This position is part of the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office. As a Botanist you will provide expertise in the field of botany to coordinate and conduct a wide range of biological investigations involving complex natural resources.
The Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office (VFWO) serves all or portions of San Benito, Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura counties and Los Angeles County Programs including: Habitat Conservation Planning (Section 10 habitat conservation plans), and Interagency Cooperation (Section 7 consultations). Listing and Recovery (listing, critical habitat, 5-Year Reviews, Recovery Plans), Environmental Contaminants, and Conservation Partnerships.
This announcement is being advertised concurrently under R8-18-10161111-NS-MP for current and former federal employees serving under a competitive service career or career-conditional appointment or reinstatement eligible. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
Summary
This position is part of the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office. As a Botanist you will provide expertise in the field of botany to coordinate and conduct a wide range of biological investigations involving complex natural resources.
The Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office (VFWO) serves all or portions of San Benito, Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura counties and Los Angeles County Programs including: Habitat Conservation Planning (Section 10 habitat conservation plans), and Interagency Cooperation (Section 7 consultations). Listing and Recovery (listing, critical habitat, 5-Year Reviews, Recovery Plans), Environmental Contaminants, and Conservation Partnerships.
This announcement is being advertised concurrently under R8-18-10161111-NS-MP for current and former federal employees serving under a competitive service career or career-conditional appointment or reinstatement eligible. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
Coordinating the exchange and review of data on all Federally listed and candidate plant species with other Federal and State agencies, encouraging cooperative efforts to obtain and use the best scientific data in making decisions for plant conservation efforts.
Developing complete packages needed in support of listing and/or recovery actions including listing and delisting petition findings, designation of critical habitat, candidate assessment, 5-year reviews of listed species, and development of recovery plans.
Conducting field evaluations of the biological status, threats, economic considerations and conservation needs of high priority plants, and recommends appropriate protection and management actions.
Recommending ways to minimize or eliminate impacts to listed species, as well as alternatives that will avoid jeopardizing the continued existence of a species or avoid destroying or adversely modifying critical habitat.
Representing the Service to other Federal agencies, State agencies, Tribes, other agencies, groups and individuals as a professional biologist in effecting the coordination and interaction needed to accomplish the above duties.
At the GS-9 grade level, you will perform the same kind of duties as described above, but under closer supervision and training will be provided for progression towards the full performance level (GS-11).
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by 03/23/2018
Basic Requirements for this position: You must meet A or B below to qualify for the position.
A. Degree: I have a Bachelor's or higher degree in botany or basic plant science that included at least 24 semester hours in botany (e.g., courses in basic botany, plant anatomy or morphology, cytology, histology, genetics, taxonomy or systematics, algology, mycology, ethno-botany, and those dealing with specific problems of a botanical nature or with specific groups of plants). OR
B. Combination of education and experience: I have courses equivalent to a major in botany or basic plant science that included at least 24 semester hours in botany, as shown above, PLUS appropriate experience or additional education equivalent to a course of study with a major in the appropriate field as described in A above. The quality of the combination of education and experience is sufficient to demonstrate that I possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities comparable to those normally acquired through the successful completion of a full 4-year course of study.
Specialized Experience Requirements: In addition to meeting one of the basic entry requirements listed above, you must have the appropriate specialized experience as described below. This applies to both the GS-09 and GS-11 grade levels.
You may qualify at the GS-09 level, if you fulfill one of the following qualification requirements:
A. In addition to meeting the basic education requirement, I possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level that equipped me with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Specialized experience is defined as: 1) Assist in the planning and implementation of activities pursuant to section 7 of the Endangered Species Act; 2) Assist in conducting field evaluations of the biological status and conservation needs of high priority plants; and 3) Assist in the development of proposals for status surveys, monitoring, assessment, research or other conservation actions for listed, proposed, candidate, or other plant species. OR
B. In addition to meeting the basic education requirement, I have successfully completed two or more full years of graduate education in an accredited college or university leading to a Master's or equivalent degree in a field directly related to botany, or related plant sciences appropriate to this position. OR
C. In addition to meeting the basic education requirement, I have a combination of specialized experience and more than one year of graduate education (as described above) that, when computed as percentages of their respective requirements, equals at least 100% when combined. Only graduate education beyond the 1st full year (18 semesters or equivalent) is creditable using this method.
