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Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)

Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
This job announcement has closed

Summary

If selected, you will be controlling wildlife damage, particularly that of predatory animals, when they conflict with man’s economic interest, health or safety. The work is primarily concerned with Wildlife Services operations relating to the cessation, alleviation or mitigation of problems created by carnivores, rodents, birds and other animals in urban or rural environments.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
09/26/2018 to 10/02/2018
Salary
$33,394 to - $43,414 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 05
Locations
Cleveland, MS
1 vacancy
Stoneville, MS
1 vacancy
Yazoo City, MS
1 vacancy
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
75% or less - Travel for training and work assignments may be required.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Term
Work schedule
Full-Time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
05
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
Yes
Announcement number
24WS-APHIS-MA-2018-0661
Control number
511724300

Duties

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The duties may include, but are not limited to:

  • Utilizes various devices, chemicals, tools, firearms and related equipment to perform animal and bird damage control operations.
  • Identifies current, and forecasts future, damage problems and relates them to the depredating species and determines/selects the most effective means of control.
  • Skilled in the use of various WS control methods and procedures including the use of firearms. Means of control utilized may include the use of snares, traps, M-44 (cyanide) devices, calling, shooting.
  • Identifies predator/rodent species by sight, sound, tracks, type of depredation/damage present, examines other appropriate evidence and correctly identifies such damage situations and relates them to.
  • Conducts demonstrations and training for cooperators or other interested groups on WS control methods, procedures, and program objectives.
  • Prepares and submits routine and special reports regarding daily, weekly or monthly activities, observations, events and other relevant data collected.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Subject to satisfactory completion of one year trial period.
  • Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
  • Position is subject to random and applicant drug testing.

Special Conditions:

  • Selection and retention in this position is contingent on a successfully adjudicated FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check) and a background investigation.
  • Successful completion of a 1 year probationary or trial period (if new hire to the Federal service).
  • Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty to this position will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
  • This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.
  • Locality pay will vary based upon the selectee’s duty location. A final salary determination will be made upon selection..
  • May be required to complete appropriate Certified Applicators examination.
  • Work requires physical exertion such as walking over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces, bending, crouching, stooping and stretching.
  • The incumbent is exposed to toxic chemicals.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including the following specialized experience and/or education, as identified by grade level.

FOR THE GS-05 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:

  • Experience using lethal and non-lethal animal control techniques
  • Experience identifying various species of animals 
  • Experience to work within local, state and national rules and regulations as they apply to wildlife policies and procedures
  • Experience preparing reports regarding activities, observations, events, and other relevant data collected
OR successfully completed four full years of education above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics and at least 6 semester hours must be directly related to the position to be filled. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.

TRANSCRIPTS are required if:

  • You are qualifying for the position based on education.
  • You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.
  • This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-05 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. To learn more about combining education and experience for this series, click the following: Combining Education and Experience for Technical and Medical Support Positions

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.

Additional information

  • This position is subject to unscheduled overnight details of undetermined lengths in the event of animal health emergencies or other conditions requiring immediate response, as required by the Agency. (Extensive periods of time may be designated for overnight details.)
  • Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible see http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
  • Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc) should contact: USDAs TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).
  • Salary Information:  First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected.
  • This is a term appointment not to exceed 13 months. (Appointment may be extended up to 4 years without re-announcing.) For more details click: Term Appointments

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applications will be evaluated in accordance with Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Delegated Examining Procedures using category rating. The category rating procedure is used to rank and select eligible candidates. Applicants who meet basic minimum qualifications will be placed in one of three categories:  Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified.  Within these categories, applicants eligible for veterans preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans.  Category placement will be determined on applicants' quality of experience and the extend they possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) or competencies:

  • General Administrative and Technical Skills
  • Communication Skills - Interpersonal, Oral, Written
  • Knowledge of Wildlife, Avian and Mammalian Species and Ability to Manage Wildlife Threats and Damage
Your application, including the online Assessment Questionnaire, will be reviewed to determine if you meet (a) minimum qualification requirements and (b) the resume supports the answers provided to the job-specific questions.  Your resume must clearly support your responses to all the questions addressing experience and education relevant to this position.  Those determined to be in the best qualified category will be referred to the selecting official for consideration.

Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating may be lowered to more accurately reflect the submitted documentation. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to and including removal from the Federal Service.


To view the application form, visit: https://aphis.usda.ntis.gov/cp/?event=jobs.previewApplication&jobid=C9437EB4-2237-431F-AE3D-A95B00D08869

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