Position is being advertised concurrently under BR-LC-DE-17-100 for applications from all sources. If you are interested in applying under both announcement numbers, you must submit application packages for each.
Term Appointment: This is a 13 month term assignment. This assignment may be extended up to four (4) years OR may terminate early at the supervisors discretion. Continuation is based on availability of work and funding.
Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on his/her expertise as a Fish Biologist. You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment.
LOCATION: Lower Colorado Region, Phoenix Area Office, Environmental Resources Management Division located in Glendale, Arizona.
Position is being advertised concurrently under BR-LC-DE-17-100 for applications from all sources. If you are interested in applying under both announcement numbers, you must submit application packages for each.
Term Appointment: This is a 13 month term assignment. This assignment may be extended up to four (4) years OR may terminate early at the supervisors discretion. Continuation is based on availability of work and funding.
Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on his/her expertise as a Fish Biologist. You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment.
LOCATION: Lower Colorado Region, Phoenix Area Office, Environmental Resources Management Division located in Glendale, Arizona.
Implements the conservation measures in the Biological Opinion (BO) on the importation of non-native fishes into the Gila River basin and administers the interagency Gila River basin native fishes conservation program.
Assists in the preparation of National Environmental Policy Act and Endangered Species Act compliance documents for a wide variety of PXAO projects.
Participates in meetings attended by representatives of other Federal, State, and local agencies in the assembly and evaluation of environmental data, formulation of documentation, and in the documentation review processes.
Cooperates with state Game and Fish Department representatives, and other agencies on fish and wildlife mitigation and enhancement programs and plans.
Reviews biological program proposals for technical adequacy and coordinates and inspects funded environmental studies and potentially funded biologically oriented research interests.
Represents Reclamation at meetings, conferences, public hearings, and staff training sessions on matters pertaining to fish and wildlife programs and related environmental programs.
Duties above represent the duties at the full performance level. If selected at the lower grade level duties will be adjusted and modified as needed.
Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
You must submit transcript(s)
You must pass a pre-employment physical
Resume must reflect required experience - see qualifications
Applicants must meet all qualification requirements, including time-in-grade restrictions and any selective factors, by the closing date of this announcement.
Time-In-Grade: Current career or career-conditional employees of the Federal government, or former career or career-conditional employees, who have a break in service of less than one year, are required to meet the time-in-grade restriction of one year of Federal experience at the next lower grade, with few exceptions outlined in 5 CFR 300.603(b).
Qualifications
Minimum Education Requirement: Applicants must meet the Basic Education Qualification Requirements listed below:
Degree: Major in biological science that included at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects such as limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology; and at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences in such subjects as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or research in these fields. (Excess course work in aquatic subjects may be used to meet this requirement when appropriate.) *OR* A combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), of which a minimum of 6 semester hours were in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours were in the animal sciences, as shown in above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to meeting the education requirement:
To qualify for the GS-9 level: Your resume must reflect one year of full time experience equivalent to the GS-07 level assisting in developing and conducting species impact assessments or monitoring or protocol surveyswith biological assessment and water quality assessment OR two years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Master's Degree or Master's or equivalent graduate degree.
To qualify for the GS-11 level: Your resume must reflect one year of full time experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level developing and conducting species impact assessment or monitoring or protocol surveys of fish populations OR three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. in the field of fisheries.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
This position has a mandatory education requirement; you must furnish a copy of your transcript of college work completed (unofficial copy is acceptable). Transcripts must include the name of the college or university and date the degree was conferred. Non-submission will result in you being rated not qualified for the position.
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, applicants must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs.
Additional information
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. For more information visit: http://www.sss.gov.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability and genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.
Probationary Period: Placement in this position requires you to complete a one-year probationary period if you have not previously completed a probationary period.
E-Verify: DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
Driver’s License/History: Operation of a Government vehicle is required; therefore, you must possess a valid state driver’s license. A driving history check is required.
Working Conditions: The incumbent must be able to perform aquatic sampling duties to include use of a back-pack mounted electro-shocker, setting and recovering seines, gill and other nets, working with a boat-mounted electro-shocker, and taking pertinent water quality samples and flow measurements. These activities may require work in slippery conditions within medium to high velocity waters. The employee must be able to operate a 4-wheel drive vehicle on primitive roads, and must successfully complete the Department of Interior Motorboat Operator Certification Course.
Pre-employment Physical: If selected, you are required to obtain and successfully pass a pre-employment physical examination by a licensed physician certifying to your ability to perform the duties of the position. This is not required if a comparable examination was required for placement in your current position and was completed within the last year; however, verifiable documentation of a comparable physical is required. Periodic (annual or biennial) physical examinations are required to be successfully passed for continued employment.
