This vacancy announcement is part of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service coordinated advertisement for 5 positions as a Wildlife Biologist, GS- 0486-9 working in one of the locations listed below:
Cambridge, MD Annapolis, MD
Rock Hall, MD Midway Atoll Bismarck, ND (preferred, but location negotiable)
This vacancy announcement is part of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service coordinated advertisement for 5 positions as a Wildlife Biologist, GS- 0486-9 working in one of the locations listed below:
Cambridge, MD Annapolis, MD
Rock Hall, MD Midway Atoll Bismarck, ND (preferred, but location negotiable)
As a Wildlife Biologist your duties will include but are not limited to the following:
Plans and executes wildlife surveys to determine population trends, patterns in reproductive success, timing of nesting events, and other demographic parameters of a suite of indicator species.
Plan, coordinate, or administer activities such as habitat management, hunting, and/or invasive species control and prevention on refuges/public lands.
Writes reports from monitoring data and presents results at technical meetings and in peer-reviewed literature.
Uses standard techniques to collect, identify, preserve and catalog specimens. Refines databases for biological data and keeps databases current. Enters and accesses data in geographic information systems (GIS), analyzes data using tools such as statistical and GIS systems software.
Helps train and supervise seasonal employees and volunteers engaged in technical work and assists in public outreach activities by preparing materials used to inform the public on program activities.
Maintains contacts with state agencies like the Department of Fish and Game, other Federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, National Marine Fisheries Service, Universities, private research groups and Native organizations.
When applicable, operates small boats, snowmobiles, four-wheel all-terrain vehicles, motor vehicles, and/or other light equipment for official purposes. May also carry and use a firearm for animal defense, as necessary.
Researches and reviews natural resource state and federal laws, regulations, and international treaties and agreements, such as the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act in order to perform duties.
Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.
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 possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during your tenure
Unusual Tour of Duty (Nights / Weekends)
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by 07/22/2020 will be considered. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.
Basic Requirement:
A. I possess a Bachelor's degree with a major in a biological science that includes the following course work: 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. (Transcripts must be submitted in order to qualify for this position) -OR-
B. I have a combination of education and experience that is equivalent to a major in a biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), with at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zoology subjects and 9 semester hours in botany as described in "A" above, plus appropriate specialized experience or additional education. (Transcripts must be submitted in order to qualify for this position)
Minimum Qualification GS-9
A. I possess 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree directly related to this position. (Transcripts must be submitted in order to qualify for this position) -OR-
B. I have 1 year of full-time specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience includes assisting in capturing, handling, and observing large raptors or vultures (such as condors, eagles) in the wild in order to identify and resolve recurring biological problems; ensuring proper collection and preservation of specimens; performing and monitoring specialized tests and non-routine procedures; calculating or correlating test results and verifying results; writing analytical reports, plans, and correspondence on specific wildlife-related subjects. -OR-
C. I have a combination of specialized experience and more than one year of graduate education (both as described above) that, when computed as percentages of their respective requirements, equals at least 100% when combined. Only graduate education beyond the 1st full year (18 semesters or equivalent) is creditable using this method.
IMPORTANT: Human Resources is not permitted to "read between the lines," make assumptions about, or infer what duties you performed in your work history. To ensure that we can credit your experience, we recommend that you update your resume to specifically address the duties described above. One year of experience refers to full-time work. Your resume must include starting and ending dates (month and year), and the number of hours worked per week.
Information about the refuges:
Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Midway_Atoll/
The Wildlife Biologist position at Midway Atoll NWR is a critical position required to maintain our investment in invasive species control on Midway Atoll. Midway Atoll is recognized as globally important for breeding albatross and other seabirds, and for its historic and cultural significance. This position will lead invasive plant and animal control efforts on the Island to protect sensitive and endangered species. This position is critical to maintaining the progress made on restoring the island to a more natural state. Other tasks include wildlife surveys, project monitoring, management of field logistics and maintenance of equipment. This position will help train and supervise seasonal employees and volunteers in invasive species control and biological monitoring. They will be responsible for managing and analyzing data, writing project reports and presenting findings to stakeholders. After completing training, they will be responsible for operating small watercraft in open water conditions.
