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Duties
Summary
This position is part of the Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR Complex. As a Wildlife Refuge Specialist you will be responsible for assisting the Wildlife Refuge Manager in the management of wildlife habitat and wildlife populations as well as varied administrative and related programs, such as the maintenance and construction of facilities, invasive plant control and public use.
Learn more about this agency
This announcement is being advertised concurrently under R8-18-10191420-SG-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.Responsibilities
- Plan and implement technical biological and habitat restoration and wildlife habitat development projects.
- Analyze existing programs and activities, ensure wildlife interests are protected, activities conform to policy, and public use program meets the needs of the intended audiences.
- Participate in the planning, direction, and implementation of biological studies, farming, grazing, hunting, fishing, invasive plant control and other management activities.
- Assist with developing Comprehensive Conservation Plans, Habitat Management Plans, and/or land acquisition plans.
- Manage the public use program; oversee the volunteer program, and and the Youth Conservation Corps program.
- Participate in the development of short- and long-range plans, annual work plans, and budgets; plan and schedule refuge operations and maintenance projects.
- Explain and disseminate natural resource information to internal and external individuals and groups, provide work direction to volunteers, provide briefings to management.
- Participate in the development of outreach materials; prepare natural resource management plans, technical reports, memorandums, letters, and briefing statements.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position for training and/or field visits, as needed.
Supervisory status
No
Promotion Potential
9
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Job family (Series)
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
- Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation
- May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
- Obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by 05/10/2018 will be considered for qualification.
BASIC QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT-EDUCATION All applicants must meet either A, B, or C below:
A. I have completed a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a Bachelor's or higher degree with major in zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology, that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; 3 semester hours in botany; and 3 semester hours in conservation biology.
B. I have completed courses in an accredited college/ university equivalent to a major in zoology, wildlife management, or appropriate field of biology, that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; 3 semester hours in botany; and 3 semester hours in conservation biology; PLUS appropriate experience and/or additional education comparable to the completion of a 4-year course of study.
C. I previously occupied a position in the GS-0485 series prior to December 3, 2010; therefore I meet the previous qualification standards (9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in wildlife; and 9 semester hours in botany). I have submitted a copy of my SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, which verifies this claim.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: In addition to meeting the Basic Qualification Requirement above, applicants for the GS-7 level must meet either A, B, C, or D below:
A. I have at least one year of full-time specialized experience comparable to the GS-5 grade level in Federal service. Specialized experience includes assisting in the management of refuge/public lands, such as biological monitoring; managing habitat restoration projects; applying field research methods to conduct biological surveys of wildlife species abundance/activities; managing maintenance of facilities/equipment; implementing methods to control invasive species; recognizing the effects of management actions on species and their habitats; prepare written reports of studies and data analysis. Duties must have been performed with some responsibilities to initiate, develop, or modify work methods with the assistance of the supervisor.
B. I have successfully completed at least one year of graduate level education in zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate related field of biology
C. I have a degree in biology AND meet one of the following under the Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) provision: A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher (out of 4.0) for all completed undergraduate courses or those completed in the last 2 full years of undergraduate study; OR a GPA of 3.5 or higher for all courses in your major field or those courses in your major completed in the last two years of undergraduate study; OR rank in the upper one-third of your graduating class; OR membership in a national honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.
D. I have a combination of specialized experience and less than one year of graduate education (both as described above) that, when computed as percentages of their respective requirements, equals at least 100% when combined.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: In addition to meeting the Basic Qualification Requirement above, applicants for the GS-9 level must meet A, B, or C below:
A. I have at least one year of full-time specialized experience comparable to the GS-7 grade level in Federal service. Specialized experience includes assisting with management of a variety of refuge operations or independently conducting refuge programs, such as: leading crews to accomplish habitat restoration projects; managing wetland, upland or riparian habitat; managing grasslands using haying, grazing, and prescribed fire; managing habitat for migratory birds; planning and overseeing visitor services programs; performing refuge administrative duties such as budget, maintenance, and work planning.
B. I have successfully completed two academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Master's degree in zoology, wildlife management, or other appropriate field of biology directly related to this position.
C. I have a combination of specialized experience and more than one year of graduate education (both 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.
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-9. 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. 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.htmlAdditional information
Read moreCareer Transition Assistance 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 CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified at 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/
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 only during an emergency or natural disaster.
More than one position may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office should the need 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
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
Read moreYou 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 THE CONCEPTS, PRINCIPLES, PRACTICES, AND TECHNIQUES OF WILDLIFE BIOLOGY AND HABITAT MANAGEMENT.
- KNOWLEDGE OF THE METHODS AND PROCEDURES APPLIED IN REFUGE OR WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT MANAGEMENT.
- SKILL IN ORAL COMMUNICATION SUFFICIENT TO ADDRESS A VARIETY OF INDIVIDUALS/GROUPS WHILE DELIVERING A VARIETY OF REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS, OR CONDUCTING TOURS.
- SKILL IN WRITTEN COMMUNICATION TO PREPARE A VARIETY OF DRAFTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, CORRESPONDENCE AND/OR REPORTS.
- KNOWLEDGE OF ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS AND PLANNING.
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.Background checks and security clearance
Security clearance
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Required Documents
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:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
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Benefits
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. Learn 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.
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How to Apply
Read more- 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.
- 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 view the assessment questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10198824
Agency contact information
Sue Godfrey
Learn more about this agencyAddress
Division of Human Resources
Division of Human Resources
2800 Cottage Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
USNext steps
Read moreOnce 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 & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
Read moreThe United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Read moreFederal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.
Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:
- An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
- An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
- An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.
You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Learn more about disability employment and reasonable accommodations or how to contact an agency.
Legal and regulatory guidance
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/498130900. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
