Physical Demands/Work Environment: Work may take place in extremely remote areas that requires driving on gravel logging roads. The work is performed outdoors in rugged terrain; to include steep, wet, muddy, rough, uneven or rocky surfaces. Positions require physical exertions such as bending, crouching, stooping and reaching or similar activities and may require primitive camping for up to two weeks at a time. Individuals should be able to work alone or with others, during day/night hours.
Summary
Physical Demands/Work Environment: Work may take place in extremely remote areas that requires driving on gravel logging roads. The work is performed outdoors in rugged terrain; to include steep, wet, muddy, rough, uneven or rocky surfaces. Positions require physical exertions such as bending, crouching, stooping and reaching or similar activities and may require primitive camping for up to two weeks at a time. Individuals should be able to work alone or with others, during day/night hours.
Note: This vacancy announcement has been amended to include Spokane Valley, WA as a duty location.
Biology Technicians (Fisheries) may plan and conduct aquatic and riparian inventories and studies; plan and conduct fish population studies; plan and conduct simple water quality samplings of streams and lakes; analyze inventory or study data; prepare data for inclusion in study reports; and make recommendations for aquatic and riparian enhancement projects or improvements in survey techniques and evaluation methods. Riparian studies may be conducted on wetland areas and along stream corridors and may include species inventory and condition assessments. Biology Aids or Technicians perform any or all of the following or similar duties: Work from an outline; check extensive data in the field of fish habitat condition (stream or lake); record results; make census counts of various species or record observations, based on guidelines provided, on species condition or stream surveys; assists in construction or placement of habitat improvement structures, fences, gabions, trash catchers, etc.
Prineville, OR: During the field season, temperatures can range from 30 degrees to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and weather can be inclement, ranging from spring snows to summer thunderstorms. The work is located from 1 to 4 hours away from the office and may require driving 4x4 vehicles and towing trailers loaded with UTVs and field equipment on highways and unimproved roads. Effective monitoring, analyses, and condition assessments may involve operating UTVs on rough roads to access remote sites, and walking in to wilderness and wilderness study areas not accessible with a vehicle. Some travel WILL BE required, as the Prineville District has multiple Wild and Scenic Rivers with limited access, necessitating multi-day river floats to monitor and report on a variety of fish populations and conduct stream-side condition assessments.
Be sure to read the "How to Apply" and "Required Documents" Sections
You cannot hold an active real estate license; nor can you
have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Land
Direct Deposit Required
Background Investigation Required
Your resume must contain enough information to show that you meet the specialized experience as defined in the announcement or vacancy questions. In addition, your responses to the questions must be adequately reflected in your resume.
If qualifying based on education you will need to clearly state your undergraduate/graduate degree(s) and submit your college transcripts or a listing of your college courses that includes hours and grades.
Qualifications
In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the specialized experience requirement - please be sure to include this information in your resume.
GS-5: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-4 level. Examples of specialized experience may include, depending on assignment participating in, fish population counts, banding, tagging and releasing fisheries related species; water quality sampling of streams and lakes; aquatic and riparian inventories; inventorying rare, and endangered species habitat based on guidelines; and taking soil samples by layer and root samples; OR Successful completion of a full 4 year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree that included 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. At least 6 semester hours of courses must be directly related to this position; OR A combination of experience and education to meet total experience.
GS-6: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 level. Examples of specialized experience may include surveying, mapping and documenting a variety of fisheries related species and habitat conditions; aquatic and riparian inventories, maps, and surveys; compiling of occurrence and distribution data, cover maps, and herbarium study mounts; assisting in performing fisheries or riparian studies and in constructing fish or stream/riparian habitat improvement structures; and compiling data obtained through soil inventory and assembling data into a logical sequence for review; OR Successful completion of one full year of graduate education directly related to the work of the position; OR A combination of experience and education to meet total experience.
