Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on his or her expertise as a Interdisciplinary (Science Advisor). Make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment.
Location - Klamath Falls, Oregon
Summary
Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on his or her expertise as a Interdisciplinary (Science Advisor). Make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment.
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL), Federal employees - Competitive service, Internal to an agency - appears on USAJOBS, Land & base management, Veterans; See Who May Apply under Requirements for more information on who is eligible to apply for this position
The primary duties of this position are:
- Serves as a technical expert on structured decision-making (SDM) models and other collaborative science approaches to Klamath Basin Area Office (KBAO) operations.
- Advises the Deputy Manager for Operations and Resources on Klamath Project operations by recommending factual, science-based, and interdisciplinary solutions to fisheries, environmental, and water operations problems.
- Represents the Area Office on scientific committees and collaborates extensively with stakeholders on science proposals and initiatives addressing the Klamath Project.
- Collaborates with other scientific experts both within and outside Reclamation to develop and maintain models used in the structured decision-making (SDM) process, such as surface water models; instream habitat models; salmon disease models; Upper Klamath Lake water quality models; and fisheries lifecycle models.
- Investigates opportunities for new or advanced modeling platforms to better inform or evaluate management decisions related to project operations and associated fisheries and habitat issues.
- Provides guidance in performing physical habitat analyses (reservoir and river processes) and other analytical modeling to assess habitat quality, suitability, and impacts to fish species that advance Klamath. - Project operations and restore endangered species and aquatic habitats.
- Conducts multi-agency interdisciplinary coordination to integrate large and complex water and environmental projects.
To be eligible, an applicant must meet the following:
You must be a U.S. Citizenship or U.S. National.
You must be suitable for federal employment, determined by a background investigation.
You must submit a resume and supporting documentation (see Required Documents).
You must submit eligibility documents for veterans consideration (see Required Documents).
You must meet any minimum education and/or experience requirements (see Qualifications).
You must submit transcript(s) to verify education requirements (see Qualifications/Education).
You must maintain a valid State Driver's License at all times as the position requires operation of government vehicles on government and public roads. Failure to maintain a valid State Driver's License at all times will result in removal from the position.
You must obtain and maintain Certification is required to serve as a Contracting Officer's Representative as articulated in the DOI Acquisition, Assistance, and Asset Policy (DOI-AAAP) 0051, Federal Acquisition Certification and Programs Policy.
Applicants must meet all qualification requirements, and any selective factors, by the closing date of the announcement 06/07/2021.
TIME IN GRADE: Current career or career-conditional employees of the Federal government, or former career or career-conditional employees, who have a break in service of less than one year, are required to meet the time-in-grade restriction of one year of Federal experience at the next lower-grade, with few exceptions outlined in 5 CFR 300.603(b). Applicants eligible under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) are not required to meet time-in-grade restrictions in order to be considered.
Applicants may be required to serve an initial probationary period.
The selectee must maintain a valid State Driver's License at all times as the position requires operation of government vehicles on government and public roads. Failure to maintain a valid State Driver's License at all times will result in removal from the position.
Qualifications
Basic Education Requirements:
BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT FOR 0401, BIOLOGIST: Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Biologist, all grade levels.
A. Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
B. Combination of education and experience--courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above (24 semester hours or the equivalent in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position), plus appropriate experience and/or additional education for a total of 4 years. The education or combined education and experience must be comparable in type, scope and thoroughness to that acquired through successful completion of a 4-year course of study as described in "A" above.
BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT FOR 1301, PHYSICAL SCIENTIST: Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Physical Scientist, all grade levels
A. Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours or the equivalent in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
B. A combination of education and experience--education equivalent to one of the majors shown in "A" above (24 semester hours or the equivalent in physical science, engineering, or mathematics) that included at least 24 semester hours or the equivalent in physical science and/ or related engineering science as described above, plus appropriate experience and/or additional education for a total of 4 years. The education or combined education and experience must be comparable in type, scope and thoroughness to that acquired through successful completion of a 4-year course of study as described in "A" above.
For GS-13:
In addition to the basic education requirement as stated above, applicants must meet the following to qualify for the GS-13 level: One year of appropriate professional experience that is in or directly related to the duties of the position to be filled is qualifying if it is equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service, and if it equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Examples of such experience may include planning, executing and reporting on original physical science or biological studies or ongoing studies requiring a fresh approach to resolve new problems. Experience in influencing local policy development, program direction, and subsequent operations. Work produced contributes to enhancing the reliability, consistency, and efficiency of services throughout the Klamath Basin and the Area Office's scientific efforts related to operations, lake and river management, endangered species and aquatic habitats, and associated scientific and collaborative decision-making strategies, tools, and techniques. At this level, physical scientists and biologists have wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment to perform scientific work of marked difficulty and responsibility.
