The Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility (AMFCF) is a unique and highly technical conservation facility built to mimic the physical parameters of Devils Hole, the sole habitat of the Devils Hole pupfish. The primary purpose of the AMFCF is to house a refuge population of Devils Hole pupfish as a precaution against potential extinction in the wild. The facility consists of a well, water delivery infrastructures, refuge tank, automated monitoring systems and associated equipment needed to operate a 100,000 gallon recirculation system that replicates the physical environment of the Devils Hole, a machinery room to house water deliver and monitoring equipment, a lab room and an office.
As a Fish Biologist at AMFCF, you will design and maintain the habitat within the refuge tank, plan and carry out daily activities for captive propagation operations on genetic refugial Devils Hole pupfish, other pupfish and other imperiled species, and operate and maintain the complex recirculation system and associated equipment needed to replicate the physical environment of Devils Hole to establish a secure refuge population of Devils Hole pupfish.
This announcement is being advertised concurrently under R8-18-10195562-DS-MP for current and former federal employees serving under a competitive service career or career-conditional appointment or reinstatement eligible. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
Summary
The Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility (AMFCF) is a unique and highly technical conservation facility built to mimic the physical parameters of Devils Hole, the sole habitat of the Devils Hole pupfish. The primary purpose of the AMFCF is to house a refuge population of Devils Hole pupfish as a precaution against potential extinction in the wild. The facility consists of a well, water delivery infrastructures, refuge tank, automated monitoring systems and associated equipment needed to operate a 100,000 gallon recirculation system that replicates the physical environment of the Devils Hole, a machinery room to house water deliver and monitoring equipment, a lab room and an office.
As a Fish Biologist at AMFCF, you will design and maintain the habitat within the refuge tank, plan and carry out daily activities for captive propagation operations on genetic refugial Devils Hole pupfish, other pupfish and other imperiled species, and operate and maintain the complex recirculation system and associated equipment needed to replicate the physical environment of Devils Hole to establish a secure refuge population of Devils Hole pupfish.
This announcement is being advertised concurrently under R8-18-10195562-DS-MP for current and former federal employees serving under a competitive service career or career-conditional appointment or reinstatement eligible. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
Pupfish Recovery: Work as an active member of the Devils Hole pupfish recovery team to coordinate and implement Recovery Plan objectives for the Devils Hole pupfish in coordination with the National Park Service, Bureau of Reclamation, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Universities and other partners. Carry out daily activities for captive propagation operations including rearing techniques and implementing fish health measures.
Biological Program and Facility Maintenance: Operate and maintain a complex recirculation system and associated equipment to replicate the physical environment of Devils Hole and establish a secure refuge population of Devils Hole pupfish. Develop specialized biological testing, monitoring and investigations and evaluate the effectiveness of fish husbandry to maintain efficient fish production, fish health and genetic diversity. Maintain accurate records on all therapeutic and prophylactic treatments for Investigative New Animal Drug (INAD) purposes. Document, analyze and maintain accurate records on all aspects of spawning and rearing of imperiled species maintained at the facility.
Supervising: Lead a small staff of permanent employees which include fishery biologists and maintenance workers and coordinate work activities for contract staff and students. Provide guidance and direction on day-to-day fish culture activities, planning, study execution, data analysis and data interpretations; evaluates work performance, identifies developmental and training needs.
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
Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform required
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
Must pass SCUBA certification approved by the USFWS
Will participate in nightly and weekend standby duty rotation and respond to emergency alarms
Valid state driver's license required
Supervisory training required
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by the closing date will be considered.
BASIC QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
A. Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in biological sciences that included: at least 6 semester (9 quarter) hours in aquatic subjects such as limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology; AND at least 12 semester (18 quarter) hours in the animal sciences in such subjects as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or research in these fields. (Excess courses in aquatic subject may be used to meet this requirement when appropriate). NOTE: To qualify under this option, you must submit transcripts (official or unofficial) to verify your education.
OR
B. An appropriate combination of education and experience in courses equivalent to a major in biological science (at least 30 semester hours), of which a minimum of 6 semester (9 quarter) hours were in aquatic subjects and 12 semester (18 quarter) hours were in the animal sciences, as shown in paragraph A, above, plus appropriate experience or additional education equivalent to a course of study with a major in the appropriate field as described in A above. The quality of the combination of education and experience must be sufficient to demonstrate that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities comparable to those normally acquired through the successful completion of a full 4-year course of study. NOTE: To qualify under this option you must submit transcripts to verify your education and include proof of your experience in the text of your resume.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT, GS-12:
One year of specialized experience comparable to the GS-11 grade level in Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience for this grade is defined as: 1) serving as an expert on the propagation and restoration of endangered fish species; 2) planning, implementing, or overseeing projects designed to promote naturally reproducing and self-sustaining populations of fish resources; 3) managing a fish restoration project's administrative, planning or budgeting processes; 4) effectively interacting with others to address, negotiate or resolve potentially contentious fish restoration issues. NOTE: To qualify under this option, your resume must contain sufficient detail to prove you have one year experience performing these duties.
IMPORTANT: Your resume/application/documentation must clearly demonstrate how you qualify for this particular position. Assumptions will not be made based on job titles or series as to what duties you may perform in your current or other positions. One year of experience refers to full-time work. Part-time work is considered on a prorated basis: 20 hours per week for 12 months is credited as 6 months experience. Your resume must include the number of hours worked per week.
Education
PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants 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
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (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; 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/
FWS has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.
We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
Relocation expenses are authorized for this position.
Supervisory Training: If you have not previously completed a supervisory probationary period, you will be required to have supervisory training for this position.
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 PRINCIPLES OF FISH BIOLOGY AND FISH CULTURE
ABILITY TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN A FISH CONSERVATION FACILITY
SKILL IN PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
SKILL IN SUPERVISING A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY STAFF
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
Qualified
The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of Veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the basic 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).
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.
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.
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.)
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 05/08/2018 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 received. 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.
You will be considered for all eligibilities for which you select "yes" and submit the required documents and supporting documentation (e.g. DD 214, Schedule A letter, etc.). The supporting documentation you submit will be used to determine your eligibility. Please review the list of documentation provided in the eligibilities language to ensure you provide the appropriate information.
Please note, your eligibility will be based solely on the selections you have indicated "yes" in this section. You must provide the supporting documentation to support your claim to be considered. You may choose more than one eligibilities 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
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 customer office.
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.
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.
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.)
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 05/08/2018 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 received. 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.
You will be considered for all eligibilities for which you select "yes" and submit the required documents and supporting documentation (e.g. DD 214, Schedule A letter, etc.). The supporting documentation you submit will be used to determine your eligibility. Please review the list of documentation provided in the eligibilities language to ensure you provide the appropriate information.
Please note, your eligibility will be based solely on the selections you have indicated "yes" in this section. You must provide the supporting documentation to support your claim to be considered. You may choose more than one eligibilities 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
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 customer office.
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.
