Positions located at Ecological Services Field Offices and Gulf Restoration Office. As a Student Trainee (Biological Sciences) you will be responsible for providing assistance to biological projects in various field and regional office programs.
Summary
Positions located at Ecological Services Field Offices and Gulf Restoration Office. As a Student Trainee (Biological Sciences) you will be responsible for providing assistance to biological projects in various field and regional office programs.
*Conducts fish and wildlife and/or plant surveys and monitoring.
*Assists with performing biological studies for determining the manner and extent to which fish, wildlife and plant populations may be affected by development and conservation activities.
*Uses field equipment including cameras, GPS equipment, binoculars, rangefinders and computers in order to capture wildlife survey data or for other records.
*Compiles and summarizes data from surveys, biological evaluations, and tests.
*Assists in preparation of reports.
*Assists in the review of projects submitted for ESA section 7 consultation.
*Participates in conservation and recovery activities with other partner agencies and non-governmental organizations.
*Assists with private land restorations including landowner contacts, mapping, surveying, staking, construction monitoring, seeding, invasive species control, etc.
*Assists with invasive species removal projects, recording and submitting accomplishment data on the process of technical assistance and habitat restoration activities.
*Provides biological-based information for the public and reviews news release drafts for area media and/or participates in informational and/or environmental education programs to individuals, local organizations, and schools.
Education:Completion of 4 academic years of post-high school leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree (as determined by the educational institution attending)
.
OR Experience:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to a GS-04 level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is defined as experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Examples of qualifying experience may include:providing technical assistance in the areas of botany, wildlife or habitat conservation and management: by observing, collecting and recording biological field data; assisting in performing biological studies; computing, compiling, and presenting data in reports for a biological or scientific program; using maps and other geographic tools to capture wildlife survey data;assisting with invasive species removal projects, providing scientific or outdoor recreation information to the general public; assisting with private land restoration projects and assisting with construction/maintenance on habitat restoration projects.
OR Combination of Education and Experience:
For GS-05 levels positions, only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours in a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements. Two full academic years of study, or 60 semester hours, beyond the second year is equivalent to 1 year of specialized experience. Determine your total qualifying experience as a percentage of the year of specialized experience required at the GS-05 level. Then determine your education as a percentage of the education that meets the requirements for the GS-05. Add the two percentages together. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for the GS-05 based on a combination
.***If you will have completed all degree requirements in August of 2020 and do not plan on pursuing additional education, you will be found ineligible for this position. If there is no documentation provided with your application materials indicating that you intend on continuing your education past August of 2020, you will be found ineligible for this position.***
Special Provisions for Interns with Previous Related Education or Experience: Previous education and/or experience may be evaluated to determine the highest grade level for which the individual is qualified.
Applicants meet the following eligibility requirement, and provide documentation such as a copy of your official transcript and/or veteran's documentation by the closing date of the announcement to be considered:
Current students in an accredited high school, college (including 4-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate.
Pathways Intern
The Department of the Interior Internship Program (Pathways) is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school and while getting paid for the work performed.
To be eligible for a Pathways Program internship program, you must meet the following requirements:
You must be a student accepted for enrollment or enrolled in a degree or certificate program on at least a half-time basis and in good standing who will be continuing my education into the next semester have received a notice of acceptance for enrollment. (You are required to submit a copy of your transcript or notice of acceptance.)
Enrollment must be with an accredited educational institution or state-approved home school. These may include high schools, colleges, universities, technical, trade, vocational, or business schools, and state approved home school secondary and post-secondary programs.
Qualifying certificate programs are post-high school programs equivalent to at least one academic year of full-time study that is part of an accredited college-level, technical, trade, vocational, or business school curriculum.
Educational institutions must be accredited by organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. To see if your school is accredited, please visit: http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/
Pathways Intern NTE
This is a Pathways Internship Program position not to exceed 1 year. This position may be terminated at any time or may be extended at management's discretion without further competition if the employee remains eligible for employment in the Pathways Intern Program.
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
FWS has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for situational, emergency or natural disaster telework with supervisor approval.
More than one position may be filled from this announcement.
PCS move is not authorized.
