Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results

Fish and Wildlife Biologist (Private Lands)

Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This position is part of the Reno Fish and Wildlife Office, with duty location either in Elko, NV or Winnemucca, NV. The duty location will be determined by management at the time of selection. As a Fish and Wildlife Biologist (Private Lands) you will be responsible for responsible for independently carrying out technical assistance and habitat restoration aspects of the Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) program. You will actively involved with PFW on the ground habitat restoration and enhancement projects for the assigned geographic region and is responsible for delivery of technical assistance related to program activities benefiting federal trust resources and implementation of the 1985 Food Security Act, as amended (Farm Bill).

This announcement is being advertised concurrently under R8-18-10195115-KL-DE, open to all qualified individuals. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.

Overview

Help
Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
04/23/2018 to 05/04/2018
Salary
$50,598 to - $79,586 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 9 - 11
Locations
1 vacancy in the following locations:
Elko, NV
Winnemucca, NV
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-Time
Service
Promotion potential
11
Supervisory status
No
Announcement number
R8-18-10194511-KL-MP
Control number
497484400

Duties

Help

Actively participates in all aspects of habitat restoration projects including conducting landowner contacts and feasibility determinations, planning and design, securing permits and funding, developing and submitting Wildlife Extension Agreements (WEAs), interacting with contractors, and providing construction oversight.

Develops, field tests, analyzes, and evaluates methods to restore and enhance habitats on private lands for fish, wildlife and plant resources and prepares reports and recommendations on habitat restoration techniques and accomplishments.

Proposes, designs, and conducts habitat improvement projects on privately owned lands with emphasis on stream, wetland, riparian and upland restoration and enhancement.

Provides technical and habitat restoration assistance to local, state and Federal cooperators in the restoration and protection of habitats.

Delivers presentations to other agencies, organizations, conservation districts, wildlife clubs, and community groups; works with print, radio, and television media to promote local PFW initiatives.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
  • 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
  • Subject to one year probationary period, if not already served
  • Time-in-Grade requirements apply to status candidates
  • Direct deposit of salary payments to a financial institution is required
  • Valid State driver's license is required

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by the closing date will be considered.

BASIC QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: In order to meet the basic qualification requirement for the GS-0401 series as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist, your application materials must demonstrate that you meet either A or B below:

A. Successful completion of all requirements for a full four-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a discipline closely related to fish and wildlife biology.

B. An appropriate combination of education and experience. Education must include successful completion of course work equivalent to a major (at least 24 semester/36 quarter hours or school equivalent) in an accredited college or university in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a discipline closely related to fish and wildlife biology; PLUS experience directly related to the position being filled and/or additional related education. The quality of the combination of education and experience must demonstrate that the applicant possesses the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work of the position to be filled and equal 100% of the requirement when combined.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENT: In addition to meeting the Basic Qualification Requirement above, you must also meet the additional qualifications for each grade level you wish to be considered.

To be found qualified at the GS-9 grade level, your application materials must demonstrate either A, B, or C below:

A. One year of full-time equivalent specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal service (GS-7). To meet this requirement, you must have experience performing ALL of the following duties: 1) developing and maintaining effective working relationships and liaison with private landowners, tribes, other federal, state, and local agencies, and the general public regarding habitat restoration; 2) assisting in developing or evaluating habitat protection or enhancement planning documents and biological reports; AND 3) participating in habitat or conservation and recovery for a wide variety of ecosystems.

B. Successful completion of two full years of progressively higher level graduate education (i.e. 36 semesters/54 quarters or school equivalent) or master's or equivalent graduate degree in a discipline closely related to fish and wildlife biology. This education must have provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of the position to be filled.

C. An equivalent combination of appropriate level work experience (as described in "A" above, Additional Qualifications Requirements) and graduate education (as described in "B" above) that when combined meet the qualification requirements. Note: only graduate education in excess of 18 semester/27 quarter hours or school equivalent is creditable toward this grade level when combining. The quality of the combination of education and experience must demonstrate that the applicant possesses the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work of the position to be filled.