Promotion Potential: If you are selected at a lower grade than the full performance level, promotion(s) may be made at a later date without further competition. However, identification of promotion potential in this announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote you at some future date. Such promotion(s) will depend upon managerial discretion, the needs of the organization, and the demonstrated performance of higher level duties. Full performance level is GS-11.
Background Investigation/Security Clearance: If selected, you will be subject to a background investigation as a condition of placement/retention in this position. A background investigation will be required for all new hires AND current employees who are not currently covered by a satisfactorily adjudicated Federal background investigationcommensurate with the sensitivity designation of this position.
Telework: Reclamation has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval. Full time telework is not available for this position.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Human Resources (HR) will review resumes and transcript(s) to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided in the assessment questionnaire. The assessment questionnaire will take approximately 20 minutes. Applicants determined best-qualified will be referred to the selecting official.
Applicants will be further evaluated on the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) through their resume and responses to the online questions.
KSA 1. Professional knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, methods, procedures, and techniques of aquatic biology as they apply to environmental problems and knowledge of the ecosystems of the desert southwest in order to analyze impacts of proposed Phoenix Area Office projects and to conduct biological studies as needed.
KSA 2. Professional working knowledge of aquatic ecosystems in the southwest.
KSA 3. Knowledge of the ecology, management, and factors threatening native fish species in the desert southwest, especially Arizona and New Mexico.
KSA 4. Knowledge and experience dealing with exotic fish control and stream rehabilitation techniques such as the use of piscicides and/or fish barriers is desirable.
KSA 5. Knowledge of the Endangered Species Act, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, other federal and state environmental laws and directives, and Reclamation environmental directives and policies necessary to ensure environmental compliance for PXAO projects.
KSA 6. Ability to recognize a substantial range of biological problems related to water resource developments and the scientific implications of those problems and to develop/select ways in which biological methods, procedures, and techniques can be created, applied, adapted, modified, or extended to solve those problems.
KSA 7. Ability to design/conduct biological studies, to make refined observations, to interpret their biological implications, and to make accurate and precise reports on the results of those observations.
KSA 8. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing in order to prepare environmental documents and biological reports and to communicate adequately with outside entities regarding PXAO projects. To preview questions please click here.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit a resume that includes dates of employment, specifically years, months, and hours worked per week for each period of experience; an on-line assessment questionnaire; and the following supporting documents, as appropriate:
Resume: For qualifications determinations, your resume MUST contain hours worked per week and the dates of employment in months and years. If your resume does not contain this information, your application will be marked as incomplete and you will not receive consideration for this position.
SF 50, Notification of Personnel Action: If you are using your federal career status to apply to this position as outlined in the “Who May Apply” section of this announcement, you are REQUIRED to submit a copy of your most recent, non-award SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), which documents your federal career status in the competitive service. The Human Resources Specialist needs this document to verify that you are eligible to be considered, and failure to submit this form will result in you being disqualified from this recruitment.
If you are using your federal career status to apply to this position as a reinstatement eligible, as outlined in the “Who May Apply” section of this announcement, you are REQUIRED to submit a copy of your SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, documenting permanent competitive civil service status (block 24) Tenure coded 1 or 2 and block 34 Position Occupied coded.
Also, if you have held a position at a grade level higher than that listed on your most recent SF-50, please submit an SF-50 from that time as well. The Human Resources Specialist may need this information to confirm qualifications for the position.
Transcript(s): You must submit a copy of your college transcript(s) (unofficial). If selected, you will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify your educational qualifications prior to reporting for work.
CTAP/ICTAP: Applicants claiming CTAP-ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility and most current SF 50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified, i.e. meet the minimum qualification requirements, including selective factors, education and experience requirements and score at least <90> on the assessment questionnaire as established.
VRA/VEOA: Applicants must submit a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD Form 214, member 4 copy.
Disabilities employment program (Schedule A): Applicants must submit Proof of Disability: This proof may be in the form of documentation obtained from licensed medical professionals, state or private vocational rehabilitation specialists, or any Government agency that issues or provides disability benefits.
30% or more Disabled Veterans: Applicants must submit 1) a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD Form 214, member 4 copy; 2) Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference Standard Form 15 and , DD-214, and 3) Documentation of Service-Connected Disability, dated 1991 or later from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces.
