This position is a Biologist, GS- 0401-11/12, working for the R8 Assistant Regional Director - Ecological Services.
Duty station is negotiable among the following locations: Carlsbad, CA; Palm Springs, CA; Sacramento, CA; Ventura, CA; Yreka, CA; Klamath Falls, OR; Las Vegas, NV; Reno, NV. Placement is at management discretion. Additional questions regarding placement should be reserved for the interview process.
Summary
This position is a Biologist, GS- 0401-11/12, working for the R8 Assistant Regional Director - Ecological Services.
Duty station is negotiable among the following locations: Carlsbad, CA; Palm Springs, CA; Sacramento, CA; Ventura, CA; Yreka, CA; Klamath Falls, OR; Las Vegas, NV; Reno, NV. Placement is at management discretion. Additional questions regarding placement should be reserved for the interview process.
This position will be filled under the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority and is open to all United States citizens and U.S. nationals. Veteran's preference and traditional rating and ranking of applications do not apply. All qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration for this position.
As a Biologist you will perform a range of complex technical activities for the assigned program area such as, but not limited to, the following:
Serve in a technical staff assistance capacity to program management relative to a range of topics and policies. Develop and/or review project. study. and investigation plans to ensure validity of experimental design, statistical rigor, and scientific merit. Assess, develop, and analyze project results, and guide the development of research and information gathering. Provide written recommendations to project leaders, technical project leads, and management.
Design, plan, manage, lead, and conduct investigations, assessments, or inspections involving complex biological, chemical, and physical processes. Examples include impacts of point and non-point source pollution, land and water resource development projects, studies to determine the status of populations of rare species, the development of comprehensive fish and/or wildlife mitigation or management plans, the review and assessment of proposals and/or license applications/renewals to determine their impact upon fish and/or wildlife resources and habitats, or the development and implementation of strategies to conserve and protect habitats and populations.
Independently coordinate activities with involved agencies, researchers, and other stakeholders, including state and county officials, Native American tribes and special interest groups and or/ private organizations to identify and resolve technical and administrative issues of local and national significance.
Review and/or prepare work plans, budgets, program accomplishment reports, and technical reports of findings, conclusions, and/or recommendations regarding appropriate courses of action such as management approval/disapproval, offering alternative projects or approaches, or taking remedial action.
Maintain contact and communication with biologists throughout the assigned organization and the Service, as needed, and with other agencies (federal, tribal, and state) with similar programs. Provide technical biological guidance to requestors implementing programs for the program area of the assigned organization.
Represent the Service at professional meetings and other meetings pertaining to individual assignments and attend public meetings and hearings to discuss proposed or existing development projects.
Resume (See "Required Documents"). Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is provided on resume.
Eligibility and Supporting documents - 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.
Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by 11/29/2023 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.
Basic Requirement:
Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR
Combination of education and experience that includes courses equivalent to a major, as shown in 1 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. The quality of this combination demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform work in the 0401 occupational series and is comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of a full 4-year course of study with a major in the appropriate field.
Minimum Qualification [GS-11]
One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service performing work in or directly related to the position to be filled. Qualifying experience includes: (1) developing and maintaining working relationships with private landowners, tribes, other governmental agencies (federal, state, local) and the public; (2) assisting or participating in the Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation process; (3) assisting in the development or evaluation of biological reports and habitat protection or habitat enhancement planning documents; (4) coordinating the efforts of personnel involved in habitat conservation or recovery for a variety of ecosystems; (5) preparing briefing statements, reports, correspondence, presentations, etc.; (6) assisting in evaluating projects for compliance with policies, standards, guidelines, agreements and plans regarding conservation banking, recovery plans, conservation strategies, or Biological opinions. OR
Three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D., or possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, which provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position. OR
A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement.
Minimum Qualification [GS-12]
One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service performing work in or directly related to the position to be filled. Qualifying experience includes: (1) leading consultations pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act; (2) developing and implementing conservation strategies, recovery plans, or risk analyses pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act; (3) providing technical leadership with actions and restoration initiatives in habitats of threatened and endangered species; (4) participating on teams conducting biological analyses related to federally listed species; (5) reviewing new or proposed legislation and regulations and providing comment regarding their impact on natural resource management.
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
PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.
PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Additional information
Salary:Salary will be based upon duty station and locality pay once selected. See 2023 GS Locality Pay Tables.
PCS INFORMATION:
SACRAMENTO, CA only- Yes, entitlements for payment of basic moving expenses, as required and to the extent allowed by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 302-3.101, are authorized for eligible applicants changing duty station when the change meets the distance tests as provided in FTR 302-1.1 and 302-2.6. All moving expenses are taxable. In addition, relocation discretionary entitlements may be authorized for this position excluding contractor-provided home sale.
ALL OTHER LOCATIONS (CARLSBAD, PALM SPRINGS, VENTURA, YREKA, KLAMATH FALLS, LAS VEGAS, RENO) - No PCS entitlements authorized.
Telework: This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.
Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. CTAP or ICTAP applicants must be determined to be well-qualified for this position in order to receive special selection priority. To be well-qualified, a CTAP or ICTAP applicant must meet the following: OPM qualification requirements for the position, all selective factors, where applicable; special OPM approved qualifying conditions for the position; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate, to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and receives a rating of at least 85 on the questionnaire. For more information visit: OPM's Employee Guide to Career Transition
Reasonable Accommodation: The USFWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.
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.
All applicants who submit a complete and legible application by the closing date of this vacancy announcement will have their qualifications reviewed to determine if they possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the work of this position.
Knowledge of biology and related fields (e.g., wildlife biology, fish biology, ecology, conservation science, botany, limnology, etc.).
Ability to manage competing priorities (e.g., administration, policy development, program implementation, strategic planning).
Knowledge of the Endangered Species Act and other pertinent environmental regulations (e.g., National Environmental Policy Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Clean Water Act, etc.).
Skill in interpersonal relations (e.g., develop and maintain effective relationships, exercise tact and diplomacy in professional interactions; build consensus with individuals and special interest groups with diverse viewpoints and/or backgrounds, etc.).
Ability to communicate in writing.
Ability to review and interpret existing, new, and proposed regulations, legislation, statutes, or policies pertaining to natural resources management.
Applicants eligible for priority consideration under DOI's Career Transition Assistance Program/Plan, employees eligible under the Interagency Career Transition Plan (ICTAP). Eligible candidates on the Reemployment Placement List (RPL). A qualified and eligible permanent DOI employee may be selected before an ICTAP eligible.
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 of employment (including MONTH and YEAR) for paid and non-paid work experience
Hours worked per week
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.
NOTE:Your experience needs to address every required qualification. Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
2. College Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected. 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.See "Education" section above for more detailed information.
Additional Documentation if applicable:
1. Cover Letter
2. 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 11/29/2023, 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/.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact the Human Resources Office via email at fwshiring@fws.gov.
Division of Human Resources
Division of Human Resources
2800 Cottage Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
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 of employment (including MONTH and YEAR) for paid and non-paid work experience
Hours worked per week
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.
NOTE:Your experience needs to address every required qualification. Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
2. College Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected. 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.See "Education" section above for more detailed information.
Additional Documentation if applicable:
1. Cover Letter
2. 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 11/29/2023, 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/.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact the Human Resources Office via email at fwshiring@fws.gov.
Division of Human Resources
Division of Human Resources
2800 Cottage Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
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.
