You will serve as a temporary (not-to-exceed 1 year) Biologist. Duty station is located at Yosemite National Park's administrative site in El Portal and Wawona within the Resources Management & Science Division. You may be terminated early and/or extended an additional year (not-to-exceed 24 months) based on project need and funding.
Open to the first 50 applicants or until 07/30/2019 whichever comes first.
Summary
You will serve as a temporary (not-to-exceed 1 year) Biologist. Duty station is located at Yosemite National Park's administrative site in El Portal and Wawona within the Resources Management & Science Division. You may be terminated early and/or extended an additional year (not-to-exceed 24 months) based on project need and funding.
Open to the first 50 applicants or until 07/30/2019 whichever comes first.
This job will close when we have received 50 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$51,440 to - $66,868 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 9
Locations
El Portal, CA
2 vacancies
Wawona, CA
1 vacancy
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel occasionally for this position overnight away from park. Also required to travel overnight within the park.
You will serve as a biologist and project manager for either the vegetation monitoring, forest management, or terrestrial ecology program. For vegetation monitoring, you will develop, implement, and report on a variety of meadow and vegetation monitoring projects. For forest management, you will manage thinning, fuel reduction, and vista management projects. For terrestrial ecology, you will design, implement, and lead wildlife research projects encompassing special status species and ecosystem function.
Duties will include, but are not limited to:
Manage and implement vegetation, forestry, or wildlife monitoring projects.
Design studies and implement scientific protocols to monitor natural resource conditions or assess the success of management actions. Analyze monitoring results, write technical reports, and develop recommendations and priorities based on monitoring results.
Carry out project management duties including grant writing, budget estimation, work planning and sequencing, training staff, and scheduling.
Coordinate or collaborate with researchers or contractors implementing studies or projects within the park.
Prepare compliance documents for vegetation monitoring, forest management, or wildlife ecology projects. Ensure project operations are consistent with laws, regulations and policies including the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act.
Communicate about natural resource issues to both internal and external audiences including delivering presentations, writing technical reports, briefing a variety of audiences, and communicating with colleagues, partner agencies, and the public.
Hire, train, and coordinate work crews, biological technicians, and/or equipment operators, including managing an active safety program.
Conduct field work in all types of weather, on steep slopes and with potential exposure to poison oak, ticks, and mosquitoes, as well as involving strenuous physical activity such as hiking, overnight backpacking at elevations up to 11,000 feet, carrying heavy objects, and handling chainsaws.
Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. Prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year thereafter (or more frequently if management determines such need exists), you will be required to sign an affidavit certifying to your possession of a valid State issued driver's license that is current and has not been revoked, suspended, canceled, or otherwise disqualified in any way to prohibit your operation of a motor vehicle. You will also submit a photocopy of your valid State issued driver's license prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year, or more frequently if management determines such need exists. Lastly, you may be required to submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that discloses all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. Please indicate in your application whether you possess a valid State driver's license.
You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
You may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and/or overtime. This position may have a mixed work schedule based on the varying workload, and your work schedule is subject to change from part-time to full-time as workload dictates.
You may be required to obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position at the GS-09 grade level, you must possess one of the following Basic Qualifications:
A. Successful completion of at least a full four-year course of study leading to a Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a discipline closely related to this position. You must include a copy of your transcripts at the time of application.-OR-
B. Successful completion of an appropriate combination of education and experience that included course work equivalent to a major (i.e. 24 semester hours) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a discipline closely related to this position; PLUS appropriate experience or additional course work. The quality of the combination demonstrates that the applicant possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work of the position and is comparable to that normally acquired through the completion of a full four-year course of study with a major as described above. You must include a copy of your transcripts at the time of application.