You may qualify at the GS-11 level, if you fulfill one of the following qualification requirements:
A. In addition to meeting the basic education requirement, I possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level that equipped me with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Specialized experience is defined as: 1) Apply knowledge of the Endangered Species Act and other federal environmental laws; 2) Develop sound proposals for status surveys, monitoring, assessment, research or other conservation actions for listed, proposed, candidate, or other plant species; 3) Prepare briefings and writing biological opinions or reports on conducted investigations; and, 4) Participate in multi-agency meetings that focus on threatened and endangered species and rare plant species. OR
B. In addition to meeting the basic education requirement, I have 3 years of progressively higher level graduate level education leading to a Ph.D. OR I have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree with major study related to botany or related plant science appropriate to this position. OR
C. In addition to meeting the basic education requirement, I have a combination of education and experience that has equipped me with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of this position. I have graduate level education beyond the 2nd year that I am using to qualify in
combination with my experience.
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.
Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-11. At lower grade levels, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-11. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds.The selectee may be promoted without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
Education
PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.
PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Additional information
Career Transition Assistance (CTAP): These programs apply to employees who have been or may be involuntarily separated (e.g. reduction in force, declining to relocate/transfer outside their local commuting area) from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal or Removal Notice; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; or Removal and most recent performance appraisal.). For more information visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/
FWS has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.
More than one position may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area.
Relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
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.
Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the basic qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If you meet the basic qualifications your resume and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience which resulted in you being listed in the highest quality category, you may lose consideration, or be assigned to a lower quality category for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
Knowledge of botany or ecology concepts, principles, and practices, to include understanding of plant anatomy, taxonomy, physiology, morphology, population dynamics, and ecology to gather and analyze biological and ecological data
Working knowledge of applicable Federal laws, regulations and policies (i.e. Endangered Species Act, National Environment Policy Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Coastal Wetlands Act, Coastal Zone Management Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, etc.)
Professional knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, and techniques of ecology and fish, wildlife, and plant biology
Ability to work cooperatively and diplomatically with private landowners, personnel of other agencies and the public
Ability to use computer technology to maintain and retrieve information from automated data systems, develop spreadsheets, and use word processing programs in order to develop reports and other written analysis
All qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position. The category ratings for this position are:
Qualified: Meets minimum qualifications established for the position, but fails to meet the benchmark definition for the Well Qualified category
Well Qualified: Demonstrates overall competency in the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position.
Best Qualified: Demonstrates high proficiency and comprehensive level of knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position.
The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of Veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the basic qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher).
If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must attach an SF-15," Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" in addition to the proof required by that form.
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 apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk
Other supporting documents:
Cover Letter, optional
Official or unofficial College Transcript(s), if the position has education requirements, or if you are using your education to qualify. A copy of your official transcripts will be required if you are selected.
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
If applicable, documentation/proof that you are eligible Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
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.
Review the Appointment Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility section of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the appointment eligibilities that you selected. You must provide proof of your eligibility as required by appointment eligibility to be considered.
Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month/day/year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume.
You must also complete the online application and assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
DEADLINE DATE: A complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on 03/23/2018 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is received. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
You will be considered for all eligibilities for which you select "yes" and submit the required documents and supporting documentation (e.g. DD 214, Schedule A letter, etc.). The supporting documentation you submit will be used to determine your eligibility. Please review the list of documentation provided in the eligibilities language to ensure you provide the appropriate information.
Please note, your eligibility will be based solely on the selections you have indicated "yes" in this section. You must provide the supporting documentation to support your claim to be considered. You may choose more than one eligibilities in this section.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Division of Human Resources
Division of Human Resources
2800 Cottage Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
US
Next steps
Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted by the customer office.
You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJobs Account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk
Other supporting documents:
Cover Letter, optional
Official or unofficial College Transcript(s), if the position has education requirements, or if you are using your education to qualify. A copy of your official transcripts will be required if you are selected.
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
If applicable, documentation/proof that you are eligible Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
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.
Review the Appointment Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility section of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the appointment eligibilities that you selected. You must provide proof of your eligibility as required by appointment eligibility to be considered.
Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month/day/year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume.
You must also complete the online application and assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
DEADLINE DATE: A complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on 03/23/2018 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is received. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
You will be considered for all eligibilities for which you select "yes" and submit the required documents and supporting documentation (e.g. DD 214, Schedule A letter, etc.). The supporting documentation you submit will be used to determine your eligibility. Please review the list of documentation provided in the eligibilities language to ensure you provide the appropriate information.
Please note, your eligibility will be based solely on the selections you have indicated "yes" in this section. You must provide the supporting documentation to support your claim to be considered. You may choose more than one eligibilities in this section.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Division of Human Resources
Division of Human Resources
2800 Cottage Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
US
Next steps
Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted by the customer office.
You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJobs Account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
