At the interagency Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, this research scientist will develop impactful lines of research and partnerships related to understanding and improving the relevance of Federally designated Wilderness to communities who have been historically underrepresented and/or under-resourced.
For additional information about the Institute or the duties of this position, please contact Jason Taylor at jason.taylor2@usda.gov or 406-550-1079.
Summary
At the interagency Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, this research scientist will develop impactful lines of research and partnerships related to understanding and improving the relevance of Federally designated Wilderness to communities who have been historically underrepresented and/or under-resourced.
For additional information about the Institute or the duties of this position, please contact Jason Taylor at jason.taylor2@usda.gov or 406-550-1079.
This job will close when we have received 75 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$77,488 to - $92,143 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 12 - 13
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Missoula, MT
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Occasional overnight travel 7-8 times per year to other government offices or field locations and to attend professional meetings and conferences. Travel needs and timing will vary depending on research and science delivery needs.
Plan and conduct research in a series of phases and studies for problems which are sometimes difficult to define or for which there is no prior analog.
Utilize sophisticated research techniques with emphasis on discovering and synthesizing knowledge to support planning frameworks, policy making, public engagement, and/or management applications.
Integrate scientific principles with a wide range of advanced analytical approaches and incorporate novel and innovative methods to conduct research.
Collaborate with researchers from other disciplines and institutions (e.g., universities, federal agencies, tribes, NGOs) and varied publics to propose, plan, carry out and report research.
Disseminate research results through multiple avenues such as lectures, scientific journals, technical reports and research papers, conferences, popular literature, and direct interactions with groups interested to use research results.
Develop strategies for understanding and addressing problems through adapting, confirming, or modifying existing scientific theory or methodology.
Develop lines of research using methods and tools that can be translated into meaningful investigation on the relevance of outdoor/natural/public lands and spaces to communities who have been historically underrepresented and/or under-resourced.
Integrate science on social/cultural systems and ecological systems to answer important questions related to the management of outdoor/natural/public lands and spaces.
Lead knowledge transfer and community engagement events (workshops and field visits) as a major aspect of conducting and disseminating research.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
Completion of a 3-year probationary period required in accordance with the USDA Demonstration Project Authority. During this time, employee?s conduct and performance will be monitored in order to determine if employee will be retained.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide university course descriptions as necessary to clarify content of coursework. Your resume must clearly document the following for each block of experience: the beginning day, month and year the work assignment started and ended; the hours worked per week; position title, and series and grade if applicable; and description of duties performed. This information must be provided for each experience and should be clearly documented as a separate block of time. Incomplete, inaccurate or conflicting work history may not be credited for qualifications purposes. This can result in an applicant not being considered for the position.
SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR (SCREEN OUT): The scientist must have demonstrated research expertise in cultural studies, anthropology, sociology, recreation, law and policy, natural resource management, environmental education, or a similar field using tools and methods applicable to research about the engagement of underrepresented or under-resourced communities in outdoor/natural/public lands and spaces. To qualify, this experience must be clearly documented in your resume and academic background, specifically within your publication history.
This is an interdisciplinary position and may be filled in any of the job series listed below. Social Science Series (0101):
Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
Combination of education and experience -- that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
OR
Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
Biological Science Series (0401):
Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
Combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major described above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to meeting the basic series requirements, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below. GS-12: One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11). Specialized experience at this level is defined as:
--Conducting the full cycle of scientific research (including all of the following: identifying research topics, defining study objectives, organizing and conducting the research, interpreting the results, and presenting the findings in the form of reports, demonstrations, manuscripts, and other appropriate technology transfer activities
). The full cycle of research must be in one or more of the following areas
: 1) understanding recreation experiences, preferences, barriers, and incentives for communities who have historically been underrepresented and/or under resourced; 2) improving the delivery of government benefits and services, similar to those relevant to outdoor/natural/public lands and spaces, to ensure that families of all backgrounds can access opportunity; 3) improving information on how the demographics of society are changing and how those changes will impact the way people value and use outdoor/natural/public lands and spaces; (4) explorations of the "relevancy" of outdoor/natural/public lands and spaces, which is either related to long-standing relevancy that has not been emphasized or new relevancy emerging due to a changing society; and 5) studying new methods to assess whether proposed and existing laws and policies advance equity and inclusion.
--Collaborating with researchers from other disciplines (e.g., disturbance ecologists, economists, statisticians) and institutions (e.g., universities, federal agencies, tribes, NGOs) and varied publics to propose, plan, carry out and report on research.
OR Conferred Ph.D. degree that included scientific research in areas related to the work of the position which is development and dissemination of knowledge needed to improve management of Federally managed wilderness and includes coursework in areas such as social science, anthropology, economics, geography, cultural studies, law, planning, environmental education, recreation, natural resource management, biology and ecology.
GS-13: One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12). To qualify at this grade level your resume must reflect the following specialized experience:
--Conducting a diversity or body of research relevant to addressing a wide range of cross-cutting research needs for the stewardship outdoor/natural/public lands and spaces as a Principal Investigator or project member on multiple studies that include the full cycle of scientific research (including all of the following: identifying research topics, defining study objectives, organizing and conducting the research, interpreting the results, and presenting the findings in the form of reports, demonstrations, manuscripts, and other appropriate technology transfer activities). The full cycle of research must be relevant to: 1) understanding recreation experiences, preferences, barriers, and incentives for communities who have historically been underrepresented and/or under resourced with respect to outdoor/natural/public lands and spaces; 2) improving the delivery of government benefits and services, related to management of outdoor/natural/public lands and spaces, to ensure that families of all backgrounds can access opportunity; 3) improving information on how the demographics of society are changing and how those changes will impact the way people value and use outdoor/natural/public lands and spaces; (4) explorations of the "relevancy" of outdoor/natural/public lands and spaces, which is either related to long-standing relevancy that has not been emphasized or new relevancy emerging due to a changing society; and 5) studying new methods to assess whether proposed and existing outdoor/natural/public lands and spaces management laws and policies advance equity and inclusion.