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/eastern_neck/
The Wildlife Biologist position at Eastern Neck NWR will be stationed at Rock Hall, MD, and supervised by the Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The focus of the work is conducting wildlife management such as wildlife surveys, project monitoring, hunt program management, as well as habitat management such as mowing, invasive species control, and water level manipulation. This position will help train and supervise seasonal employees and volunteers and assist in public outreach activities. They will work closely with the Friends of Eastern Neck and maintain contacts with partners like the Department of Natural Resources, other Federal agencies, Universities, and private research groups.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
http://www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater
This wildlife biologist position will be stationed at Blackwater NWR in Cambridge, Maryland, but will be responsible for monitoring wetland restoration and management projects across multiple properties in the Chesapeake Bay region. This person will organize and lead monitoring work, manage field logistics and maintain equipment. They will be responsible for all aspects of managing and analyzing data, writing project reports and presenting findings to stakeholders. After completing training, they will be responsible for operating small watercraft in open water conditions.
This is an Urban Wildlife Biologist position supervised by the Chesapeake Bay Field Office in Annapolis, MD. The Biologist will work primarily in Baltimore, Maryland. The focus of the work is conducting Wildlife Biology (e.g. wildlife surveys and monitoring, monarch tagging), outreach (e.g. coordinating fishing days and bioblitzes, interpreting wildlife to local residents) and working with a diverse array of partners within the Baltimore Rivers to Harbor Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership with a special emphasis on the Masonville Cove Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership. Through these partnerships, the Biologist will focus on promoting biodiversity, equity, resilience and discovery.
This position is with the Habitat and Population Evaluation Team (HAPET) with stations in multiple locations. HAPET's primary role is provide science support for the Prairie Pothole Joint Venture and conservation delivery tools for the USFWS Refuge programs in the Northern Great Plains. The major responsibilities of this position will be to collect, process and analyze wildlife population and habitat information obtained from remotely sensed data sources using Geographic Information System (GIS) and/or other landscape scale approaches. This is a cooperative project with the US Department of Agriculture with the objective to identify tracts with greatest potential wildlife value when considered for enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program. The location of this position is in the United States and is negotiable after selection.
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
This is a term position expected to last at least 1 year but may be extended up to a total of 4 years.
Additional Vacancies:One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement.
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 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: OPM's 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.
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 qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If you meet the 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 supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications 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):
1. Professional knowledge of the theories, principles, concepts, and methods of wildlife biology; basic knowledge of related biological and physical science disciplines such as botany, chemistry, hydrology, entomology, limnology, parasitology, and ecology to perform conventional scientific or natural resources management tasks that have well-established boundaries and procedures.
2. Basic oral and written communication skills to include technical writing methods to prepare reports using specific biological data for presentation in meetings and other peer-review gatherings.
3. Skill in data collection, analysis and presentation using a computer and a variety of software (such as word processing, spreadsheets, data base management, graphics, statistical analysis, and GIS) to compile and record biological information.
4. General knowledge of natural resource state and federal laws, regulations, and international treaties and agreements, such as the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act to expand the employee's understanding of concepts, program requirements and procedures.
5. When applicable, skill and knowledge in operating small boats with outboard motors and/or motorized vehicles to reach field locations; skill and knowledge in running field camps and knowledge of the materials needed to carry out an effective field investigation.
6. Knowledge of logistics to efficiently conduct and complete projects in remote field locations.
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, and Qualified
The category rating process protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the 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).
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.
You must submit a complete application package which includes:
RESUME.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. OPM Resume Writing Tips
COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS, are required. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A copy of your official transcripts will be required if you are selected. 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 programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
VETERANS' PREFERENCE DOCUMENTATION, if applicable. 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 Member Copy 4 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 (i.e. VA letter).
CTAP/ICTAP DOCUMENTATION, if applicable. Documentation/proof that you are eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (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 in the application preview linked below: The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text.
Review the Required Documents section: Along with a completed online application and assessment questionnaire you must submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.
DEADLINE DATE: A complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/22/2020 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account. 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 prior to submitting. 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.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, 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
5275 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041
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 hiring official.
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.
You must submit a complete application package which includes:
RESUME.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. OPM Resume Writing Tips
COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS, are required. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A copy of your official transcripts will be required if you are selected. 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 programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
VETERANS' PREFERENCE DOCUMENTATION, if applicable. 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 Member Copy 4 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 (i.e. VA letter).
CTAP/ICTAP DOCUMENTATION, if applicable. Documentation/proof that you are eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (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 in the application preview linked below: The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text.
Review the Required Documents section: Along with a completed online application and assessment questionnaire you must submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.
DEADLINE DATE: A complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/22/2020 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account. 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 prior to submitting. 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.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, 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
5275 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041
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 hiring official.
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.
