You too can make a difference in our world. The work of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is meaningful and varied. Want to know more about what it is like to work for us? Click here to watch short podcasts entitled Meet Your New Boss and Diversity is our Strength.
This position is located on the Great River, Clarence Cannon, and Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge Complex. As a Forest Ecologist, you will be a member of the Region 3 Division of Natural Resources and Conservation Planning's Inventory and Monitoring Branch and responsible for providing consultation and guidance to refuge managers, developing forest management plans for National Wildlife Refuges with an emphasis on bottomland hardwood and floodplain forest habitats. You will recommend ecological forest management practices that promote biological diversity while providing habitat for endangered, rare, or species of conservation concern as well as conservation-oriented public uses. You will assist with the review of new or proposed policies, providing comments on their impact to the refuge biological program. You will maintain a high level of technical skill and knowledge necessary to ensure that recommendations for the biological program are consistent with current published literature, and you will attend public hearings and/or meetings to discuss proposed or existing practices that affect refuge biological resources.
Summary
You too can make a difference in our world. The work of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is meaningful and varied. Want to know more about what it is like to work for us? Click here to watch short podcasts entitled Meet Your New Boss and Diversity is our Strength.
This position is located on the Great River, Clarence Cannon, and Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge Complex. As a Forest Ecologist, you will be a member of the Region 3 Division of Natural Resources and Conservation Planning's Inventory and Monitoring Branch and responsible for providing consultation and guidance to refuge managers, developing forest management plans for National Wildlife Refuges with an emphasis on bottomland hardwood and floodplain forest habitats. You will recommend ecological forest management practices that promote biological diversity while providing habitat for endangered, rare, or species of conservation concern as well as conservation-oriented public uses. You will assist with the review of new or proposed policies, providing comments on their impact to the refuge biological program. You will maintain a high level of technical skill and knowledge necessary to ensure that recommendations for the biological program are consistent with current published literature, and you will attend public hearings and/or meetings to discuss proposed or existing practices that affect refuge biological resources.
While not all inclusive, the major duties of this position are:
Providing consultation on forest management practices, including habitat restoration and enhancement, reforestation, and timber stand improvement
Developing management, research, and monitoring plans and recommendations for cooperative habitat restoration, forest management, and protection of Federal trust species
Ensuring that forest management activities are in compliance with NEPA, the Endangered Species Act, and other applicable environmental laws
Recommending ecological forest management practices that will promote native biological diversity while providing habitat for endangered, rare, or species of conservation concern as well as conservation-oriented public uses
Developing protocols and managing databases for forest and wildlife inventories, in accordance with the USFWS Inventory and Monitoring Policy and the Survey Protocol Handbook
Assisting with the cooperative (multi-station or multi-agency) use and maintenance of inventories and monitoring according to approved protocol frameworks and coordinates activities with representatives of other Federal and non-Federal agencies, educational institutions, and special interest groups
Compiling and synthesizing geographic data
Identifying source requirements, and procuring and interpreting aerial photographs, orthophotos, satellite imagery, base maps, and resource data
Directing technicians to ensure accurate data entry and resolve errors
Following established procedures and standards for digitization, data interchange, and quality assurance/quality control
Using quantitative methods to analyze findings, including natural resources information represented in geographic information systems (GIS).
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
Time-in-Grade requirements apply to status candidates
Valid driver's license required
Wearing of an official Fish and Wildlife uniform required
Only experience and education obtained by 02/01/2018 will be considered.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
The basic requirement for any incumbent of the GS-0460 series is as follows:
A. Degree: forestry; or a related subject-matter field that included a total of at least 30 semester hours in any combination of biological, physical, or mathematical sciences or engineering, of which at least 24 semester hours of course work were in forestry. The curriculum must have been sufficiently diversified to include courses in each of the following areas: Management of Renewable Resources-- study of the science and art of managing renewable resources to attain desired results (examples of creditable courses in this area include silviculture, forest management operations, timber management, wildland fire science or fire management, utilization of forest resources, forest regulation, recreational land management, watershed management, and wildlife or range habitat management); Forest Biology--study of the classification, distribution, characteristics, and identification of forest vegetation, and the interrelationships of living organisms to the forest environment (examples of creditable courses in this area include dendrology, forest wildlife management, forest ecology, silvics, forest genetics, wood structure and properties, forest soils, forest entomology, and forest pathology); Forest Resource Measurements and Inventory--sampling, inventory, measurement, and analysis techniques as applied to a variety of forest resources (examples of creditable courses include forest biometrics, forest mensuration, forest valuation, statistical analysis of forest resource data, renewable natural resources inventories and analysis, and photogrammetry or remote sensing).
