The Forest Service is filling multiple Natural Resources Specialist positions within the following locations: Washington, DC., Missoula, MT., Salt Lake City, UT., Denver, CO., Fort Collins, CO., San Dimas, CA., or Location Negotiable. Final determination of the duty station will be made by the selecting official at the time of the job offer.
PLEASE READ THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SECTION BEFORE APPLYING TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.
Summary
The Forest Service is filling multiple Natural Resources Specialist positions within the following locations: Washington, DC., Missoula, MT., Salt Lake City, UT., Denver, CO., Fort Collins, CO., San Dimas, CA., or Location Negotiable. Final determination of the duty station will be made by the selecting official at the time of the job offer.
PLEASE READ THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SECTION BEFORE APPLYING TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.
Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen. Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.
Serve as an expert and advisor to Forest Service Leadership for a natural resources program and apply new scientific findings, developments, and advances to the solution of critical problems.
Review and formulate national policies, objectives, and standards which govern the management and use of land and natural resources.
Develop long and short-range plans to achieve goals and objectives.
Seek and build public and private sector partnerships to promote effective land and natural resources management and program opportunities.
Develop and manage long term and annual program budget goals and objectives.
Serve as agency representative on interagency task forces relating to program area(s) assigned.
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.
Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
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.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary. You must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application.
Basic Requirement for General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences Series (0401).
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study 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 A combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major described above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Your resume must reflect the experience used to meet this requirement.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below.
Specialized Experience:GS-11: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least a GS-9 grade level. Specialized experience is defined as two or more of the following: Participating in the development of plans to overcome significant resource problems related to natural resources management, land management, forest management, range management, ecosystem management, sustainability and climate, environmental justice, or inventory and monitoring. Conducting long/short term studies and investigations on the use of soils, water, vegetation, timber, wildlife, or other natural resources as part of a natural resources program and restoration efforts. Coordinating surveys and analyzing biological data associated with environmental studies.
OR
3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree. Graduate education in one or a combination of the following fields is required: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
GS-12: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least a GS-11 grade level. Specialized experience is defined as three or more of the following: Demonstrating expertise and advice on program delivery and activities related to natural resources management, land management, forest management, range management, ecosystem management, sustainability and climate, environmental justice, or inventory and monitoring. Providing project management support and coordination, identifying opportunities of enhancement to improve program area. Working with partners to accomplish program goals and objectives. Conducting long/short term studies and investigations on the use of soils, water, vegetation, timber, wildlife, or other natural resources as part of a natural resources program and restoration efforts. Coordinating surveys and analyzing biological data associated with environmental studies.
GS-13: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least a GS-12 grade level. Specialized experience is defined as three or more of the following: Providing technical support and administration to a program to enhance the effectiveness, delivery, and scope of program activities within an area related to natural resources management, land management, forest management, range management, ecosystem management, sustainability and climate, environmental justice, or inventory and monitoring. Analyzing and recommending program policies, objectives, guidelines, or plans. Reviewing long/short-range plans to ensure consistency with program strategies and priorities. Establishing public and private sector partnerships. Providing technical and administrative leadership, guidance, and direction to employees in a variety of professional and non-professional occupations. Conducting long/short term studies and investigations on the use of soils, water, vegetation, timber, wildlife, or other natural resources as part of a natural resources program and restoration efforts. Coordinating surveys and analyzing biological data associated with environmental studies.
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
Please reference section above for education requirement.
Additional information
The Forest Service will be filling multiple positions with a program responsibility in the following areas:
Working titles and grade levels include:
Research & Development; For more information about the duties of the position contact Linda Heath, linda.heath@usda.govNatural Resources Specialist GS-0401-13
Biological and Physical Resources; For additional information about the duties of the position contact Brett Roper, brett.roper@usda.govFish and Wildlife Biologist GS-0401-13;Fisheries Biologist GS-0401-11/12/13;
Forest Management, Rangeland Management and Vegetation Ecology
Timber Harvest Systems Forester GS-0401-13; For additional information about the duties of the position Erin Smith Mateja, erin.smith-mateja@usda.gov
Vegetation Management Specialist GS-0401-13; For additional information about the duties of the position above contact Erin Smith Mateja, erin.smith-mateja@usda.gov
Timber Sale Preparation and Reporting GS-0401-12/13; For additional information about the duties of the position contact Erin Smith Mateja, erin.smith-mateja@usda.gov
Rangeland Management Specialist GS-0401-12/13; For additional information about the duties of the position contact Eric Davis, eric.davis2@usda.gov
Restoration Specialist GS-0401-11/12: For additional information about the duties of the position contact Eric Davis, eric.davis2@usda.gov
Nursery Specialist GS-0401-12/13: For additional information about the duties of the position contact Alix Cleveland, alexandra.cleveland@usda.gov
Natural Resources Specialist GS-0401-11/12; For additional information about the duties of the position contact Alix Cleveland, alexandra.cleveland@usda.gov
Office of Sustainability and Climate; For additional information about the duties of the position contact Dixie Porter, dixie.porter@usda.gov(6)Climate Adaptation Specialist GS-11/12/13
Ecosystem Management Coordination; For additional information about the duties of the position contact Jamie Barbour, roy.barbour@usda.govAdaptive Management Specialist GS-0401-11/12:
Per your knowledge, skills, and abilities, selecting officials will place you within the program office that best aligns with your experience AND meets the needs of the agency.
Selections made under this authority will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would be given a new appointment.
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.
Positions filled from this announcement may be a bargaining or a non-bargaining unit position represented by either NFFE, AFGE or NAGE.
These positions 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.
This is a Direct-Hire Authority position, all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, to include any selective placement factor(s), if applicable, will be referred to the selecting official. Before a certificate is issued to the selecting official, the resume is reviewed to ensure that you meet all the qualification requirements. A rating will not be used; veteran's preference does not apply due to the existence of the Direct Hire authority for this position.
Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, 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.
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.
You must choose to turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile if you want to receive important email notifications that may impact your applicant experience (e.g. If you start an application and do not submit it prior to the closing date, USAJOBS will send an email reminder that the closing date is approaching and your application is in an incomplete status).
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a Federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to E.O. 14043, that requirement does not currently apply. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
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.
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.
You must choose to turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile if you want to receive important email notifications that may impact your applicant experience (e.g. If you start an application and do not submit it prior to the closing date, USAJOBS will send an email reminder that the closing date is approaching and your application is in an incomplete status).
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a Federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to E.O. 14043, that requirement does not currently apply. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
