The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Sea Lamprey Control Program), Ludington Biological Station, is currently recruiting for a full-time Fish Biologist (GS-0482-11) on our Lampricide Control Unit. The position is being recruited through USAJobs at GS-7 and GS-9 levels (full performance GS-11). This announcement is open to all United States Citizens; U.S. Nationals; and Career transition eligibles.

The open period is Tuesday, July 28 to Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Information about qualifications, job duties and application procedures can be found at: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/877846000

More about this specific position...

The Ludington Biological Station, in partnership with the Marquette Biological Station and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, delivers an integrated program of sea lamprey control to assist in restoration of the Great Lakes fishery. The incumbent will support the station’s Lampricide Control Team with delivering lampricide stream treatments. Primary field duties of the position will include but are not limited to applying lampricides, analyzing lampricide concentrations, coordinating with riparian landowners, and assisting with planning lampricide treatments. Our work takes us to locations throughout the Great Lakes basin, and the position requires extensive travel during the April – October field season. When not conducting field work, the incumbent will assist the team lead with work planning, project development, partner coordination, report writing, and presenting to professional and public audiences. Job duties also entail the use of ArcGIS, Microsoft Office, and various data management software programs.

As a program…

Agents of the Sea Lamprey Control Program are primarily responsible for controlling sea lamprey populations through the application of lampricide; assessing abundance of adult sea lampreys to measure Program success; and assessing presence, distribution and abundance of larval sea lamprey to guide and evaluate control efforts.  We work together with federal, state, and tribal partners and international organizations to control sea lampreys with a variety of state-of-the-art techniques. Current control techniques include the application of lampricides to kill sea lamprey larvae in natal streams and lentic areas and the use of barriers to limit spawning migrations. Additional control techniques that support the principles of integrated pest management are continuously being explored. We regularly collaborate with internal and external researchers to advance novel technologies for controlling sea lampreys.  

Welcome to Ludington...Ludington is a community of about 8,000 people nestled along the majestic shoreline of Lake Michigan in the western Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The area is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and outdoor recreation. Avid anglers can find year-round fishing opportunities, whether they are pursuing giant salmon on Lake Michigan (Ludington port holds the state record Chinook salmon – 47.86 lbs) or elusive brook trout on the Pere Marquette and Manistee Rivers. Hunting opportunities abound, with abundant whitetail deer, upland birds, and waterfowl to be found among the thousands of acres of public land near Ludington. Hikers will enjoy endless trails in Ludington State Park, Nordhouse Dunes, and the Manistee National Forest. From biking to camping to snowmobiling, the outdoor enthusiast will find adventure at their doorstep. In 2024, Ludington was named as the Best Historic Small Town in America by USA Today (https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-historic-small-town-2024/). Ludington was also ranked as one of the Best Places to Live in the U.S. by Outside magazine (https://www.outsideonline.com/2105956/best-places-live-us-2016). West Michigan is also home to numerous vineyards and breweries, which enhance the local flair. 

If you have questions on the application process, please send an email to fwshiring@fws.gov referencing the vacancy announcement number (FWS-DE-13013356-26-BLO) for assistance (preferably before the announcement period closes). If you have specific questions regarding the duties of the position, please contact me via phone at (231) 690-3304.