B. Combination of education and experience--courses equivalent to a major in forestry, or at least 30 semester hours in any combination of biological, physical, or mathematical sciences or engineering, of which at least 24 semester hours were in forestry. The requirements for diversification of the 24 semester hours in forestry are the same as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. NOTE: The quality of the combination of education and experience must be sufficient to demonstrate that the applicant possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform work in the occupation, 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. In addition to courses in the major and related fields, a typical college degree would have included courses that involved analysis, writing, critical thinking, research, etc. These courses would have provided an applicant with skills and abilities sufficient to perform progressively more responsible work in the occupation. Therefore, creditable experience should have demonstrated similarly appropriate skills or abilities needed to perform the work of the occupation. genetics, wood structure and properties, forest soils, forest wildlife management, forest entomology, and forest pathology.
In addition to the basic requirement listed above, applicants must meet specialized experience requirements. Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.
You may qualify at the GS-09 level, if you fulfill one of the following qualification requirements:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Forest Ecologist. Examples may include: assisting with consultations on habitat restoration, reforestation; contributing to plans or recommendations for forest management, species protections, or habitat restoration; participating in habitat and wildlife inventories; compiling data and documenting the associated meta data in support of biological program assignments; assisting in monitoring activities; assisting with spatial analyses and management of geospatial data; assisting with the drafting of study plans, initial survey instructions and protocols; assisting in the design or modification of inventories or monitoring activities; contributing to the review and revision of policies; following the data lifecycle when managing natural resource information.; OR
A master's or equivalent graduate degree in an accredited or pre-accredited college or university; or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or possession of a LL.B. or J.D degree; if related to the job being filled. Graduate level education must demonstrate the competencies necessary to do the work of the position.; OR
A combination of education and experience as listed above.
You may qualify at the GS-11 level, if you fulfill one of the following qualification requirements:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Forest Ecologist. Examples of specialized experience may include: providing consultation or recommendations on forest management practices such as habitat restoration, reforestation, or timber stand improvement; providing consultation in or leading the creation of forest and other natural resource management plans; drafting study plans, initial survey instructions and protocols; conducting inventories and monitoring activities; designing or modifying inventories or monitoring activities to address management needs; assisting with the review and revision of new or proposed policies; entering, compiling and analyzing geographic and other types of data; using GIS to capture and manage remote sensing data and metadata; preparing reports based on data analyses and summaries; facilitating small group and collaborative activities to accomplish goals. ; OR
A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or possession of a LL.M. degree,; if related to the job being filled. Graduate level education must demonstrate the competencies necessary to do the work of the position; OR
A combination of education and experience as listed above.
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) and grade point average or class ranking. 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
FWS has determined that the duties of this position are not suitable for telework.
We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of 02/01/2018; More than one position may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area.
Relocation expenses may be paid in accordance with Fish and Wildlife's relocation policy.
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.
Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the basic qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If you meet the basic qualifications your resume and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience 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 forest ecology and wildlife habitat management principles, practices, and concepts
Ability to develop sound research and monitoring designs that support management decision making and evaluate the efficacy of treatment options
Skill in the use and application GIS and the use of electronic field equipment including GPS, hand held devices, field computers and survey equipment
Skill in written and oral communication with the public and natural resources professionals
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 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must attach an SF-15," Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" in addition to the proof required by that form.
Career Transition Assistance (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs (ICTAP): These programs apply to employees who have been or may be involuntarily separated (e.g. reduction in force, declining to relocate/transfer outside their local commuting area) from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal or Removal Notice; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; or Removal and most recent performance appraisal.). For more information visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-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.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk
Other supporting documents:
Cover Letter, optional
Official or unofficial College Transcript(s), if the position has education requirements, or if you are using your education to qualify. A copy of your official transcripts will be required if you are selected.
