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Wildlife Biologist

Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This vacancy announcement is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Hiring Initiate. One or more positions may be filled.

YOU MUST APPLY FOR ALL OF THE DUTY STATIONS FOR WHICH YOU ARE INTERESTED.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
02/11/2019 to 02/25/2019
Salary
$50,598 to - $79,586 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 9 - 11
Locations
Calipatria, CA
Few vacancies
Commerce City, CO
Few vacancies
Las Vegas, NV
Few vacancies
Vian, OK
Few vacancies
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—Some locations may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. See link provided under "additional information" section.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-Time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
11
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Announcement number
NH-19-10421189-AV-MP
Control number
524153900

Duties

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  • Major duties at the full performance level include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Designs, analyzes, plans, manages and implements biological programs involving natural resources.
  • Plans, organizes and implements biological activities, including habitat manipulation that affect refuge biological resources.
  • Develops and reviews comprehensive wildlife management plans and coordinates with other refuge programs that affect biological resources.
  • Develops biological study proposals, survey designs, and scopes-of-work and conducts complex biological field investigations involving wildlife species and habitats.
  • Provides biological advice and guidance to management in the development of management plans and coordinates activities with involved agencies, researchers, and other stakeholders.
  • Designs and conducts scientific studies testing hypotheses to reach conclusions, reports recommendations to management, and prepares scientific reports of findings.
  • Uses qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze findings, to include biological data in geographic information systems (GIS).
  • Prepares scientifically defensible reports and articles for publication in peer-reviewed scientific literature and for presentation at professional meetings.
  • Reviews scientific proposals and reports to evaluate hypotheses, study objectives, research design, appropriateness of methods, probability of success, and overall importance to management or science.
  • Prepares issue papers, briefing documents, reports, and portions of management plans, and verbal briefings to senior-level management and others regarding issues that could affect the ecological integrity of resources within Service jurisdiction.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation
  • Valid State driver's license may be required
  • Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform required
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • Time-in-grade requirements may be required.
  • Direct deposit of salary payments to a financial institution is required

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 02/25/2019 will be considered.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS 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 that included the following: At least 9 semester hours in such wildlife subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, or research courses in the field of wildlife biology AND
At least 12 semester hours in zoology in such subjects as general zoology, invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, cellular biology, parasitology, entomology, or research courses in such subjects (Excess courses in wildlife biology may be used to meet the zoology requirements where appropriate.) AND At least 9 semester hours in botany or the related plant sciences. OR
B. A combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), with at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zoology, and 9 semester hours in botany or related plant science, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GS-09:
A. Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 in the federal service. Specialized experience at the GS-7 level may include performing the following routine, individualized tasks, or limited phases of broader assignments where the employee works independently, but within the framework established by the supervisor: Performing recurring and standardized collection of biological data with an emphasis on wildlife population assessment and habitat management; conducting biological surveys for the preservation and development of wildlife resources; preparing reports and making presentations on findings and recommendations concerning wildlife management issues; ensuring proper collection and preservation of specimens; inputting and maintaining biological data in electronic format; performing data analysis; making recommendations to higher level sta on protocols related to data collection techniques and processes; contributing to the writing of administrative and technical reports and scientific papers; and preparing and presenting scientific data relevant to wildlife resources. (Your resume must include starting and ending dates of employment and number of hours worked per week.) OR - B. Education: 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in wildlife biology/management or a directly related field. One year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school has determined to represent 1 year of full time study. If that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours is considered as satisfying the 1 year of study requirement. Please submit a transcript (copies acceptable). OR
C. Combination of Education and Experience: An equivalent combination of specialized experience and graduate education. To determine this, you must first compute your experience as a percentage of the experience required; then determine your graduate education as a percentage of the education required. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GS-11:
A. Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 in the federal service. Specialized experience at the GS-9 level may include performing the following duties requiring unrelated steps, processes, methods, or procedures where the employee independently plans and carries out assignments in conformance with accepted policies and practices: Analyzing, evaluating, and selecting the appropriate techniques in the collection of biological data with an emphasis on wildlife population assessment, habitat management, or conservation plans; identifying and making recommendations to resolve wildlife management problems; providing technical advice relating to wildlife habitat management or conservation plans, wildlife species, threatened and endangered species; reviewing management plans to ensure scientifically sound and proper techniques were used; preparing reports and making presentations on findings and recommendations concerning wildlife management issues; ensuring proper collection and preservation of specimens; verifying biological results; analyzing and evaluating diverse environmental conditions; performing environmental impact analyses; planning and conducting wildlife inventories, monitoring or research; or analyzing and interpreting data in order to prepare manuscripts and reports related to natural resources/wildlife management issues. (Your resume must include starting and ending dates of employment and the number of hours worked per week.) OR
B. Education: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in wildlife biology/management or a directly related field. One year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school has determined to represent 1 year of full time study. If that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours is considered as satisfying the 1 year of study requirement. Please submit a transcript (copies acceptable). OR
C. Combination of Education and Experience: An equivalent combination of specialized experience and graduate education. To determine this, you must first compute your experience as a percentage of the experience required; then determine your graduate education as a percentage of the education required. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. NOTE: To be credited as specialized experience, technical work must be comparable to that which would have been gained in a professional series and clearly demonstrate that the applicant has the necessary background to perform satisfactorily the duties of the position to be filled. Professional positions generally di er significantly in the nature of the work (e.g., greater independence, responsibility, and judgment). Therefore, if applying for this professional position and you wish to be considered on the basis of a minimum one year of technical work experience at the next lower grade, your application must clearly evidence the variety and progressive nature (independence, responsibility, and judgment) of your work assignments and any applicable training or coursework completed.

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.

Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-11. 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), 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

The Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA),P.L. 114-47, allows certain individuals who currently or formerly were under time-limited competitive appointments at certain land management agencies to compete under merit promotion procedures:
USFWS Current appointees:
Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment that qualifies for LMWFA.
·Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency.
·Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years; AND
·Must have performed at an acceptable level.
USFWS Former appointees:
·Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency,
·Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years;
·Must apply for position within 2 years after separation,
·Must have been separated for reasons other than misconduct or performance; AND
·Must have performed at an acceptable level

To register or verify your registration go to the Selective Service System at https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx

Salary: The salary for each location may vary depending on locality. Locality tables may be found at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2018/general-schedule/

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.

The following Conditions of Employment may or may not apply based on the position for which you are applying:
  • Driver License: You must possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during your tenure.
  • Uniform: Wearing the US Fish and Wildlife Service uniform in accordance to Service policy.
  • Medical Exam
  • ATV/UTV operation
  • Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC)
  • Work schedule may includes weekends, evenings, and/or holidays
  • Drug Testing
  • Required refuge housing
TELEWORK: FWS has determined the duties of this position may be suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.
Please access the following link to verify if reimbursement of relocation expenses are authorized for the location you are applying: Relocation Information

To view the other vacancies under the National Recruitment, please access the following link: FWS National Hiring Vacancies

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

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):

- Ability to plan, analyze, and implement biological programs involving natural resources of significant national or international importance for use in the development of management plans covering biological programs.
- Knowledge of and skill in applying the theories, principles, concepts, and methods of wildlife biology and wildlife management to develop and implement biological programs and/or scientific studies.
- Ability to design and safely conduct a variety of biological surveys and investigations.
- Ability to communicate orally to inform peers and cooperators/partners, explain results, and present scientific papers and presentations at meetings or in training sessions.

- Ability to communicate in writing to prepare correspondence, reports, and papers for diverse audiences.

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/

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