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Wildlife Refuge Specialist

Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This vacancy announcement is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Hiring Initiative for Wildlife Refuge Specialists. Multiple positions will be filled.

YOU MAY APPLY FOR UP TO 5 DUTY STATIONS FOR WHICH YOU ARE INTERESTED.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
09/08/2020 to 09/14/2020
Salary
$52,905 to - $83,210 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 9 - 11
Locations
19 vacancies in the following locations:
Kotzebue, AK
Alturas, CA
Loleta, CA
Los Banos, CA
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Occasional travel may be expected 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.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-Time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
11
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Moderate Risk (MR)
Trust determination process
Announcement number
MR-20-10906420-BV (MP)
Control number
578214000

Duties

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The incumbent is responsible for the day-to-day operational aspects of coordinating, planning and carrying out various duties involved with the effective and efficient running of Refuge/Wetland Management District biological programs and services. Performs the full range of technical and administrative supervision which includes outlining objectives, determining scope of work and developing overall plans (less than 25% of the time).

Click HERE to see specific information about each location/position.

Salary: The salary for each location may vary depending on locality. Locality tables may be found at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2018/general-schedule/

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
  • Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation
  • Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform required
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • LMWFA or Public Land Corps eligibles may apply
  • Time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F apply

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 09/14/2020 will be considered.

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:
A. I have completed a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelors or higher degree with major in zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology that included at least 9 semester hours (or equivalent) in zoology; 6 semester hours (or equivalent) in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; 3 semester hours (or equivalent) in conservation biology; and 3 semester hours (or equivalent) in botany; (OR)

B. I have completed courses in an accredited college/ university equivalent to a major in zoology, wildlife management, or appropriate field of biology that included at least 9 semester hours (or equivalent) in zoology; 6 semester hours (or equivalent) in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; 3 semester hours in conservation biology (or equivalent); and 3 semester hours (or equivalent) in botany PLUS appropriate experience and/or additional education comparable to the completion of a 4-year course of study. (OR)

C. I have previously occupied a position in the GS-0485 series prior to December 3, 2010, and meet the basic education requirement of the previous qualification standard. Previous standard: bachelor or higher degree with major in zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology, that includes 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in wildlife; and 9 semester hours in botany. NOTE: To qualify under this option, you must submit your transcripts and a copy of your SF-50 (Personnel Action), dated prior to Dec 3, 2010, showing that you held a position in the GS-0485 series.

You may qualify at the GS-09 level, if you fulfill one of the following qualification requirements:

  1. I have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service that includes the ability to apply knowledge and skill in theories, principles, practices, and techniques of population and wildlife biology to include species lifecycle requirements (conservation biology, landscape ecology) sufficient to independently perform a variety of natural resource assignments and solve minor issues and problems related to land management; apply basic knowledge of the land management acts and polices, the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and their requirements sufficient to be able to recognize when conflicts exist and present findings to supervisor.; skill in oral communication sufficient to address a variety of individuals/groups while delivering a variety of reports, presentations, or conducting tours. OR
  2. I have successfully completed two academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Master's degree in zoology, wildlife management, or other appropriate field of biology directly related to this position; (OR)
  3. I have a combination of education and experience as listed above.
You may qualify at the GS-11 level, if you fulfill one of the following qualification requirements:
  1. I have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service that includes the ability to apply knowledge of applicable laws, policies, objectives, planning, and management activities related to land management (e.g., public use, accessibility, law enforcement, endangered species, cultural resources, wildland fire, etc.) and knowledge of State, local, and Tribal laws, customs, and economic interests including the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and their requirements sufficient to perform duties with the legal boundaries and identify improper or illegal activities;skill to effectively interact with staff, the general public, non-governmental organizations, and other local, state, and Federal agencies sufficient to work cooperatively with diverse individuals and groups to solve problems, promote cooperation, and inform the public of issues; knowledge of planning and budgeting processes sufficient to participate in development of long-range plan, annual work plans, and associated budgeting.; OR
  2. I have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education in zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology; or possession of a LL.M. degree, if related. Graduate level education must demonstrate the competencies necessary to do the work of the position.
  3. I have a combination of education and experience as listed above.
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.

Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-9/11. 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-9/11. 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.

