degree and professional degree students. Students may be employed year-round with a flexible schedule of work assignments.
www.nps.gov
Find more biology internships using the Internship Directory.
Federal Jobs by the Numbers
Number of Biological and Environmental Sciences Positions by Field
Field |
Full-time and Permanent (FTP) Positions | Projected Hirings |
|---|---|---|
General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences |
20,933 | 2,003 |
Forestry Technician |
10,453 | 501 |
Biological Science Technician |
7,756 | 192 |
Soil Conservation |
4,145 | 609 |
Microbiology |
2,607 | 234 |
Fish Biology |
2,482 | 102 |
Wildlife Biology |
2,463 | 90 |
Source: Fedscope 03/10
Where the Jobs Are 2009 report
Percentage of Biological Science Positions by Region

Source: Fedscope 03/10
Number of Biological Science Positions by Agency
Agency |
FTP Biological and Environmental Sciences Positions |
|---|---|
Dept. of Agriculture |
34,749 |
Dept. of Interior |
12,583 |
Dept. of Health and Human Services |
6,217 |
Dept. of Defense |
5,475 |
Dept. of Homeland Security |
2,447 |
Dept. of Commerce |
1,771 |
Environmental Protection Agency |
1,753 |
Dept. of Veterans Affairs |
830 |
Smithsonian Institution |
189 |
Source: Fedscope 03/10