To be found qualified at the GS-11 grade level, your application materials must demonstrate either A, B, or C below:

A. One year of full-time equivalent specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal service (GS-9); experience which has equipped me with the knowledge, skills and ability to successfully perform the major duties of this position as described. To meet this requirement, you must have experience performing ALL of the following duties: 1) developing and maintaining effective working relationships and liaison with private landowners, tribes, other federal, state, and local agencies, and the general public regarding habitat restoration; 2) developing or evaluating habitat protection or enhancement planning documents and biological reports; 3) coordinating efforts of multiple personnel involved in habitat or conservation and recovery for a wide variety of ecosystems; 4) formulating recommendations to avoid or minimize adverse effects on listed species; AND 5) preparing briefing statements, reports, correspondence, presentations, etc.

B. Successful completion of 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education (i.e. 54 semester/81 quarter hours or school equivalent) or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a discipline directly related to fish and wildlife biology. The quality of the education must demonstrate that the applicant possesses the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work of the position to be filled.

C. An equivalent combination of appropriate level work experience (as described in "A" above, Additional Qualifications Requirements) and graduate education (as described in "B" above) that when combined meet the qualification requirements. Note: only graduate education in excess of 36 semester/54 quarter hours or school equivalent is creditable toward this grade level when combining. The quality of the combination of education and experience must demonstrate that the applicant possesses the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work of the position to be filled.

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.~ence 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-9/11. 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-9/11. 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) and grade point average or class ranking. 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

To register or verify your registration go to the Selective Service System at https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx

FWS has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.

We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of 05/04/2018if the needs arise.


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.

The Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA),P.L. 114-47, allows certain individuals who currently or formerly were under time-limited competitive appointments at certain land management agencies to compete under merit promotion procedures:

Current appointees:


Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment that qualifies for LMWFA.
·Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency.
·Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years; AND
·Must have performed at an acceptable level.

Former appointees:

·Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency,
·Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years;
·Must apply for position within 2 years after separation,
·Must have been separated for reasons other than misconduct or performance; AND
·Must have performed at an acceptable level

Public Land Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority:

Note: You must provide a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Compliance Hiring Based for Public Land Corps Service.
(1) In order to be eligible for PLC non-competitive status, a former member of the PLC must provide documentation, as part of their application, verifying their eligibility and meet the following criteria:
(a) Served as a qualified youth on an appropriate conservation project completing a minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory service that included at least 120 hours through the PLC;
(b) Applied to a vacancy announcement for which applications are being accepted from individuals with non-competitive status;
(c) Meet the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) minimum qualification standards stated in the vacancy announcement for the position which you are applying; and
(d) Completed his/her most recent Corps service, which provided him/her with a total of 640 hours, inclusive of 120 hours on a PLC project as defined in 16 USC 1723(d), within the last two (2) years.
(2) Appointments must be effected within the two years requirement.
(3) The two year time-frame cannot be extended.
(4) Selectees will be subject to a probationary period.
(5) This authority may be used for General Schedule and Federal Wage System positions.
(6) Competitive service appointments may be made for temporary, term or permanent positions.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Alternate_Application_Information.

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 fishery or wildlife biology applicable to the Private Lands program, land and water restoration programs, habitat evaluation programs, and habitat resource inventory programs.
  • Skill in coordinating activities with other government agencies, nongovernment conservation organizations, agribusiness organizations, citizen groups, and private landowners.
  • Knowledge of environmental laws, executive orders, regulations and policies to insure that legal standards are met in formulating habitat development projects and restoration activities.
  • Skill in verbal and written communication, including the ability to meet, converse, and work effectively with supervisors, private landowners, coworkers, other agency employees, representatives of nongovernment organizations, and the public.
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.

Career Transition Assistance Program Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) : 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 ICTAP or CTAP 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 ICTAP or CTAP 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/

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.