This vacancy announcement is part of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service coordinated advertisement for Biological Science Technician (Fish) GS-0404-5/6.
This position is also open to status candidates under announcement MR-20-10827514-DP-MP. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
You may apply for up to 5 duty locations. You must apply for each duty location in which you are interested.
Summary
This vacancy announcement is part of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service coordinated advertisement for Biological Science Technician (Fish) GS-0404-5/6.
This position is also open to status candidates under announcement MR-20-10827514-DP-MP. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
You may apply for up to 5 duty locations. You must apply for each duty location in which you are interested.
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—Some locations may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. See link provided under "additional information" section..
As a Biological Science Technician (Fish) your duties will include but are not limited to the following:
Assist in collecting data on hatchery populations to study health and propagation methods.
Participate in multifaceted fish and/or wildlife studies.
Assist biologists in studying and preparing reports on effects to ecosystems from development proposals of local, state, and Federal government organizations.
Assist hatchery crew in providing daily care to fish in an aquaculture facility.
Provide basic information on fish and wildlife resources to groups and indiviudals.
Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-07. At lower grade levels, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-07. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds.The selectee may be promoted without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.
Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
The incumbent may be required to obtain and properly wear the official Fish and Wildlife Service uniform
The incumbent must possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during your tenure
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by 06/09/2020 will be considered. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Minimum Qualification.
Minimum Qualification [GS-05]
One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-04 in the Federal service. Experience includes fish hatchery work OR fish surveys and studies; assisting with the preparation, maintenance and use of equipment;
recording information in legible form; accomplishing field assessments; assisting with collection, stocking, population
determination, migration studies and species identification; participating in fishery management surveys; assisting with
preparing plans and presentations; OR
Successful completion of a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major field of study (or at least 24 semester hours of study) in biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours must have been directly related to this position; OR
A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement.
Minimum Qualification [GS-06]
One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-05 in the Federal service. Experience includes care and feeding of all life stages of trout and salmon. Record and monitor fish health, maintain and update fish culture and water quality records, maintain and improve hatchery infrastructure, equipment and grounds. Rearing, distribution and maintenance of eggs, fry, parr, smolts, yearlings, and broodstock; OR
Successful completion of one-half year of graduate education (9 semester/13.5 quarter hours, or the school's equivalent) in an accredited college or university that included courses directly related to the occupation, such as fishery biology, ichthyology, limnology, aquaculture, etc.; OR
A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement.
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 with a score of 85; 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: OPM's Employee Guide to Career Transition
This position may be suitable for telework and employees may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.
This position MAY qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. See Position Information for telework availability and relocation expenses eligibility based on location.
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.
Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If you meet the 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 supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications 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 capture, handle, and tag or collar various fish/wildlife.
Knowledge of practices that affect natural resources environments (e.g., agriculture, construction) in order to recognize probable effects on and/or relationship to those resources.
Knowledge of principles, practices, and terminology of biological sciences and related management practices and a working familiarity with similar disciplines in order to assist with planning and coordinating survey and other biological data collection and analysis projects.
Ability to communicate orally in order to meet and deal effectively with people of different backgrounds, including representatives of state, Federal, Tribal resource agencies and private agencies and organizations.
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, and Qualified
The category rating process protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the 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).
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.
You must submit a complete application package which includes:
RESUME. 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. OPM Resume Writing Tips
COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS, 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: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
VETERANS' PREFERENCE DOCUMENTATION, if applicable. 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 Member Copy 4 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 (i.e. VA letter).
CTAP/ICTAP DOCUMENTATION, if applicable. Documentation/proof that you are eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (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:
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.
Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below: The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text.
Review the Required Documents section: Along with a completed online application and assessment questionnaire you must submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.
DEADLINE DATE: A complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on 06/09/2020 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account. 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 prior to submitting. 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.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, 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/.
Division of Human Resources
5275 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041
US
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 hiring official.
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
You must submit a complete application package which includes:
RESUME. 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. OPM Resume Writing Tips
COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS, 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: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
VETERANS' PREFERENCE DOCUMENTATION, if applicable. 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 Member Copy 4 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 (i.e. VA letter).
CTAP/ICTAP DOCUMENTATION, if applicable. Documentation/proof that you are eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (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:
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.
Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below: The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text.
Review the Required Documents section: Along with a completed online application and assessment questionnaire you must submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.
DEADLINE DATE: A complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on 06/09/2020 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account. 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 prior to submitting. 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.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, 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/.
Division of Human Resources
5275 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041
US
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 hiring official.
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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
