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Supervisory Wildlife Refuge Specialist

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

Summary

This position is a Supervisory Wildlife Refuge Specialist, GS- 0485-14 working in FWS Office in AL, GA, KY, NC, SC, or TN for the R4-Regional Chief-National Wildlife Refuge System.

Salary listed is for the Rest of US Pay Scale. Please refer to the following link for pay scales in your area, click HERE for OPM's Locality Pay Tables

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
05/21/2021 to 05/27/2021
Salary
$108,885 to - $141,548 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 14
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Location Negotiable After Selection, United States
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Supervisory status
Yes
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
R4-21-11124058-AA-MP
Control number
602300100

Duties

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As a Supervisory Wildlife Refuge Specialist your duties will include but are not limited to the following:

  • Program management, advise subordinate on program implementation and administration of refuge programs. Schedule on-site visits and conduct evaluations to determine the effectiveness of refuge operations. Coordinate and consult on scientific and technical matters associated with wildlife refuge management. Participates on teams assisting in cross-team and cross-regional communications, and assisting in the review of team products and administration responsibilities. Fulfills an essential roll in the Regional budget decision-making process by assisting in establishing priorities among program areas. Ensures all Regional work products conform to National and Regional policy, are biologically and technically accurate, and follow prescribed formats. Assists project leaders with preparation of reports and other administrative responsibilities, including Regional Office and Headquarters Office requests. Supports and guides the development of partnerships, including multiple unique agreements and memorandums of understanding with non-government organizations to significantly increase accomplishment of refuge programs with limited fiscal resources. Participates in devising and carrying out local, geographic area, and Regional Office comprehensive planning and outreach activities.
  • Supervises, as higher-level supervisor, refuge operations/programs within a geographic area of responsibility.
  • Policy/Program Analysis, develops short-and long-range plans, objectives and priorities for ensuring adherence to the laws and policies which govern the management of the Service. Serves as an advocate and provides leadership for national and Region-wide program issues and policies. Participates with other top-level Regional managers in interpreting and implementing legislation and legal decisions, and assessing their impact on Regional natural resource management practices and programs. Exercises managerial and leadership skill in integrating multiple aspects of ecosystem management, refuge management, fisheries management, ecological services, and the migratory birds, federal aid and law enforcement programs. Reviews, formulates, and influences the establishment of policies, plans, programs, and procedures of Regional scope.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.
  • Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply).
  • Merit promotion applicants must meet time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
  • Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
  • Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Supervisory Probationary Period: Selectees who have not previously completed a supervisory probationary period, will be required to serve a one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period for this position.
  • Notice of Financial Disclosure Report Requirement: This position is subject to a financial disclosure requirement and you will be required to complete either OGE Form 278e or OGE Form 450 as applicable within 30 days of your appointment

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 05/27/2021 will be considered.

In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.
Basic Requirement:
1. Completed a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a Bachelor's degree or higher degree with a major field of study in zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology that included: at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology or wildlife management; 3 semester hours in botany; and 3 semester hours in conservation biology.

OR

2. Combination of education and appropriate experience which when combined total 100% of the requirement. Education used in this manner MUST show courses equivalent to a major in biological science with at least 9 semester hours in zoology, 6 semester hours in wildlife, 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology. 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.

Minimum Qualification [GS-14]

  1. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-GS-13 in the Federal service. Experience include experience applying knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of fish and wildlife management, biology and ecology; planning, organizing and directing the work of others; preparing, reviewing and evaluating habitat conservation and environmental contaminants plans and reports; and negotiating complex, controversial or sensitive issues of regional scope.

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.

Time In Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet both eligibility and qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the JOA. Specifically,
i. Area of Consideration.
ii. Time-in-grade (TIG) requirements as specified in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
iii. Time after competitive appointment as specified in 5 CFR 330.502.
iv. Qualification requirements outlined in OPM's Qualifications Standards for General Schedule Positions or for Federal Wage System (FWS), wage grade positions, applicants are evaluated using the OPM Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations and the job element examining method

Your SF-50 will be used to confirm you meet all requirements

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

PCS INFORMATION:
Yes, entitlements for payment of basic moving expenses, as required and to the extent allowed by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 302-3.101, are authorized for eligible applicants changing duty station when the change meets the distance tests as provided in FTR 302-1.1 and 302-2.6. All moving expenses are taxable.
-In addition, relocation discretionary entitlements May be authorized for this position excluding contractor-provided home sale.
Telework:
This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.
Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP):Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), score at least 85 on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry.

For information on CTAP and ICTAP visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/"

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.

Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment that qualifies for LMWFA. Performance documentation can be obtained by contacting the supervisors for the positions you served in during your 24 months. If they did not complete performance appraisals ask them to provide a statement of performance for each period of service. The statement must specify the dates for each employment period and your level of performance (dates should match the dates on the SF-50s).

Current 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; 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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

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. Note: 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):

  • Mastery of, and skill in applying, advanced management principles, concepts, and practices of fish and wildlife, as well as related disciplines, e.g., zoology, mammalogy, botany, ornithology, and ecology, in order to provide guidance, make recommendations, and arrive at plans which reflect an understanding of population dynamics, community ecology and ecological processes.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of Service programs, operations, and organizational structure in order to facilitate cross-program coordination and concentrate efforts and funding on conservation of wildlife and habitat.
  • Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain cooperative relationships within and outside of the Service.
  • Skill in directing and administering projects and operations concerned with the conservation and management of a variety of biological resources.
  • Supervisory knowledge and skills in order to guide and motivate subordinates; to apply performance evaluation methods; and to plan, organize, and direct operating programs


Candidates who apply under Competitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are highly qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Best qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.

Public Land Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority: 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 and received a certificate of non-competitive eligibility. Completed most recent Corps service, for which a certificate of non-competitive eligibility was issued, within the last 2 years. Appointment must be effected within the 2 year period.

Applicants are ineligible for this position if 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.

Candidates who apply under Noncompetitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are minimally qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.

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