NOAA Fisheries Is Hiring

NOAA Fisheries is hiring! USAJOBS remains the only way to apply for federal positions with our agency. However, we will share additional details on this page for group job announcements, including positions with duties that might vary slightly by location. You can also stay up to date through our careers directory and by signing up for notifications with USAJOBS. 

We will also share announcements before they post to USAJOBS, since positions sometimes have a short window to accept applications. They also might close after a certain number of applications are received. We hope the information below will be helpful as you prepare your resume. 

See below for upcoming positions, as well as details on how to apply on USAJOBS.

Open Positions

Supervisory Research Fish Biologist

We are hiring one Supervisory Research Fish Biologist, located in either Woods Hole, Massachusetts or Orono, Maine. This role will perform the following duties:

• Manage, design, and execute research projects and analyses for marine life in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean; conduct independent research investigations and activities on the impact of environmental factors and specific human activities on fish populations, fisheries, and ecosystems
• Serve as a senior subject matter expert on fisheries statistics and stock assessments processes; evaluate and analyze fishery and survey statistical data collection activities including multivariate analyses, computer simulations, and artificial intelligence
• Advise and support junior scientists and graduate students in conducting stock assessments, biological modeling, and related research projects; articulate and direct assignments, projects, actionable events, milestones, deadlines, and timeframes for completion
• Provide national and international coordination for research support activities for the conservation and management of the nation's marine life

Applications are due by October 5, 2026. 

Apply at USAJobs

The federal hiring process has recently changed. Please review the latest information to ensure you’re ready when it’s time to apply for a new position. 

We will now only accept resumes that are two pages long or less. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. 

You can also answer these four optional narrative questions. They must be written in your own words, without the use of AI, in 200 words or less. 

1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
3. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired.
4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.

Candidate Inventory

When applicants apply to a USAJobs announcement, they can elect to have their application added to the Candidate Inventory. If they are qualified for the position, managers from across the country will be able to access these applications for up to 240 days. They can select an applicant from the Inventory without putting out a USAJobs announcement when they are recruiting for the same position/series/grade. 

When we advertise positions, we will list all potential locations, including those for future vacancies. Applicants should apply to vacancies based on the position description—if they are not selected for that announcement, their application can be used for future job openings in other locations.

Application Package Tips

Your application should paint a clear picture to hiring managers of your knowledge and experience. Make sure to include all required documents.

• Transcripts: For all professional ZP positions, you must upload all your official transcripts. If any of the courses listed are not easily identifiable from the course number or name, attach a separate document that includes the course summary.
• Resume: For each position, ensure your two-page resume includes details on how you meet the specialized experience. The experience must be documented in one of your previous positions.
• Cover letter: We encourage you to use a cover letter to highlight additional relevant experience or education that could not be included in your resume. 

Immediate Actions for Prospective Applicants

All applicants should ensure they can still log into their USAJOBS account and update their resume to meet the new two-page requirement and upload it to their account documents. 

• Federal employees: Download your most recent performance appraisal and SF-50s that show your series and grade and that you have 1 year in your grade; upload to your account documents
• Veterans: Ensure your military documentation is uploaded to your account documents
• Applicants with a disability: Ensure your medical verification is uploaded to your account documents

Applicant Resources

Use these tips and resources when applying for positions at NOAA Fisheries.

Stay Up to Date on Job Postings

Search “National Marine Fisheries Service” on USAJOBS and save your search to get updates on new jobs as they become available.

Have Your Resume Ready 

Learn how to create an account, profile, and draft resume in advance on USAJOBS. View the resume requirements for the positions before you apply so you know what to include.

Check Your Time Zone

All job postings and deadlines for these positions will be in Eastern Time. We cannot grant requests for extensions.