SF-50 (non-award), or equivalent Notification of Personnel Action if you are a current or former Federal employee. Your SF-50 (non-award) must show tenure code 1 or 2 in block 24, and position occupied code 1 (competitive service) in block 34. Note: Federal employee who has reinstatement eligibility, you MUST submit a copy of your latest non-award SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action," that shows you are serving under a permanent career or career-conditional appointment (code 1 or 2 in block 24) in the Competitive Service (code 1 in block 34). The SF-50 must show the position title, series, grade, and step of your position. If you are claiming reinstatement eligibility, you must submit an SF-50 showing your separation (resignation, termination, etc.). If you have previously held a higher grade than the grade/position you currently occupy, you must submit a copy of the last non-award SF-50 you received for that position. If you have any questions regarding which SF-50's to submit, it is highly recommended that you contact the person listed on this vacancy announcement before the closing date.
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
If applicable, documentation/proof that you are eligible Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
Please submit a copy of your most recent, signed and completed annual performance appraisal which includes the final rating. If it is not dated within the last 18 months or if you have not received a performance appraisal, please explain why in your application." Please include incentive awards with your application.
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: The eligibility section of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the appointment eligibilities that you selected. You must provide proof of your eligibility as required by appointment eligibility to be considered.
Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month/day/year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume.
You must also complete the online application and assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
DEADLINE DATE: A complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on 02/01/2018 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
When completing the eligibility portion of the application process, please note that only items you answer "yes" to will be used for consideration. You may choose more than one eligibility and you must submit the appropriate documentation specified in the vacancy to support your claim.
This eligibility section of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this announcement. You must provide proof of your eligibility (as described below) and will only be considered for the questions that you indicated "yes".
Please note, your eligibility will be based solely on the selections you have indicated in this section. You must provide the supporting documentation to support your claim to be considered. You may choose more than one eligibility in this section.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Division of Human Resources
Division of Human Resources
5600 American Blvd, West Suite 990
Bloomington, MN 55437
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.
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk
Other supporting documents:
Cover Letter, optional
Official or unofficial College Transcript(s), if the position has education requirements, or if you are using your education to qualify. A copy of your official transcripts will be required if you are selected.
SF-50 (non-award), or equivalent Notification of Personnel Action if you are a current or former Federal employee. Your SF-50 (non-award) must show tenure code 1 or 2 in block 24, and position occupied code 1 (competitive service) in block 34. Note: Federal employee who has reinstatement eligibility, you MUST submit a copy of your latest non-award SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action," that shows you are serving under a permanent career or career-conditional appointment (code 1 or 2 in block 24) in the Competitive Service (code 1 in block 34). The SF-50 must show the position title, series, grade, and step of your position. If you are claiming reinstatement eligibility, you must submit an SF-50 showing your separation (resignation, termination, etc.). If you have previously held a higher grade than the grade/position you currently occupy, you must submit a copy of the last non-award SF-50 you received for that position. If you have any questions regarding which SF-50's to submit, it is highly recommended that you contact the person listed on this vacancy announcement before the closing date.
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
If applicable, documentation/proof that you are eligible Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
Please submit a copy of your most recent, signed and completed annual performance appraisal which includes the final rating. If it is not dated within the last 18 months or if you have not received a performance appraisal, please explain why in your application." Please include incentive awards with your application.
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: The eligibility section of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the appointment eligibilities that you selected. You must provide proof of your eligibility as required by appointment eligibility to be considered.
Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month/day/year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume.
You must also complete the online application and assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
DEADLINE DATE: A complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on 02/01/2018 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
When completing the eligibility portion of the application process, please note that only items you answer "yes" to will be used for consideration. You may choose more than one eligibility and you must submit the appropriate documentation specified in the vacancy to support your claim.
This eligibility section of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this announcement. You must provide proof of your eligibility (as described below) and will only be considered for the questions that you indicated "yes".
Please note, your eligibility will be based solely on the selections you have indicated in this section. You must provide the supporting documentation to support your claim to be considered. You may choose more than one eligibility in this section.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Division of Human Resources
Division of Human Resources
5600 American Blvd, West Suite 990
Bloomington, MN 55437
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.
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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