--Collaborating with researchers from other disciplines (e.g., disturbance ecologists, economists, statisticians) and institutions (e.g., universities, federal agencies, tribes, NGOs) and varied publics to propose, plan, carry out and report on research related to management of outdoor/natural/public lands and spaces.
--Developing and disseminating research findings in collaboration with managers and planners for presentation at conferences or scientific meetings and publishing results in peer-reviewed journals.
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.
Education
NOTE: At the GS- 13 grade level, graduate level education alone is not qualifying at this grade level. To qualify at this grade, you must possess the specialized experience listed above.
Additional information
This is a research scientist position and is classified under the scientist career plan. Research scientists have open-ended promotion potential. Research accomplishments and their impact on the duties and responsibilities of positions are evaluated periodically. The grade level is limited only by the individual's demonstrated ability to perform research of recognized importance to science and technology. Final grade level will be determined by a peer review panel. The purpose of the initial review panel is to determine the grade level upon entry into a position.
Candidates being considered for this research position should provide a list of publications for which you have been an author, co-author, or contributor. If providing curriculum vitae, please incorporate all resume requirements identified in the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement, or submit a supplemental resume which includes all information required in addition to the curriculum vitae.
The USDA Forest Service has legislative authority to recruit and fill Permanent (Career/Career-Conditional), Temporary, and Term Appointments under the USDA Demonstration Project. Under this authority, any U.S. citizen may apply.
If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is not guaranteed.
This is a bargaining unit designated position.
Forest Service daycare facilities are not available.
Government Housing is not available.
Daycare facilities are not available.
This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.
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 for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications.
You will be evaluated in accordance with the category rating procedure as defined in the USDA Demonstration Project Plan. Applicants who meet the basic minimum qualification requirements established for the position will be placed in the Eligible category. You will be further evaluated against criteria for placement in the Quality category. This evaluation is based on the level of your experience, education, and/or training as determined by your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire. Individuals with veterans' preference are listed ahead of applicants who do not have veterans' preference within each category.
Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.
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.
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the responsibilities section including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) supervisor's phone number and whether or not the supervisor may be contacted for a reference check; 5) other qualifications.
If education is required or you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
If claiming veteran's preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
If claiming 10-point veteran's preference you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference. For more information on veterans' preference visit FEDSHIREVETS.
Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
Please view Tips for Applicants - a guide to the Forest Service application process.
Read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m. (MST), Monday - Friday. If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be returned to Human Resources no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement in order for it to be entered into the system prior to the closing date.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Agency Contact to request this.
To begin, in USAJOBS click "Apply" and follow the instructions to attach your resume and required documents, complete the assessment questionnaire, and submit your application.
NOTE: If a document is resubmitted, it replaces the previous submission, which means the previous document is no longer available to the Human Resources Office. If you are adding to, rather than replacing a previous submission, you must upload both the old document and the new document. You must verify that uploaded documents from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Applicants may combine all like required documents (e.g. SF-50s or veteran docs) into one or more files and scan for uploading into the application. Each file must not exceed 3MB. Grouping like documents into files will simplify the application process. Documents must be in one of the following formats: GIF, JPEG, JPG, PDF, PNG, RTF, or Word (DOC or DOCX). Uploaded documents may not require a password, digital signature, or other encryption to open.
USDA Forest Service HRM Contact Center
DO NOT MAIL IN APPLICATIONS, SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE ANNOUNCEMENT.
Albuquerque, NM 87109
US
Next steps
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS to check your application status.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the responsibilities section including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) supervisor's phone number and whether or not the supervisor may be contacted for a reference check; 5) other qualifications.
If education is required or you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
If claiming veteran's preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
If claiming 10-point veteran's preference you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference. For more information on veterans' preference visit FEDSHIREVETS.
Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
Please view Tips for Applicants - a guide to the Forest Service application process.
Read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m. (MST), Monday - Friday. If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be returned to Human Resources no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement in order for it to be entered into the system prior to the closing date.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Agency Contact to request this.
To begin, in USAJOBS click "Apply" and follow the instructions to attach your resume and required documents, complete the assessment questionnaire, and submit your application.
NOTE: If a document is resubmitted, it replaces the previous submission, which means the previous document is no longer available to the Human Resources Office. If you are adding to, rather than replacing a previous submission, you must upload both the old document and the new document. You must verify that uploaded documents from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Applicants may combine all like required documents (e.g. SF-50s or veteran docs) into one or more files and scan for uploading into the application. Each file must not exceed 3MB. Grouping like documents into files will simplify the application process. Documents must be in one of the following formats: GIF, JPEG, JPG, PDF, PNG, RTF, or Word (DOC or DOCX). Uploaded documents may not require a password, digital signature, or other encryption to open.
USDA Forest Service HRM Contact Center
DO NOT MAIL IN APPLICATIONS, SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE ANNOUNCEMENT.
Albuquerque, NM 87109
US
Next steps
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS to check your application status.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