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. Applicants will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
If selected, the selectee will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify educational qualifications. An official transcript must be sent directly from the University's Registrar's office and must be provided from the institution awarding the degree. Academic transcripts certified by notary publics are NOT official. Official transcripts must be submitted prior to reporting to work as a condition of employment. Failure to submit official transcripts may be grounds for dismissal or rescission of the job offer.
Education
This position does not allow substituting education for experience.
This position has a mandatory education requirement. Applicants must submit a copy of college transcript(s) (unofficial copy is acceptable) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include the name of the college or university and date the degree was conferred. Non-submission will result in being rated not-qualified for the position.
Accreditation: Only education from an accredited college or university recognized by the Department of Education is acceptable to meet education requirements or to substitute for experience, if applicable. For additional information, please go to the Office of Personnel Management at https://www.opm.gov/qualifications/ and U.S. Department of Education websites at https://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html websites.
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, applicants must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For further information visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Additional information
Position is being advertised concurrently under vacancy announcement BOR-21-MP-11129577-RM Applicants interested in applying under both announcement numbers, must submit application packages for each.
At the present time, we have one vacancy; however, this announcement may be used to fill additional, equivalent positions at this duty location.
This is an interdisciplinary position. Position may be filled by: 0401, BIOLOGIST or 1301, PHYSICAL SCIENTIST
Reclamation has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) expenses are authorized with the exception of the Guaranteed Home Sale Provision or first-post-of-duty relocation expenses are authorized, as applicable. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), signed into law December 2017, suspends the moving expense deduction and the exclusion from income of qualified employer reimbursements of moving expenses that was allowed under previous tax laws. Employer reimbursements for moving costs are now generally taxed at the same rate as ordinary income.
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including applicant rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/
Selective Service: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must certify registration with the Selective Service System or that the applicant is exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Go to: https://www.sss.gov
Related non-Federal experience or related experience as retired members of the uniformed services may be credited towards computing entitlement to leave accrual, at managerial discretion, providing that experience meets certain criteria. This provision allows new employees to earn annual leave at a higher rate than would otherwise be allowed. (5 Code of Federal Regulations, 630). For additional information, please visit: Creditable Service for Annual Leave
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.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide to the application questionnaire, and the result of the additional assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
Administration and Management
Oral Communication
Requirements Analysis
Research
In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process.
Applicant's answers to questions will be verified against information provided in their online resume. Be sure that the resume clearly supports the responses to all the questions by addressing experience, education, and/or training relevant to this position. Applicants must make a fair and accurate assessment of their qualifications. If a determination is made that an applicant has rated themselves higher than is apparent in his/her description of experience, competencies, skills, and/or education/training OR that his/her resume/application is incomplete, the applicant may be rated ineligible or his/her score may be lowered.
Due Weight Consideration: You must submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.
For evaluating the quality of candidates for referral to the selecting official, a three-phased process will be used.
Phase 1: Applicant resumes will be reviewed by Human Resources to ensure they meet the basic qualification requirements (see definition of specialized experience). If applicants meet basic qualifications, they will continue on to the second phase and will be given an interim score based on the application questionnaire, which will take the applicant approximately 30 minutes to complete when initially applying. With information received from the application questionnaire in the first phase, applicant's will be evaluated on the following Competencies: Administration and Management, Oral Communication, Requirements Analysis, and Research.
Phase 2: Candidates who pass the first phase will have their resumes forwarded to a Subject Matter Expert(s) who will evaluate each eligible candidate's resume on the competencies listed above.
Phase 3: Candidates will be given a final score which combines the scores from the first and second phases. Those candidates who score as best qualified will be referred to the selecting official for consideration.
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.
Applicants are required to submit a resume, an on-line assessment questionnaire, and the following supporting documents, as appropriate.
Resume: Must demonstrate how skills and experiences meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the job announcement to be considered for the job. Each job experience should at least include start and end dates (month and year) and number of hours worked per week. For more information: Resumes - What to Include
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action: Status applicants (transfer, reassignment, reinstatement, promotion, etc.) MUST submit a copy of their SF-50, verifying highest rate of pay and documenting career or career-conditional status in the competitive service (Tenure 1 or 2) for which the applicant is claiming eligibility. Do not submit award SF-50s. FAILURE TO SUBMIT AN SF-50 VERIFYING STATUS WILL RESULT IN THE APPLICANT NOT BEING CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION.
Special Non-Competitive Appointing Authorities: Schedule A, Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteers. Applicants claiming eligibility based on a Special Hiring Authority must submit applicable proof of eligibility. For more information: Special Non-Competitive Hiring Authorities
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) Eligibles: Current or former land management agency appointees must provide documentation to verify eligibility as follows:
a) A copy of the applicant's SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, that reflects having initially been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited (temporary/term) appointment;
b) A copy of SF-50(s), Notification of Personnel Action(s), that reflect having served under one (1) or more time-limited (temporary/term) appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two (2) or more years; and
(c) A copy of the applicant's Performance Appraisal Plan and/or Supervisor Memorandum that reflects having performed at an acceptable level during each period of service.
DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty (VEOA, VRA, 30% or more Disabled, or Disabled Veterans Enrolled in a VA Training Program): Applicants who are entitled to veterans' preference must submit a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 Copy preferred, including character of service), or an official statement of service from his/her command if they are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves the applicants military service was performed under honorable conditions. If the applicant has a compensable service-connected disability, submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and the required documentation requested by this form, in addition to the DD-214.
CTAP/ICTAP: 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 selective factors, education and experience requirements) and score at least 85.0 on the assessment questionnaire as established, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry.
For information on CTAP and ICTAP visit: Career Transition
Performance Appraisal: You must submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.
Transcripts: Applicants MUST furnish a copy of college transcripts, if applicable. If selected, the applicant will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify educational qualifications prior to reporting for work.
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.
Applications (resume, assessment questionnaire, and supporting documentation) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, DC time) on the closing date of this announcement 06/07/2021. To apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the top of the page.
This vacancy is being announced through Bureau of Reclamation's Hiring System-USA Staffing. For more information, please visit: https://www.usbr.gov/hr/
As part of the on-line application process, applicants may be required to submit supporting documents. Failure to submit the requested supporting documents may result in the applicant not being considered for this position.
Do not submit photographs with the application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - applicant must remove any images from badges, licenses, etc.
KBAO
Bureau of Reclamation
6600 Washburn Way
Klamath Falls, OR 97603
US
Next steps
Upon successful submission of the application packet, applicants will receive a confirmation email from USAJOBS. If this email confirmation is not received by the applicant, the application has not yet been accepted by the system.
After all application packages have been received, resumes and supporting document(s) will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the resume, application questionnaire, and other assessment criteria identified in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section above. Best-qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation by regularly checking their public status notifications in the USAJOBS profile.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Applicants are required to submit a resume, an on-line assessment questionnaire, and the following supporting documents, as appropriate.
Resume: Must demonstrate how skills and experiences meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the job announcement to be considered for the job. Each job experience should at least include start and end dates (month and year) and number of hours worked per week. For more information: Resumes - What to Include
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action: Status applicants (transfer, reassignment, reinstatement, promotion, etc.) MUST submit a copy of their SF-50, verifying highest rate of pay and documenting career or career-conditional status in the competitive service (Tenure 1 or 2) for which the applicant is claiming eligibility. Do not submit award SF-50s. FAILURE TO SUBMIT AN SF-50 VERIFYING STATUS WILL RESULT IN THE APPLICANT NOT BEING CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION.
Special Non-Competitive Appointing Authorities: Schedule A, Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteers. Applicants claiming eligibility based on a Special Hiring Authority must submit applicable proof of eligibility. For more information: Special Non-Competitive Hiring Authorities
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) Eligibles: Current or former land management agency appointees must provide documentation to verify eligibility as follows:
a) A copy of the applicant's SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, that reflects having initially been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited (temporary/term) appointment;
b) A copy of SF-50(s), Notification of Personnel Action(s), that reflect having served under one (1) or more time-limited (temporary/term) appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two (2) or more years; and
(c) A copy of the applicant's Performance Appraisal Plan and/or Supervisor Memorandum that reflects having performed at an acceptable level during each period of service.
DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty (VEOA, VRA, 30% or more Disabled, or Disabled Veterans Enrolled in a VA Training Program): Applicants who are entitled to veterans' preference must submit a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 Copy preferred, including character of service), or an official statement of service from his/her command if they are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves the applicants military service was performed under honorable conditions. If the applicant has a compensable service-connected disability, submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and the required documentation requested by this form, in addition to the DD-214.
CTAP/ICTAP: 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 selective factors, education and experience requirements) and score at least 85.0 on the assessment questionnaire as established, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry.
For information on CTAP and ICTAP visit: Career Transition
Performance Appraisal: You must submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.
Transcripts: Applicants MUST furnish a copy of college transcripts, if applicable. If selected, the applicant will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify educational qualifications prior to reporting for work.
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.
Applications (resume, assessment questionnaire, and supporting documentation) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, DC time) on the closing date of this announcement 06/07/2021. To apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the top of the page.
This vacancy is being announced through Bureau of Reclamation's Hiring System-USA Staffing. For more information, please visit: https://www.usbr.gov/hr/
As part of the on-line application process, applicants may be required to submit supporting documents. Failure to submit the requested supporting documents may result in the applicant not being considered for this position.
Do not submit photographs with the application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - applicant must remove any images from badges, licenses, etc.
KBAO
Bureau of Reclamation
6600 Washburn Way
Klamath Falls, OR 97603
US
Next steps
Upon successful submission of the application packet, applicants will receive a confirmation email from USAJOBS. If this email confirmation is not received by the applicant, the application has not yet been accepted by the system.
After all application packages have been received, resumes and supporting document(s) will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the resume, application questionnaire, and other assessment criteria identified in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section above. Best-qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation by regularly checking their public status notifications in the USAJOBS profile.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
