If selected for this position, you will join a well-respected team that is responsible for being aware of and providing advice and guidance based on the best available science as it pertains to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
Typical work assignments include:
Review and evaluation of all aspects of assessing marine mammal stocks in accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and species status under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Participating in the compilation of background information, draft, and review of Commission letters and/or recommendations, newsletters, annual report, position papers, or Congressional testimony and preparation for annual meetings.
Update of the scientific content on the Commission's web pages.
Liaise with corresponding scientific staff of other agencies/organizations involved with marine mammal research, management, and conservation
Administer the Commission's online survey of federal funding for marine mammal research, carrying out such tasks as preparing requests for data from other federal agencies, managing correspondence related to data entry, conducting data analyses, and developing survey result summaries to be posted to the Commission's website
Administer the research grants and contracts awarded by the Commission, carrying out such tasks as assisting in the solicitation, processing, and reviewing of research proposals, drafting statements of work for new grant awards, monitoring progress towards completion of work, and processing research grant and contract invoices.
You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period.
You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
Payment of relocation expenses will not be authorized.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you must meet both the Basic Requirement AND the specialized experience requirement for each grade level in which you seek to be considered.
Basic Requirement:
You must possess a Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
You possess a combination of Education and Experience which includes courses equivalent to a major in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Such education and experience must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.
Specialized Experience GS-12:
You must possess at least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-11 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors): Specialized experience includes experience or further education that shows knowledge of marine mammals and habitats, familiarity with the Marine Mammal Protection Act, experience reviewing, analyzing and summarizing scientific material, writing briefing materials and reports.
Specialized Experience GS-13:
You must possess at least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-12 level in the Federal Service (obtained in either the public or private sectors) in one or more specialized areas of marine mammal research, a proven track record in successfully developing and implementing program level planning strategies or activities and supporting a network of contacts to enable transmission of mission ready goals beyond their agency or organization. This experience must show, working knowledge of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, marine mammal biology, ecology, and major conservation concerns, and the ability to compile, analyze, and disseminate scientific information efficiently and accurately.
All candidates meeting the minimum requirements will be forwarded to the hiring agency and further evaluated against the following competencies:
1. Education in marine mammal biology/ecology, or marine environmental science/management/policy, and professional experience with marine conservation issues of relevance to marine mammals.
2. Knowledge of and experience with pertinent laws, regulations, policies and precedents for awarding and administering federal grants and contracts.
3. Ability to compile, review, analyze and disseminate scientific information accurately and efficiently.
4. Ability to create, manage and analyze relational databases of survey data and information.
5. Ability to determine and adjust to shifting priorities, and to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
6. Skill in using relevant business software (Microsoft Office to include Access).
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)- The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found eligible and qualified for this vacancy. To be eligible and qualified, you must satisfy all eligibility and qualification requirements for the vacant position as outlined in this announcement. You must provide proof of eligibility to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)-The CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found eligible and qualified for this vacancy. To be eligible and qualified, you must satisfy all eligibility and qualification requirements for the vacant position as outlined in this announcement. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Education
All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see www.ed.gov.
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.
Additional information
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.
You are encouraged to apply online. If you are unable to apply online, please use the Alternate Application link listed in the Other Information section of this vacancy announcement. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online if at all possible. Applying online, through your USAJOBS account, will expedite the application process and allow you to check your application status as well as verify the documentation submitted with your application. If you utilize the Alternate Application method, your USAJOBS account will not display this application and you will not receive status updates.
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.
Your resume and all supporting documentation you submit, to include your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire (when utilized), will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum job qualifications listed in this announcement. If you rate yourself higher than what is supported by the documentation you submit, you may be excluded from consideration for this job. If it is determined you meet minimum qualification requirements, you will be referred to the selecting official. Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, category rating and veterans' preference do not apply.; Your responses to the assessment questionnaire (basic Requirement/Minimum Qualification) will not be used to determine a scored rating. Instead, all applicants that are determined to meet minimum qualifications, as defined by this vacancy announcement, will be referred to the selecting official for consideration.
Qualified, eligible CTAP and ICTAP applicants will be referred to the selecting official under the selection priority placement program.If you are basically qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire. If after review of the information supported by your application materials does not substantiate a qualifying rating, you may be excluded from consideration for this job.
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.