GS-7: One year of specialized work experience equivalent to GS-6 level. Examples of specialized experience may include researching, compiling and tabulating a full range of fisheries related inventory data or aquatic and riparian inventory data; recommending aquatic and riparian enhancement projects or improvements in survey techniques and evaluation methods; leading or conducting field inventories of soil types to develop intensive soil information; and collecting ecological site information for sensitive, threatened or endangered plants to determine factors limiting distribution and potential for enhancement. OR Successful completion of one full year of graduate education directly related to the work of the position; OR A combination of experience and education to meet total 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 meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Education
If qualifying based on education you will need to clearly state your undergraduate/graduate degree(s) and submit your college transcripts or a listing of your college courses that includes hours and grades.
Additional information
SELECTIVE SERVICE: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. To register or verify your registration go to the Selective Service System website.
Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid by the Department of the Interior. Any travel, transportation and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. Information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility is available from OPM's Career Transition Resources website at CTAP or ICTAP. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration or that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) This vacancy is within your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility; 2) You apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) You are found well qualified for this vacancy. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, or a copy of your separation personnel action form.
CTAP and ICTAP eligibles will be considered well qualified if they fall within the Well or Best Qualified categories on the rating criteria for this position.
This position is not eligible for Telework.
Government facilities are required to provide a smoke free environment for their employees. Smoking will be permitted only in designated areas.
This position may require you to wear an officially-approved uniform while in a duty status.
At some duty locations this position may require you to have a current valid driver’s license.
All positions may not be filled or they may be filled at different times depending on budget, hiring needs, and requirements. These positions are temporary and are expected to last for up to 6 months. These positions have no promotion potential, if you want to be considered for a higher grade you must apply for the higher grade.
If selected from this or a similar competitive, seasonal announcement, your appointment may be creditable for consideration under PL-114-47, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA). The Act allows certain individuals, who have or had time-limited appointments at land management agencies, to compete for any permanent position in the competitive service under “internal” merit promotion procedures. For more information, see the section under Eligibility, which starts with Question #15 (Q15. Who is eligible for appointment under these provisions?).
For additional information about the BLM, please visit Our website.
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.
To explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees, visit the Office of Personnel Management's website at Federal Benefits at USAJOBS.
Temporary seasonal employees are eligible for the following: -Annual and Sick Leave -Depending on tour of duty – Sunday, holiday, shift differential -Paid Federal Holidays -Participation in the Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) program - Employees electing to participate in the FEHB will be responsible for the employee share of the premium while on the official agency roles, which is deducted from bi-weekly earnings. After separating from federal employment, employees will be offered to continue participation in FEHB under the Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) option. Employees electing to continue coverage under the TCC provision will be responsible for the full premium amount plus a 2% administration fee.
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.
Upon receipt of your complete application package, a review of your application will be made to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. Your rating will be based on your responses to the Job Specific Questionnaire and the information stated in your resume. If you meet the qualification requirements, your application will be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. In addition, interviews may be conducted for this position. The interviews may be conducted on a pass/fail basis or may be scored. The job specific questions relate to the following knowledge, skills and abilities required to do the work of this position.
GS-05/06/07:
Knowledge of technical methods and procedures of fisheries management to plan and accomplish a variety fisheries projects.
Knowledge of and skill in applying the basic theories and practices of fisheries to resolve fisheries related issues.
Knowledge of computer capabilities sufficient to produce reports with graphics; produce simple maps; develop spreadsheets; and enter, retrieve and manipulate data.
Skilled at reading maps and using GPS equipment to determine locations.
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.
To explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees, visit the Office of Personnel Management's website at Federal Benefits at USAJOBS.
Temporary seasonal employees are eligible for the following: -Annual and Sick Leave -Depending on tour of duty – Sunday, holiday, shift differential -Paid Federal Holidays -Participation in the Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) program - Employees electing to participate in the FEHB will be responsible for the employee share of the premium while on the official agency roles, which is deducted from bi-weekly earnings. After separating from federal employment, employees will be offered to continue participation in FEHB under the Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) option. Employees electing to continue coverage under the TCC provision will be responsible for the full premium amount plus a 2% administration fee.
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.
In addition to the online application (resume and responses to the questionnaire), you are required to submit the following forms:
Copy of Transcripts or a list of college courses that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university. If your degree is from a Foreign Institution, See Foreign Education.
