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Fish Biologist (Assistant Hatchery Manager)

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

Summary

This position is located at Makah National Fish Hatchery (NFH), near Neah Bay, WA.

This announcement is being advertised concurrently under R1-20-10680310-RR 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.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
12/18/2019 to 01/10/2020
Salary
$74,596 to - $96,978 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 12
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Neah Bay, WA
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
25% or less - Travel may be required to conduct project assignments, attend training and meetings, as required.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—A PCS Move is authorized as follows: travel and relocation expenses including reimbursable real estate expenses will be authorized in accordance with the Federal travel regulations excluding contractor-provided home sale. All moving expenses are taxable.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-Time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
Yes
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
R1-20-10680312-RR (DE)
Control number
554618300

Duties

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  • Assists Project Leader with establishment of hatchery policy based on the interpretation of directives, regulations and requirements set forth in broad based guidance documents. Assists the Project Leader with the preparation and accuracy of Station Action Plans, Program Planning Documents, Annual Reports and other fiscal reports as required. Updates the plans and coordinates with Tribal, State, and Federal entities concerning the cold water production and the fish-stocking programs at Makah National Fish Hatchery.
  • Works closely with Project Leader in research activities by identifying current information and technology gaps related to propagation of current aquatic stocks and future stocks to more closely match the Service's priorities and continue to meet federal tribal trust responsibilities. Incumbent works with other governmental and nongovernmental experts to solve and identify obstacles to successfully culture and propagate aquatic species in a challenging rearing environment.
  • The incumbent provides biological expertise and operational oversight to ensure successful fish propagation and distribution programs. Evaluation of the hatchery production programs requires a close working relationship with the various fisheries offices (Western Washington Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, Fish Health Center, and/or Fish Technology Center). The incumbent will also work closely with Makah tribal government and staff to assure implementation of fish propagation programs and watershed management/habitat programs; and data collection, management, and analysis are properly executed to meet program goals.
  • Works with the Hatchery Manager and administrative staff to plan the budget for the Hatchery and forecast future resource expenditures. Assists with planning short and long term maintenance programs, construction projects, and ensures operational protocols are followed. Works with the hatchery manager and maintenance staff to ensure minimal conflicts with fish propagation and hatchery maintenance activities associated with the facilities complex water delivery and system.
  • Supervises a small group of professional, technical, and/or wage grade positions at the Hatchery. Conducts midyear reviews and annual personnel evaluations of staff and works with them to develop new performance plans and career development plans. Awards and promotes outstanding performance, evaluates and addresses disciplinary needs, and counsels on performance. Approves selections for subordinate positions, reviews and approves serious disciplinary actions such as suspensions or removals, formally and informally resolves group grievances. Coordinates and oversees volunteer, student intern, Youth Conservation Corps, and similar programs at the project. Develops performance standards and training plans, and gives on-the-job training in aquatic species culture, fish distribution, disease control, and administrative policies and procedures to staff. Serves as Acting Project Leader in the absence of the Project Leader.

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
  • 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 live on station in government provided housing.
  • Required to work a non-standard tour of duty that may include weekends, holidays, night shifts, and alarm response.
  • Required to obtain and wear an official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform.
  • Must be able to operate a government owned or leased motor vehicle. A valid State driver's license is required.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by closing date will be considered.

The Fish Biology Series, 0482, has a basic requirement. You must possess one of the following to meet this requirement:
A. Degree: major in biological science that included at least 6 semester 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 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 course work in aquatic subjects may be used to meet this requirement.)
B. 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 6 semester hours were in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours were in the animal sciences, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In addition to the basic education requirement, you must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 level of federal employment as shown below.
A. I possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level of federal employment that includes 1) assisting in the development, implementation, and coordination of hatchery data collection for evaluation of hatchery operations and management practices; 2) planning, organizing, and conducting administrative functions such as property management, budget and finance, procurement, and safety; 3) conducting a variety of management actions to produce, rear, and release healthy fish for both harvest and population restoration efforts ; 4) preparing responses regarding hatchery issues to other federal agencies, state agencies, Tribal organizations, and other interested parties to provide requested information within established office guidelines and in conformance with agency and departmental policy; 5) conducting a variety of feeding and treatment scenarios to maintain all life stages of fish species under culture; and 6) supervising, directing the work of, and/or training a diverse professional and wage grade staff in all aspects of cold water fish culture. NOTE: This experience must clearly be demonstrated in your resume.

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.

Physical Demands:
The work is primarily performed at the hatchery site, both in and out of the office. A lot of time is spent outdoors throughout the hatchery facilities and grounds, and occasionally away from the station. The work often requires considerable exertion such as standing, walking, and physically handling fish food, fish, and equipment. Work requires average agility and dexterity. Activities involve working on wet and slippery surfaces, often around deep water. Incumbent must recognize the need for a safe work environment and perform duties in a manner that will not put self or others at risk.

Work Environment:
The work includes both office and outdoor locations. Temperature and weather extremes are encountered in the performance of the outdoor work. The employee is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow workers, or property with which entrusted, and take corrective action to eliminate any hazards.

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

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; 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/

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

FWS has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.

A PCS Move is authorized as follows: travel and relocation expenses including reimbursable real estate expenses will be authorized in accordance with the Federal travel regulations excluding contractor-provided home sale. All moving expenses are taxable. 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: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Alternate_Application_Information.

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 data collection and record keeping in regards to fish production and distribution
  • Knowledge of animal husbandry; facilities management; water operations; aquaculture; and advanced concepts, principals, and practices of fishery management, ecology, and health.
  • Ability to manage and provide leadership to a diverse staff in a variety of facility maintenance and animal husbandry activities
  • Knowledge of supervisory principles, policies, and practices to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate subordinate employees.
  • Skill in analyzing a budget in order to balance annual fiscal allocation accounts, predict operational costs, and determine the ability to support new positions.
  • Knowledge of Federal administrative regulations and procedures regarding travel, training, procurement, safety, property, and human resource management to provide guidance and support to staff as needed.
  • Knowledge of salmonid biology and the principles, practices, methods, techniques, tools and equipment of fish culture sufficient to direct full fish production program from spawning through release/distribution.
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:

Qualified: Meets minimum qualifications established for the position, but fails to meet the benchmark definition for the Well Qualified category.
Well Qualified: Demonstrates overall competency in the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position.
Best Qualified: Demonstrates high proficiency and comprehensive level of knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position.

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.

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