Military spouses: If you are applying under this non-competitive hiring authority, you must provide documentation verifying marriage (marriage certificate or other legal documentation verifying marriage). In addition, if you are applying: 1) Based on Active Duty Spouse PCS, you must submit a copy of the military orders reflecting you as the spouse. 2) Based on 100% Disability, you must submit a copy of your spouse's DD Form 214 and Documentation of Service-Connected Disability from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces. 3) Based on Service Member’s Death, you must submit documentation showing your spouse was released or discharged from active duty due to his or her death while on active duty; documentation verifying the member of the armed forces was killed while serving on active duty; and a statement certifying that you are the un-remarried widow or widower of the service member.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applications (resume and assessment questionnaire) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. When you're ready to apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the top of the page.
This vacancy is being announced through Bureau of Reclamation's Hiring System--HireMe. For more information about the HireMe system and the registration process, visit: http://www.usbr.gov/pmts/hr/hireme.html.
As part of the on-line application process, applicants may be required to submit supporting documents. Failure to submit the requested supporting documents may result in your not being considered for this position.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us at the phone number shown at the bottom of this page. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
P.O. Box 61470
Attn: LC-5412
Boulder City, Nevada 89006-1470
United States
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, resumes and transcripts (if applicable) will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the Assessment Questionnaire. Best-qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation, by regularly checking their public status notifications in their USAJOBS profile.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit a resume that includes dates of employment, specifically years, months, and hours worked per week for each period of experience; an on-line assessment questionnaire; and the following supporting documents, as appropriate:
Resume: For qualifications determinations, your resume MUST contain hours worked per week and the dates of employment in months and years. If your resume does not contain this information, your application will be marked as incomplete and you will not receive consideration for this position.
SF 50, Notification of Personnel Action: If you are using your federal career status to apply to this position as outlined in the “Who May Apply” section of this announcement, you are REQUIRED to submit a copy of your most recent, non-award SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), which documents your federal career status in the competitive service. The Human Resources Specialist needs this document to verify that you are eligible to be considered, and failure to submit this form will result in you being disqualified from this recruitment.
If you are using your federal career status to apply to this position as a reinstatement eligible, as outlined in the “Who May Apply” section of this announcement, you are REQUIRED to submit a copy of your SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, documenting permanent competitive civil service status (block 24) Tenure coded 1 or 2 and block 34 Position Occupied coded.
Also, if you have held a position at a grade level higher than that listed on your most recent SF-50, please submit an SF-50 from that time as well. The Human Resources Specialist may need this information to confirm qualifications for the position.
Transcript(s): You must submit a copy of your college transcript(s) (unofficial). If selected, you will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify your educational qualifications prior to reporting for work.
CTAP/ICTAP: Applicants claiming CTAP-ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility and most current SF 50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified, i.e. meet the minimum qualification requirements, including selective factors, education and experience requirements and score at least <90> on the assessment questionnaire as established.
VRA/VEOA: Applicants must submit a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD Form 214, member 4 copy.
Disabilities employment program (Schedule A): Applicants must submit Proof of Disability: This proof may be in the form of documentation obtained from licensed medical professionals, state or private vocational rehabilitation specialists, or any Government agency that issues or provides disability benefits.
30% or more Disabled Veterans: Applicants must submit 1) a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD Form 214, member 4 copy; 2) Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference Standard Form 15 and , DD-214, and 3) Documentation of Service-Connected Disability, dated 1991 or later from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces.
Military spouses: If you are applying under this non-competitive hiring authority, you must provide documentation verifying marriage (marriage certificate or other legal documentation verifying marriage). In addition, if you are applying: 1) Based on Active Duty Spouse PCS, you must submit a copy of the military orders reflecting you as the spouse. 2) Based on 100% Disability, you must submit a copy of your spouse's DD Form 214 and Documentation of Service-Connected Disability from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces. 3) Based on Service Member’s Death, you must submit documentation showing your spouse was released or discharged from active duty due to his or her death while on active duty; documentation verifying the member of the armed forces was killed while serving on active duty; and a statement certifying that you are the un-remarried widow or widower of the service member.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applications (resume and assessment questionnaire) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. When you're ready to apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the top of the page.
This vacancy is being announced through Bureau of Reclamation's Hiring System--HireMe. For more information about the HireMe system and the registration process, visit: http://www.usbr.gov/pmts/hr/hireme.html.
As part of the on-line application process, applicants may be required to submit supporting documents. Failure to submit the requested supporting documents may result in your not being considered for this position.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us at the phone number shown at the bottom of this page. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
P.O. Box 61470
Attn: LC-5412
Boulder City, Nevada 89006-1470
United States
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, resumes and transcripts (if applicable) will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the Assessment Questionnaire. Best-qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation, by regularly checking their public status notifications in their USAJOBS profile.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