Former PLC Member: Submit a copy of your “Certificate of Eligibility for Noncompetitive Hiring” along with a copy of your “PLC Participant Verification Work Hours Sheet.”
Veterans' Preference: If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you should indicate the level of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be adjudicated (verified) by the employing agency using the documents you provide.
For 0-point Sole survivorship veterans’ preference (SSP), please provide the documentation you received granting this preference.
For 5-point veterans' preference, please provide your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions.
For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214, and the required documentation.
For more information on which type of preference is applicable please visit VetGuide.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles: documentation verifying your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility - this includes a copy of the agency notice and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level and duty location.
You may submit your documents either via Auto-Requested Fax or by uploading your documents from your USAJOBS Profile.
Auto-Requested Fax: allows you to submit required documentation that will be electronically displayed along with your resume.
UPLOADING DOCUMENTS: instead of faxing your documents you may use the uploading procedures thru Applicant Manager. Do not use both options.
Hard copy paper supplemental documents, submitted without prior Human Resources approval, will be considered as an incomplete application.
Required documentation must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on the closing date of this announcement.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes ALL of the following items: 1. Your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire; 2. Your resume; and 3. Applicable supporting documents specified in the Required Documents section of this job announcement.
Click on the button "Apply Online" and login to MY USAJOBS.
If you haven't already registered with USAJOBS, the system will require you to create a user name and password, complete a questionnaire and upload, paste or type a resume into USAJOBS.
If you have already registered with USAJOBS and forgot your login information, select the "Did you forget your username and/or password" link from the right side menu.
Your application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time by the closing date of this announcement.
If you have questions regarding position duties and locations please call 541-464-3300. If you need assistance in applying on-line, please contact the HR Office, Sparrow Adson at 503-808-6180 / sadson@blm.gov. If applying on-line poses a hardship for you (i.e. you do not have access to the internet) you must contact us prior to the closing date of the announcement for an alternative method of applying.
In addition to the online application (resume and responses to the questionnaire), you are required to submit the following forms:
Copy of Transcripts or a list of college courses that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university. If your degree is from a Foreign Institution, See Foreign Education.
Former PLC Member: Submit a copy of your “Certificate of Eligibility for Noncompetitive Hiring” along with a copy of your “PLC Participant Verification Work Hours Sheet.”
Veterans' Preference: If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you should indicate the level of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be adjudicated (verified) by the employing agency using the documents you provide.
For 0-point Sole survivorship veterans’ preference (SSP), please provide the documentation you received granting this preference.
For 5-point veterans' preference, please provide your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions.
For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214, and the required documentation.
For more information on which type of preference is applicable please visit VetGuide.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles: documentation verifying your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility - this includes a copy of the agency notice and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level and duty location.
You may submit your documents either via Auto-Requested Fax or by uploading your documents from your USAJOBS Profile.
Auto-Requested Fax: allows you to submit required documentation that will be electronically displayed along with your resume.
UPLOADING DOCUMENTS: instead of faxing your documents you may use the uploading procedures thru Applicant Manager. Do not use both options.
Hard copy paper supplemental documents, submitted without prior Human Resources approval, will be considered as an incomplete application.
Required documentation must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on the closing date of this announcement.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes ALL of the following items: 1. Your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire; 2. Your resume; and 3. Applicable supporting documents specified in the Required Documents section of this job announcement.
Click on the button "Apply Online" and login to MY USAJOBS.
If you haven't already registered with USAJOBS, the system will require you to create a user name and password, complete a questionnaire and upload, paste or type a resume into USAJOBS.
If you have already registered with USAJOBS and forgot your login information, select the "Did you forget your username and/or password" link from the right side menu.
Your application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time by the closing date of this announcement.
If you have questions regarding position duties and locations please call 541-464-3300. If you need assistance in applying on-line, please contact the HR Office, Sparrow Adson at 503-808-6180 / sadson@blm.gov. If applying on-line poses a hardship for you (i.e. you do not have access to the internet) you must contact us prior to the closing date of the announcement for an alternative method of applying.
