This job will close when we have received 500 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$64,009 to - $99,741 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 12
Locations
many vacancies in the following locations:
Anchorage, AK
Fairbanks, AK
Daphne, AL
Conway, AR
Phoenix, AZ
Arcata, CA
Carlsbad, CA
Sacramento, CA
Ventura, CA
Grand Junction, CO
Gainesville, FL
Jacksonville, FL
Tyndall AFB, FL
Vero Beach, FL
Athens, GA
Atlanta, GA
Fort Benning, GA
Townsend, GA
Honolulu, HI
Chubbuck, ID
Carbondale, IL
Chicago, IL
Moline, IL
Bloomington, IN
Frankfort, KY
East Orland, ME
Bloomington, MN
Columbia, MO
Saipan, Mariana Island, MP
Jackson, MS
Helena, MT
Asheville, NC
Raleigh, NC
Albuquerque, NM
Las Vegas, NV
Columbus, OH
La Grande, OR
Portland, OR
Boqueron, Cabo Rojo, PR
Charleston, SC
Pierre, SD
Cookeville, TN
Austin, TX
Houston, TX
Falls Church, VA
Gloucester, VA
Lacey, WA
Spokane, WA
New Franken, WI
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel occasionally, but not more than 25% for this position (See link provided under "additional information" section.)
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.)
This position will be filled under the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority and is open to all United States citizens and U.S. nationals. Veteran's preference and traditional rating and ranking of applications do not apply. All qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration for this position.
As a Fish and Wildlife Biologist GS-0401-11/12, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Coordinate and facilitate activities pursuant to sections, 4, 6, 7, and 10 of the Endangered Species Act.
Act as technical advisor to other Field Office staff on the habitat needs of rare, candidate, proposed, and federally listed species. Independently conduct consultations pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, with other Federal agencies and designated non-Federal representatives for development, transportation, infrastructure, water conveyance, recreation, restoration and flood control projects.
Plan and conduct status assessments for listed, proposed and candidate species, in cooperation with other Federal, state, and local agency personnel, private organization representatives, contractors, and other partners.
Facilitate implantation of conservation actions authorized through Biological Opinions and other regulatory documents; Coordinate budgets, contracts, grants, and agreements for conservation actions.
Deliver presentations on the Service's policies and positions to other agencies and the public.
Draft Biological Opinions, concurrence letters, and technical assistance correspondence for signature of the Field Office Supervisor or Regional Director and prepare responses to Regional, Washington Office, and Congressional inquiries.
Coordinate and facilitate efforts on a state-wide basis to consolidate private, State, Federal and Service programs and projects into a coordinated and comprehensive program that maximizes habitat preservation, restoration, and enhancement benefits for Trust resources, including wetlands and habitats for candidate, threatened, and endangered species.
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 Non-Sensitive Low background investigation
Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform required
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by 08/27/2020 will be considered.
BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:
A) Possess a Bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited college or university in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR
B) Possess a combination of education and experience which includes courses equivalent to a major in the biological sciences (i.e., at least 24 semester hours) as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education that is comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, GS-11:In addition to the basic education requirement above, you must possess the qualifications below in order to qualify for this position at the GS-11 grade level.
A) Possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as a GS-09 in Federal service. Experience may have included performance of the following duties: (1) conducting investigations of moderate complexity to determine the impact of various land and water development projects upon the fish and/or wildlife resources of an area; (2) assisting in developing comprehensive fish and/or wildlife management plans; (3) assisting in preparing and reviewing biological implications of environmental assessment/impact statements or comprehensive resource planning reports to evaluate environmental consequences of proposed actions;(4) implementing federal environmental laws (i.e., Endangered Species Act, specifically Sections 7 and 10; Clean Water Act; Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act; National Environmental Policy Act), regulations, and policies involving natural resource issues; OR
B) Possess 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree, or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in the biological sciences, natural resource management, or a closely related field which provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position; OR
C) Possess a combination of experience as described above and graduate education as described above which, when combined, is equivalent to 100% of the qualification requirement.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, GS-12:In addition to the basic education requirement above, you must possess the qualifications below in order to qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level.
A) Possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as a GS-11 in Federal service. Experience may have included performance of the following duties: (1) conducting biological or ecological investigations into consequences of proposed land or water projects, on endangered species and their habitats; (2) negotiating alternative actions or mitigation measures, etc.; (3) developing habitat conservation or restoration projects; (4) serving as a technical advisor on the Endangered Species Act for other staff, government agencies, land owners, private interest groups, etc. (5) preparing biological portions of environment assessment/impact statements or comprehensive resource planning reports.
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-12. 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-12. 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
Click HERE to see specific information about each position/location.
The salary range given above includes base pay and locality pay, you will receive a 4.22% cost of living allowance for Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau, or 5.80% for all other Alaska locations. This allowance is subject to annual review, adjustment and grade decrease.
If you are a current U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee and you are transferring from a Region outside of Alaska, you may be eligible to return to a position in your home Region upon completion of a minimum 3-year tour of duty in Alaska. If you exercise this option, your home Region will place you in a position of equivalent grade in the same general occupational classification series that you occupied in Alaska.
FWS has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.
TRAVEL AND RELOCATION EXPENSES: Please click HERE to verify if reimbursement of relocation expenses are authorized for the location you are applying.
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. If you are a CTAP or ICTAP eligible, you will be considered well qualified if you: (1) meet the minimum qualification requirements listed in the vacancy announcement; (2) possess the knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or competencies that exceed the minimum qualification requirements enabling you to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry as determined by at least one subject matter expert; 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/https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/
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.
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.
All applicants who submit a complete and legible application by the closing date of this vacancy announcement (or once we have received 500 applications which may be sooner than the closing date) will have their qualifications reviewed to determine if they possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the work of this position.
1. Knowledge of theories and methods of fish and wildlife biology and related disciplines.
2. Knowledge of the Endangered Species Act and regulations, policies, case law, and Solicitor's opinions relating to its administration.
3. Skill in analysis.
4. Skill in interpersonal communication.
5. Ability to communicate in writing.
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) (are required and MUST BE SUBMITTED), because the position has education requirements, or if you are using your education to qualify. 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: http://http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
If applicable, documentation/proof that you are eligible Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Review the Appointment Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility section of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the appointment eligibilities that you selected. You must provide proof of your eligibility as required by appointment eligibility to be considered.
Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month/day/year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume.
You must also complete the online application and assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
DEADLINE DATE: A complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/27/2020 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is received. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
You will be considered for all eligibilities for which you select "yes" and submit the required documents and supporting documentation (e.g. DD 214, Schedule A letter, etc.). The supporting documentation you submit will be used to determine your eligibility. Please review the list of documentation provided in the eligibilities language to ensure you provide the appropriate information.
Please note, your eligibility will be based solely on the selections you have indicated "yes" in this section. You must provide the supporting documentation to support your claim to be considered. You may choose more than one eligibilities in this section.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Division of Human Resources
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 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) (are required and MUST BE SUBMITTED), because the position has education requirements, or if you are using your education to qualify. 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: http://http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
If applicable, documentation/proof that you are eligible Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Review the Appointment Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility section of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the appointment eligibilities that you selected. You must provide proof of your eligibility as required by appointment eligibility to be considered.
Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month/day/year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume.
You must also complete the online application and assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
DEADLINE DATE: A complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/27/2020 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is received. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
You will be considered for all eligibilities for which you select "yes" and submit the required documents and supporting documentation (e.g. DD 214, Schedule A letter, etc.). The supporting documentation you submit will be used to determine your eligibility. Please review the list of documentation provided in the eligibilities language to ensure you provide the appropriate information.
Please note, your eligibility will be based solely on the selections you have indicated "yes" in this section. You must provide the supporting documentation to support your claim to be considered. You may choose more than one eligibilities in this section.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Division of Human Resources
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 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.