1. Your resume (see resume instructions below)
2. Your responses to the Occupational questionnaire (Applicant information/Basic Requirement/Min Qualifications)
3. Your college transcripts, (If qualifying based on education) (Copies are acceptable)
4. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Program (I/CTAP)? Submit:
a copy of your agency notice documenting ICTAP/CTAP eligibility
a copy of your most recent performance rating, and
a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
A cover letter and CV that fully supports the required specialized experience and describes the applicant's interest in the position and experience or ability to complete the major duties of this position is recommended.
- Resume: Your resume showing relevant experience and dates (for full consideration you must include day/month/year) of employment and work schedule for each (e.g., part-time XX hours per week or full-time) (cover letter optional).). 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.
- If you meet qualifications based on education: An unofficial college transcript. (Note: If you are selected for this position, an official transcript will be required prior to your first day) and foreign education evaluation documentation, if applicable, as described under the "Education" section of this vacancy announcement.
-Required, if applicable: CTAP/ICTAP documentation to include a copy of a separation notice or other proof of eligibility for priority selection; a copy of an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing current position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location; AND a copy of your most recent performance appraisal.
- Optional, if applicable: Veterans' Preference documentation. Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty); or if you are a current Active Duty member, a certification on appropriate military branch letterhead that indicates: 1) your service dates, 2) expected discharge or release date from active duty with a release/discharge date no later than 120 days from the closing date of this announcement, and 3) the character of service (e.g., Honorable); or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that shows your military service was performed under honorable conditions. If you are a disabled veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, or widow/widower if a veteran, the spouse of a disabled veteran or the parent of a disabled or deceased veteran, a Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference" dated October 2013 and the required documentation identified on the reverse side of the SF-15 to support your preference claim.
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 apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section in this announcement.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. (It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.)
3. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you are unable to apply online, contact Philadelphia Services Branch at philadelphia@opm.gov or 215-861-3074 as soon as possible to arrange an alternative application process.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 04/10/2020 to receive consideration. Keep a copy of your proof of submission in the event verification is needed.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
Marine Mammal Commission
4340 East-West Highway
Suite 700
Bethesda, MD 20814
US
Next steps
We will notify you of the outcome after each step of the recruitment process has been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation, to include a credit check. We expect to make a final job offer within 60 days after the closing date of the announcement.
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
1. Your resume (see resume instructions below)
2. Your responses to the Occupational questionnaire (Applicant information/Basic Requirement/Min Qualifications)
3. Your college transcripts, (If qualifying based on education) (Copies are acceptable)
4. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Program (I/CTAP)? Submit:
a copy of your agency notice documenting ICTAP/CTAP eligibility
a copy of your most recent performance rating, and
a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
A cover letter and CV that fully supports the required specialized experience and describes the applicant's interest in the position and experience or ability to complete the major duties of this position is recommended.
- Resume: Your resume showing relevant experience and dates (for full consideration you must include day/month/year) of employment and work schedule for each (e.g., part-time XX hours per week or full-time) (cover letter optional).). 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.
- If you meet qualifications based on education: An unofficial college transcript. (Note: If you are selected for this position, an official transcript will be required prior to your first day) and foreign education evaluation documentation, if applicable, as described under the "Education" section of this vacancy announcement.
-Required, if applicable: CTAP/ICTAP documentation to include a copy of a separation notice or other proof of eligibility for priority selection; a copy of an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing current position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location; AND a copy of your most recent performance appraisal.
- Optional, if applicable: Veterans' Preference documentation. Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty); or if you are a current Active Duty member, a certification on appropriate military branch letterhead that indicates: 1) your service dates, 2) expected discharge or release date from active duty with a release/discharge date no later than 120 days from the closing date of this announcement, and 3) the character of service (e.g., Honorable); or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that shows your military service was performed under honorable conditions. If you are a disabled veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, or widow/widower if a veteran, the spouse of a disabled veteran or the parent of a disabled or deceased veteran, a Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference" dated October 2013 and the required documentation identified on the reverse side of the SF-15 to support your preference claim.
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 apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section in this announcement.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. (It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.)
3. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you are unable to apply online, contact Philadelphia Services Branch at philadelphia@opm.gov or 215-861-3074 as soon as possible to arrange an alternative application process.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 04/10/2020 to receive consideration. Keep a copy of your proof of submission in the event verification is needed.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
Marine Mammal Commission
4340 East-West Highway
Suite 700
Bethesda, MD 20814
US
Next steps
We will notify you of the outcome after each step of the recruitment process has been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation, to include a credit check. We expect to make a final job offer within 60 days after the closing date of the announcement.
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