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

Public Land Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority:Note: You must provide a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Compliance Hiring Based for Public Land Corps Service.(1) In order to be eligible for PLC non-competitive status, a former member of the PLC must provide documentation, as part of their application, verifying their eligibility and meet the following criteria:(a) Served as a qualified youth on an appropriate conservation project completing a minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory service that included at least 120 hours through the PLC;(b) Applied to a vacancy announcement for which applications are being accepted from individuals with non-competitive status;(c) Meet the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) minimum qualification standards stated in the vacancy announcement for the position which you are applying; and(d) Completed his/her most recent Corps service, which provided him/her with a total of 640 hours, inclusive of 120 hours on a PLC project as defined in 16 USC 1723(d), within the last two (2) years.(2) Appointments must be effected within the two years requirement.(3) The two year time-frame cannot be extended.(4) Selectees will be subject to a probationary period.(5) This authority may be used for General Schedule and Federal Wage System positions.

The Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA),P.L. 114-47, allows certain individuals who currently or formerly were under time-limited competitive appointments at certain land management agencies to compete under merit promotion procedures:Current appointees:Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment that qualifies for LMWFA.·Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency.·Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years; AND·Must have performed at an acceptable level.Former appointees:·Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency,·Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years;·Must apply for position within 2 years after separation,·Must have been separated for reasons other than misconduct or performance; AND·Must have performed at an acceptable level

Additional information

To register or verify your registration go to the Selective Service System at https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx

Salary: The salary for each location may vary depending on locality. Locality tables may be found at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2020/general-schedule/

For Alaska Positions Only:

  • Applicants are ineligible for this position if at ANY time they have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence, unless such conviction was expunged, set aside or the applicant receives a pardon.
  • The salary range given above includes base pay and locality pay, you will receive a 4.22% cost of living allowance for Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau, or 5.80% for all other Alaska locations. This allowance is subject to annual review, adjustment and grade decrease.
  • If you are a current U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee and you are transferring from a Region outside of Alaska, you may be eligible to return to a position in your home Region upon completion of a minimum 3-year tour of duty in Alaska. If you exercise this option, your home Region will place you in a position of equivalent grade in the same general occupational classification series that you occupied in Alaska.
FWS has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.
TRAVEL AND RELOCATION EXPENSES/CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Please click HERE to verify if reimbursement of relocation expenses are authorized for the location you are applying AND for specific conditions of employment.

Career Transition Assistance Program 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 ICTAP or CTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP or CTAP eligibility (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal or Removal Notice; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; or Removal and most recent performance appraisal.). For more information visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/

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):

  • Knowledge of applicable laws, policies, objectives, planning, and management activities related to land management (e.g., public use, accessibility, law enforcement, endangered species, cultural resources, wildlife fire, etc.) and knowledge of State, local, and Tribal laws, customs, and economic interests including the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and their requirements sufficient to perform duties with the legal boundaries and identify improper or illegal activities
  • Knowledge of planning and budgeting processes sufficient to participate in development of long-range plan, annual work plans, and associated budgeting.
  • Skill to effectively interact with staff, the general public, non-governmental organizations, and other local, state, and Federal agencies sufficient to work cooperatively with diverse individuals and groups to solve problems, promote cooperation, and inform the public of issues.
  • Knowledge and skill in applying a wide range of theories, principles and concepts of population and wildlife and aquatic biology, wildlife management, species lifecycle requirements/ management, and conservation biology sufficient to independently carry out assignments and resolve complex issues and problems related to the day-to-day operations.
  • Knowledge of wildland recreation management to include priority public uses and compatibility/appropriate use policies to ensure maximum use of facilities while avoiding inappropriate/illegal uses.
  • Oral communication skills sufficient to interact with a variety of individuals, to present material(s), to conduct tours, to respond to verbal inquiries, and to brief management in a clear manner and effective manner.
  • Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of assets and equipment to ensure accountability and functionality.
  • Knowledge of, and skill to recruit, train, supervise, and motivate employee(s) sufficient to develop employee skills, evaluate employee effectiveness, identify training needs and provide training, counsel employees, establish performance standards, write position descriptions, appraise performance, recommend and/or approve personnel actions, awards, and disciplinary actions, and deal effectively with employee grievances.

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