In addition to meeting the Basic Qualifications above, to qualify for this position at the GS-09 grade level, you must possess one of the following Minimum Qualifications:
EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: study, inventory, monitoring, restoration, and management of vegetation, forests, and/or wildlife. You must include hours per week worked. -OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree in a related field such as biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines. You must include transcripts. -OR-
Successful completion of a COMBINATION of education and experience as described above. NOTE: Only graduate education in excess of the first year (18 semester hours) is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement. To combine education and experience, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours (or equivalent) earned towards a graduate degree, in excess of 18 semester hours, and divide by 18 (or equivalent). Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. For example, 6 months of the qualifying specialized experience described above (50% of the experience requirement), and 27 semester hours of directly-related graduate level college study from an accredited institution (50% of the qualifying education). You must include transcripts.
Volunteer 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.
You must include months, years and hours per week worked to receive credit for your work and/or volunteer experience. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that does not indicate exact hours per week or is listed as "varies".
Education
To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.
Additional information
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
Physical Demands: The position may require strenuous physical activity including periods of standing, walking, climbing, and lifting and carrying of heavy objects. Some activities will occur in physically dangerous areas or settings. Documentary research and report writing work is sedentary, which entails the ability to concentrate and write for long periods of time.
Working Conditions: Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. Assignments may be performed in potentially hazardous areas including steep rocky terrain, arctic environments, and forests. Flying in fixed and rotary wing aircraft is possible.
National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval. Please note, this is NOT a full-time telework position. Telework may be allowed at supervisor's discretion.
Nongovernment housing: may be available for rent in the local communities of Groveland, Mariposa, Midpines, Bootjack, Oakhurst, and Catheys Valley. El Portal is a small community bordering the west side of Yosemite National Park and 15 miles west of Yosemite Valley.
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.
A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score will be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions can affect your rating.
Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into one of three categories:
Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position
Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job
Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job.
You will be evaluated on the following competencies:
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.
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/30/2019:
Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, with dates specified in month and year format, and, indicate hours worked per week. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.
College transcripts, to meet basic requirement and if applicable, substitution of education for experience.
A complete Occupational Questionnaire
Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, orMother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.
Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above 85 on the rating criteria for this position.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.
Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.
To apply for this position: You must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/30/2019. WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.
Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to login or create an account.
Prompted to Start the Application Process by selecting "Start Application."
Select documents you want included in this application.
Review package to acknowledge your documents were reviewed.
Select if you want to include your demographic information.
After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select "Continue to Agency Site."
Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application.
Add the supporting documents by indexing your documents with the dropdown.
Upload any missing required documents or optional documents.
Review and Submit Application.
While logged in, you can check the status of your application by selecting "+" next to the job title for this position.
You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.
To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select "+" next to the job title for this position. Select "Update Application" for this job.
Note: When you click Update Application, you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So it is important that you select all documents you want to use in the re-application.
Yosemite National Park
5037 Stroming Road
Mariposa, CA 95338
US
Next steps
Once the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful. If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/30/2019:
Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, with dates specified in month and year format, and, indicate hours worked per week. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.
College transcripts, to meet basic requirement and if applicable, substitution of education for experience.
A complete Occupational Questionnaire
Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, orMother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.
Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above 85 on the rating criteria for this position.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.
Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.
To apply for this position: You must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/30/2019. WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.
Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to login or create an account.
Prompted to Start the Application Process by selecting "Start Application."
Select documents you want included in this application.
Review package to acknowledge your documents were reviewed.
Select if you want to include your demographic information.
After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select "Continue to Agency Site."
Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application.
Add the supporting documents by indexing your documents with the dropdown.
Upload any missing required documents or optional documents.
Review and Submit Application.
While logged in, you can check the status of your application by selecting "+" next to the job title for this position.
You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.
To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select "+" next to the job title for this position. Select "Update Application" for this job.
Note: When you click Update Application, you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So it is important that you select all documents you want to use in the re-application.
Yosemite National Park
5037 Stroming Road
Mariposa, CA 95338
US
Next steps
Once the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful. If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
