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Duties

Summary

This position is part of the R4-Orangeburg National Fish Hatchery. As a Biological Science Technician you will be responsible for working with the Carolina heelsplitter mussels.

This is a Term appointment, not-to-exceed 13 months, which can be extended for a total appointment of 4 years.
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Responsibilities

Assists higher-level staff and partners in developing new and improved aquaculture production systems and protocols.

Provides input to improve the effectiveness of current technologies and protocols. Modifies current resources or incorporates new technologies and tools as needed.

Assists in identifying and ordering materials and equipment needs in order to support hatchery programs.
Identifies commercial sources, develops contacts with commercial representatives, evaluates products, and recommends action.

Assists in the routine maintenance and repair of grounds, buildings, pipelines, culture systems, ponds, and equipment.

Assists in the planning and execution of the work schedule for day-to-day activities.
The employee provides work direction and guidance to lower graded technicians, interns, and volunteers in carrying out tasks, including safe handling of tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles.

Assists in job safety planning; performs all duties in a safe manner; and recognizes, corrects, and/or reports hazardous conditions or unsafe acts that could result in personal injury or property damage.

May prepare segments of recurring reports such as monthly activities and progress reports on individual projects, as assigned, and assist in preparing drafts of news releases for area media.

May conduct informational and educational outreach programs on fish and wildlife resources and the
Fish and Wildlife Service to individuals, groups, and local organizations.

Under the broad supervision of the supervisor, the employee carries out daily activities related to the propagation, rearing, tagging, and stocking of multiple species and life stages of freshwater mussels, fish, and aquatic wildlife.

Assists biologists with field snorkel surveys to find mussel brood, determine population/range status and identify suitable stocking locations for hatchery propagated mussels.

Provides care and husbandry (cleaning and feeding) to station freshwater mussels and host fish based on established station standard operating procedures.

Uses lab equipment (i.e. microscope, sand sifters) to count and sample juvenile freshwater mussels for growth and survival.

Uses and maintains field equipment including backpack shockers, seines, dip nets, bathyscopes and snorkels to locate and capture adult mussels and host fishes.

Maintains and operates freshwater mussel and host fish flow-through and recirculating rearing systems that include water pumps, valves, blowers, chillers and dosing pumps. Troubleshoots problems that develop in freshwater mussel culture systems and takes corrective actions while communicating any issues to the supervisor.

Collects, maintains, and summarizes detailed records of biological, chemical and physical data using
Microsoft Office.

Transports and stocks animals and collects aquatic animals from the wild.

Collects water samples and conducting basic water chemistry.

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status

No

Promotion Potential

None
Job family (Series)

0404 Biological Science Technician
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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
- Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
- Suitability for employment, as determined by Non-Sensitive-Low background investigation
- Drug testing position
- Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform required
- May be required to work nights and weekends
- Must be able to swim
Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR GS 0404-07 (you must select A, B, or C to qualify):
A. Possess at least one full year of full-time specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-06 level that includes (and is clearly shown in your resume): Examples of Specialized experience may include: working with the Carolina heelsplitter mussels, conducting freshwater mussel surveys in aquatic environments, handling and transporting freshwater mussels, contructing/reparing/modifying intensive and extensive mussle culture systems.
OR
B. Possess least 1 year (18 semester hours) of graduate level education directly related to the work of the position.
OR
C. Possess a combination of qualifying specialized experience and education.

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.

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 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 for the position; 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 not suitable for telework More than one position may be filled from this announcement.

A PCS move is not authorized.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
TESTING DESIGNATED POSITION: This is a drug testing designated position which requires you pass the pre-employment testing, and you will be subject to random drug testing while you occupy this position.
DRIVER'S LICENSE: You must possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during your tenure.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:
The work requires physical exertion such as regular and recurring walking or climbing over wet, muddy, rough, slippery, uneven or rocky surfaces, bending, crouching, stooping, lifting, reaching, seining, netting, wading, and snorkeling to observe, collect, or record field data. The duration of such physical activity might be for most of the work day. The work requires average agility and above-average dexterity. Work requires lifting and carrying items up to 60 pounds. Incumbent walks or stands for extended periods and occasionally works in a bent position. Work is performed inside and outside and in the field. The office and laboratories are adequately lighted, heated, cooled, and ventilated. Temperature and weather extremes are encountered in the performance of the outdoor work. Exposure to adverse weather conditions or weather extremes such as cold, dampness, heat, humidity and insects are often encountered in the performance of the outdoor work. Work may occasionally be performed on a boat and while wading or snorkeling in ponds and streams. Safety precautions and protective clothing or gear may be required when working around water, and with chemicals and equipment.

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.

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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):
- Ability to implement conceptual design changes to aquaculture systems.
- Ability to communicate orally.
- Ability to communicate in writing.
- Knowledge of safety operation and maintenance procedures.
- Knowledge of the principles, methods, techniques, procedures, and terminology of freshwater mussel biology, warm water fish biology, and culture systems, including the propagation of juvenile mussels.
- Skill in taking precise measurements, recording, compiling, organizing, and proofing data; and performing mathematical calculations and summary statistics.
- Ability to use computer technology to process, analyze, track, and/or retrieve data from automated data systems, develop spreadsheets, and use word processing and statistical software programs in order to develop reports.
- Skill in operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining components of aquaculture systems including pumps, chillers, heaters, filters, timers, feeders, and plumbing.
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:

Best-Qualified
Well-Qualified
Qualified

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.
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Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance

Not Required

Drug test required

Yes

Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process

Credentialing
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Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. 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
2. 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. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A copy of your official transcripts will be required if you are selected. 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 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. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
- 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.

Review our 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
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 11/12/2019 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 view the assessment questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10642074
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/.
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Agency contact information

Anthony Long

Phone

505-248-6640

Fax

505-248-6856

Email

Anthony_Long@fws.gov

Address

Division of Human Resources
Division of Human Capital Management
1875 Century Blvd Suite 370
Atlanta, GA 30345
US

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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.

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Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The 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.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants
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Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Federal 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.
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Legal and regulatory guidance

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/550111300. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

Biological Science Technician

Department of the Interior

Overview

Open & closing dates

Service

Pay scale & grade

Salary

Appointment type

Work schedule

Location

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Telework eligible

Duties

Summary

Responsibilities

Travel Required

Supervisory status

Promotion Potential

Job family (Series)