This vacancy announcement is part of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service coordinated advertisement for 6 Wildlife Refuge Specialists GS-0485-7/9
This position is also open to status candidates under announcement R1-21-11223870-BV-MP. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
Summary
This vacancy announcement is part of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service coordinated advertisement for 6 Wildlife Refuge Specialists GS-0485-7/9
This position is also open to status candidates under announcement R1-21-11223870-BV-MP. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
As a Wildlife Refuge Specialist your duties will include but are not limited to the following:
Participates in the review of projects proposed by other bureaus/agencies, stakeholders/partners (i.e., U.S. Forest Service, state fish and wildlife agencies, Tribal representatives), identifying possible conflicts with refuge management objectives, and develops comments and recommendations for the Wildlife Refuge Manager and senior management approval.
Implements land and wetland use programs or management techniques designed to improve wildlife habitat such as invasive species control, weed control, seeding, haying, and any other practices resulting in increased benefits to migratory birds and other wildlife using the Refuge/WMD.
Assists with the review of land and aquatic conservation activities, habitat development, cleanup, contaminant and restoration projects, research studies, population studies, wildlife inventory, and monitoring activities to include species lifecycle requirements and management. Discusses findings with other senior staff to ensures all projects comply with national, regional, and Refuge/WMD policies, regulations and mandates.
Prepares reports on progress and completion of studies for the Wildlife Refuge Manager and other senior management, who use the data in the formulation of future programs and improvements in Refuge/WMD management practices.
Accompanies supervisor and senior staff to various meeting and events in order to develop and foster effective partnerships with other Federal, state and local agencies, and private organizations to protect lands around the assigned Refuge/WMD; and to carry out active stewardship of natural resources beyond Refuge/WMD boundaries to improve or safeguard the Refuge/WMD, and to enhance or protect trust resources over large geographic areas.
Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.
Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation
Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
Driver's License: Selectees must possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure.
Requires training and up-to-date certification in the operation of small boats, snowmobiles, four-wheel all-terrain vehicles, motor vehicles, and/or other light and heavy equipment for official purposes.
Selectees must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DOI Motorboat Operator Certification Course Certificate.
Duty Station - Palmyra Atoll- When in the field, the incumbent?will be required to work an unusual tour of duty that includes weekend and/or overtime hours.
Duty Station - Saipan - Language requirement - Chamorro or Carolinian
Duty Station - Midway Atoll- Government housing is required
Duty Station - Palmyra Atoll - will be expected to be in travel status up to 50% of the year
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by 09/17/2021 will be considered. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification. Basic Requirement:
Degree: zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; and 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology, OR
Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in one of the fields described in A above that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; and 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
AND
Minimum Qualification [GS-7]
A. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to the grade GS-5 in the Federal Service. Experience may include:
Skill in detailed observation of natural and other phenomena pertinent to Refuge management to draw sound biological conclusions.
Oral communication skills sufficient to interact with a variety of individuals in a clear manner and effective manner.
Knowledge of wildland recreation management to ensure maximum use while avoiding inappropriate/illegal uses, OR
B. 1 year of graduate-level education providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, OR
C. Have completed a four-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours of directly related course work (as described above) with Superior Academic Achievement (SAA). Superior Academic Achievement can be achieved 3 different ways: (1) Class standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision; (2) Grade Point Average - Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher based on 4 years of education and recorded on applicant's transcript, or 3.5 or higher based on the average required courses completed in the major field during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or (3) Honor society membership,
D. A combination of specialized experience and graduate education as described above that, when combined, equals 100% of the total requirement,
Minimum Qualification [GS-9]A. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to the grade GS-7 in the Federal Service. Experience may include:
Skill in detailed observation of natural and other phenomena pertinent to Refuge management to draw sound biological conclusions.
Oral communication skills sufficient to interact with a variety of individuals in a clear manner and effective manner.
Knowledge of wildland recreation management to ensure maximum use while avoiding inappropriate/illegal uses
Skill in using various computer programs to enter/extract, manipulate, and analyze collected data and compile into various formats for inclusion in reports, presentations, and outreach materials, OR
B. 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree.
C . A combination of specialized experience and graduate education as described above that, when combined, equals 100% of the total requirement.
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-7/9. 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-7/9. 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
SALARY INFORMATION -For Midway Atoll there is a 25% Post Differential Rate in addition to the annual salary. To be eligible for a differential:
The employee must be a citizen or national of the United States.
The employee's official duty station or detail to temporary duty must be in a post differential area.
Immediately prior to being assigned to duty in the post differential area, the employee must have maintained his or her actual place(s) of residence outside the post differential area for an appropriate period of time (generally at least 1 year or more).
Current residents of a post differential area must have been originally recruited from outside the differential area and have been in substantially continuous employment by the United States or by U.S. firms, interests, or organizations.
For City and County of Honolulu, HI, and County of Kauai, HI there is a 10.28% COLA rate in addition to the annual salary.
For Guam and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands there is 12.62 COLA rate in addition to the annual salary.
Conditions of employment:
Midway Atoll - Government housing is required
Saipan - Language requirement - Chamorro or Carolinian
Palmyra Atoll - Incumbent will be in travel status up to 50% of the year AND will be required to work an unusual tour of duty that includes weekend and/or overtime hours.
Requires training and up-to-date certification in the operation of small boats, snowmobiles, four-wheel all-terrain vehicles, motor vehicles, and/or other light and heavy equipment for official purposes.
Telework:
This position is not suitable for telework.
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/"
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 outlined 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):
Knowledge of the 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 the management of a wildlife refuge/wetland district.
Ability to communicate effectively with Refuge/WMD staff, the general public, non-governmental organizations, and other local, state, and Federal agencies, and work cooperatively with diverse individuals and groups to solve problems, promote cooperation, and inform the public of issues facing the Refuge/WMD
Ability to monitor and train lower-graded employees and volunteers to accomplish assigned work projects. Foster group spirit, cooperation, and teamwork
Skill in written communication sufficient to draft correspondence, scientific and administrative reports, management plans, and similar documents, and draft a variety of informational and educational materials including brochures, fact sheets, and press releases
For positions interacting with tribal and/or Native American groups, knowledge of the culture, tradition and use of natural resources for subsistence and other purposes, and ability to interact in a culturally sensitive, tactful, and objective manner
All qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position. The category ratings for this position are: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, and Qualified
The category rating process protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher).
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.
You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.
Required Documents: 1. Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, annual salary, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number. Additional information on what to include can be found here. Your experience needs to address every required qualification.
2. College Transcripts: Please refer to the education section above for additional information. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.
Additional Documentation, if applicable: 1. Cover Letter
2. Veterans' Preference Documentation: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference in addition to the proof required by that form (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.
3. CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below. The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents section.
Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
Applications must be received by 09/17/2021 ,11:59pm ET to receive consideration.
Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, in Applications tab, click the position title you applied to for the status. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Division of Human Resources
5275 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041
US
Next steps
Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted by the hiring official.
You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.
Required Documents: 1. Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, annual salary, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number. Additional information on what to include can be found here. Your experience needs to address every required qualification.
2. College Transcripts: Please refer to the education section above for additional information. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.
Additional Documentation, if applicable: 1. Cover Letter
2. Veterans' Preference Documentation: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference in addition to the proof required by that form (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.
3. CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below. The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents section.
Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
Applications must be received by 09/17/2021 ,11:59pm ET to receive consideration.
Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, in Applications tab, click the position title you applied to for the status. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Division of Human Resources
5275 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041
US
Next steps
Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted by the hiring official.
You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
