These positions are part of the Mid-Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office. As a Fish Biologist you will be responsible for you will be responsible for provide biological support on a variety of issues relating to management of fish and aquatic species and conservation of aquatic habitats. The incumbent works closely with regional programs, including science coordinators and biologists, and/or technical and management staff at Headquarters; and/or other Federal, State, Tribal, and private organization and partners engaged in the protection, restoration, and management of fish and aquatic species and habitat conservation.
Pay Advance: Advance payment of up to 4 weeks of basic pay based on employee salary at time of hire is authorized for newly appointed federal employees to the federal Service, or employees returning to Federal Service after a break in service of 90 days or more.
This announcement is being advertised concurrently under R1-18-10203041-RR-DE is open to recent graduates who have completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. Students may apply within one (1) month of meeting their education requirements. Preference eligible veterans who were precluded from applying due to their military service obligation begin their two-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty. Eligibility for these veterans cannot exceed six years after degree or certificate completion.
Summary
These positions are part of the Mid-Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office. As a Fish Biologist you will be responsible for you will be responsible for provide biological support on a variety of issues relating to management of fish and aquatic species and conservation of aquatic habitats. The incumbent works closely with regional programs, including science coordinators and biologists, and/or technical and management staff at Headquarters; and/or other Federal, State, Tribal, and private organization and partners engaged in the protection, restoration, and management of fish and aquatic species and habitat conservation.
Pay Advance: Advance payment of up to 4 weeks of basic pay based on employee salary at time of hire is authorized for newly appointed federal employees to the federal Service, or employees returning to Federal Service after a break in service of 90 days or more.
This announcement is being advertised concurrently under R1-18-10203041-RR-DE is open to recent graduates who have completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. Students may apply within one (1) month of meeting their education requirements. Preference eligible veterans who were precluded from applying due to their military service obligation begin their two-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty. Eligibility for these veterans cannot exceed six years after degree or certificate completion.
Federal Employee, Merit Promotion, Status Candidate, Land Management, 30% disabled, Military Spouse, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Vista, VRA, VEOA, ICTAP, Schedule A, Individuals with disabilities, Former Overseas Employees, OPM Interchange Agreement
Review comprehensive hatchery and fishery management plans and assist other fish biologists in developing programs that effect biological resources
Conducting a variety of investigations including the design, collection, and analysis of biological data
Conducting a variety of investigations including the design, collection, and analysis of biological data pertaining to species reared and released from National Fish Hatcheries in the assigned area
Participate in hatchery evaluations and ecological interactions between hatchery and wild fish
Participate in inspections and contributes to evaluations of existing projects to ensure that legal standards and other requirements are met and implemented in a manner most beneficial to fishery resources
Manages large sets of data. Uses analytical techniques to assist in the design of studies and interpretation of results for hatchery evaluations and evaluations of ecological interactions etween hatchery and wild fish populations
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
Must possess and maintain a valid State driver's license prior to operating Government-owed vehicles
Ability to operate motor vehicles in a safe manner
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by 05/31/2018 wil be considered.
The 0482 job series has a basic education requirement. In order to meet this requirement, you must meet one of the standards listed:
A. Have successfully completed a full four-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 six semester (nine 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 subjects may be used to meet this requirement when appropriate.
B. I possess an appropriate combination of education and experience - courses equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), of which a minimum of six semester hours were in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours were in the animal sciences, as shown in respnse 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 my combination of education and experience is sufficient to demonstrate that I possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities comparable to those normally acquired through the successful completion of a full four-year course of study.
In addition to the basic requirement listed above, you must meet one of the following to qualify at the GS-7 level:
A. Have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is described as: assisting with biological initiatives related to the management of fish and aquatic resources; collecting data and biological information concerning fish populations and fish culture techniques; and assisting with the preparation and presentation of data relative to fishery resources.
B. Have one year (18 semester hours) of graduate education in biology or a closely related field which provided me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully complete the work of the position.
C. Possess a Bachelor's degree AND Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.) S.A.A. is based on (1) Class Standing, (2) Grade-Point Average, or (3) Honor Society Membership. (1) Class Standing: Upper one-third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision based on completed courses. (2) Grade-Point Average: A grade point average of (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 (B or better) as recorded on the official transcript or as computed based on four years of education, or computed based on courses completed during the final two years of the curriculum; -or- (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 0 (B+ or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final two years of the curriculum. (3) Election to Membership in a National Scholastic Honor Society: Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies. Freshman scholastic honor societies cannot be used to meet the requirements of this position.
D. I possess a combination of specialized experience and education equivalent to a full year of specialized experience. Less than 18 semester hours of graduate education may be combined with specialized experience to meet the basic entry qualification requirement.
In addition to the basic requirement listed above, you must meet one of the following to qualify at the GS-9 level:
A. Have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal Service. I have direct and/or related experience in the examples listed below to meet the minimum qualifications for this position: Specialized experience is described as: assisting a variety of investigations including the design, collection, and analysis of biological data; participate in stream ecology studies and habitat assessments; collect and analyze scientific data to prepare technical fishery manuscripts; and orally presenting data to the public.
B. Have successfully completed at least two full years (36 semester hours) of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited college or university with a major study in a field directly related to fisheries/aquatics.
C. Have a combination of education and experience that has equipped me with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of this position. I have graduate level education beyond the 1st year that I am using to qualify in combination with my experience.
Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-7/9. At lower grade levels, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-11. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds.The selectee may be promoted without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
Education
PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s) 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 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 05/31/2018
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 will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
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):
Professional knowledge of scientific, biological, and ecological principles, methodologies and practices sufficient to apply a wide range of techniques and procedures to the solution of difficult and complex problems affecting natural resources
Ability to conduct fisheries sampling, monitoring and data collection using a variety of marking and tagging techniques
Skill in data compilation, relational database structure, and statistical data analysis
Ability to communicate orally to present data and its analyses
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 Program 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 ICTAP or CTAP 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 ICTAP or CTAP 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.
Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment if you are requesting to be considered Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act eligibility. For Public Land Corp eligibility, a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Compliance Hiring Based for Public Land Corps Service is required for verification of eligibility.
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 05/31/2018 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 view the assessment questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10203043
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
Eastside Federal Complex
911 NE Eleventh Avenue
Portland, OR 97232
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.
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.
Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment if you are requesting to be considered Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act eligibility. For Public Land Corp eligibility, a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Compliance Hiring Based for Public Land Corps Service is required for verification of eligibility.
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 05/31/2018 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 view the assessment questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10203043
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
Eastside Federal Complex
911 NE Eleventh Avenue
Portland, OR 97232
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.
