Biological Sciences Jobs in the Federal Government
Individuals are employed in biological and environmental 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 USA Jobs.
Biologist at the National Marine Fisheries Service
- Salary Range: $38,959 - $68,225 per year
- Duty Locations: Seattle, WA
- Job Summary: Located in the National Marine Fisheries Service center, this position is dedicated to the stewardship of the nation’s living marine resources and habitat through scientific research, management and enforcement. Be responsible for overseeing and conducting aerial and shipboard surveys for right whales and other cetaceans in the Bering Sea, as well as managing and analyzing survey data, and writing reports.
- Major Duties: Oversee organization of operations and logistics for surveys for large whales; participate in field work on large whales in the Bering Sea; oversee data processing, summaries and reports.
Biological Science Technician (Animal) at the Department of Agriculture
- Salary Range: $31,787 - $46,064 per year
- Duty Locations: Fort Collins, CO
- Job Summary: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) needs bright, energetic, committed professionals to facilitate marketing of U.S. agricultural products and protect the health of animals and plants in the United States.
- Major Duties: Independently care for a wide variety of caged or penned wild animals and birds. This requires the ability to capture animals with minimal stress to the animal. With a computer, independently create a database for studies of various species.
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 |
|---|---|
General Biological Sciences |
16,235 |
Forestry Technician |
10,235 |
Biological Science Technologist |
7,068 |
Soil Conservationist |
4,363 |
Forestry |
2,609 |
Fish Biology |
2,420 |
Wildlife Biology |
2,393 |
Source: Fedscope 12/07
Percentage of Biological Science Positions by Region
Source: Fedscope 03/07
Number of Biological and Environmental Sciences Positions by Agency
Agency |
FTP Biological and Environmental Sciences Positions |
|---|---|
Department of Agriculture |
35,420 |
Dept. of Interior |
11,630 |
Dept. of Health and Human Services |
5,450 |
Dept. of Defense |
4,505 |
Dept. of Homeland Security |
2,103 |
Environmental Protection Agency |
1,659 |
Dept. of Commerce |
1,653 |
Dept. of Veterans Affairs |
886 |
Dept. of Energy |
129 |
Source: Fedscope 12/07
Projected Hires
Position |
Agency |
Projected Hires by September 2009 |
|---|---|---|
Forestry Technicians/Specialists |
Dept. of Agriculture |
1,041 |
Agriculture Scientists |
Dept. of Homeland Security |
942 |
Biological Technicians/Specialists |
Dept. of Agriculture |
771 |
General Biologists |
Dept. of Health and Human Services |
378 |
Source: Where the Jobs Are 2007