Work Schedule: The student will be able to work less than 32 hours per week during the school year. Hours per week will be determined by the supervisor based on the student's availability and the needs of the office.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
DRIVER'S LICENSE: You must possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times
during your tenure.
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 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):
General knowledge of standard scientific methods, techniques, tools and equipment used in wildlife/plant surveys, studies, and other wildlife management projects.
Ability to record, compile and organize data using arithmetical and standard statistical procedures.
Knowledge of basic principles of wildlife biology, plant community ecology, or range science to perform recurring technical assignments of moderate difficulty or to assist higher level employees with more extensive or complex projects.
Skill in oral communication to meet and deal effectively with people of different backgrounds including representatives of Federal and state agencies and private organizations.
Ability to use computer technology to maintain and retrieve information from automated data systems, develop spreadsheets, and use word processing software programs.
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.
Unranked list: Applicants who meet basic eligibility criteria are listed by veterans' preference category: 10 percent or more compensable disabled veterans, 10-point preference eligible veterans, 5-point preference eligible veterans and non-preference eligible veterans. Agencies must consider the candidates in the highest preference group first. Agencies cannot select nonpreference eligible veterans until the preference eligible veterans are exhausted or the agency has gone through the proper pass over procedures with respect to the remaining preference eligible veterans
§ 302.302 Examination of applicants.
(a)Eligibility. An evaluation of the qualifications of applicants for positions covered by this part may be conducted at any time before an appointment is made. The evaluation may involve only determination of eligibility or ineligibility or may include qualitative rating of candidates. If the evaluation involves only basic eligibility numerical scores will not be assigned and eligible candidates will be referred in accordance with the procedures described in paragraph (b)(5) of § 302.304.
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.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
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
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:
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: 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.
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.
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 08/06/2020 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.
This Pathways intern position may be converted to a term, career, or career conditional position, upon successful completion of the program. Conversion is neither mandatory nor guaranteed and would need to occur within 120-calendar days of successful completion of degree requirements.
Applicants that will not be able to meet the minimum requirements listed below will be ineligible for conversion.
To be eligible for possible conversion to a term or career conditional position, the intern MUST:
Complete at least 640 hours of work experience acquired through the Internship Program prior to completing degree requirements.
Successfully complete their degree or certificate requirements.
Meet the qualification standards for the position to which the Intern will be converted, including any minimum education requirements.
Meet agency-specific requirements as specified in teh Participant's Agreement.
Performance must be rated at least at a fully successful level.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Be recommended for conversion by the supervisor.
Note: Pathways participants who successfully complete the program may be placed into any position that they meet the requirements for, regardless of grade level or series. If this position were converted, the anticipated position would be a Fish and Wildlife Biologist GS-0401-7/9. The anticipated position may change based on the needs of the organization. Interns must meet the qualification requirements for the position to which converted.
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/.
Division of Human Resources
Division of Human Capital Management
1875 Century Blvd Suite 370
Atlanta, GA 30345
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.
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
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
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:
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: 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.
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.
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 08/06/2020 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.
This Pathways intern position may be converted to a term, career, or career conditional position, upon successful completion of the program. Conversion is neither mandatory nor guaranteed and would need to occur within 120-calendar days of successful completion of degree requirements.
Applicants that will not be able to meet the minimum requirements listed below will be ineligible for conversion.
To be eligible for possible conversion to a term or career conditional position, the intern MUST:
Complete at least 640 hours of work experience acquired through the Internship Program prior to completing degree requirements.
Successfully complete their degree or certificate requirements.
Meet the qualification standards for the position to which the Intern will be converted, including any minimum education requirements.
Meet agency-specific requirements as specified in teh Participant's Agreement.
Performance must be rated at least at a fully successful level.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Be recommended for conversion by the supervisor.
Note: Pathways participants who successfully complete the program may be placed into any position that they meet the requirements for, regardless of grade level or series. If this position were converted, the anticipated position would be a Fish and Wildlife Biologist GS-0401-7/9. The anticipated position may change based on the needs of the organization. Interns must meet the qualification requirements for the position to which converted.
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/.
Division of Human Resources
Division of Human Capital Management
1875 Century Blvd Suite 370
Atlanta, GA 30345
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.
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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
