Positions listed are for Fish and Wildlife Biologist, GS- 0401-11/12 working in Tupelo, Mississippi (1 vacancy) for the R4-Lower Mississippi River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office; Vancouver, Washington (2 vacancies) for the R1 Columbia River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office; Red Bluff, California (1 vacancy) for the Red Bluff Fish and Wildlife Office.
Salary will be based upon duty station and locality pay once selected. Locality tables may be found here.
Summary
Positions listed are for Fish and Wildlife Biologist, GS- 0401-11/12 working in Tupelo, Mississippi (1 vacancy) for the R4-Lower Mississippi River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office; Vancouver, Washington (2 vacancies) for the R1 Columbia River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office; Red Bluff, California (1 vacancy) for the Red Bluff Fish and Wildlife Office.
Salary will be based upon duty station and locality pay once selected. Locality tables may be found here.
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy for Tupelo, MS and Red Bluff, CA. However, Vancouver, WA will NOT offer relocation.
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 your duties will include but are not limited to the following:
Tupelo, Mississippi for the R4 Lower Mississippi River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (1 Vacancy) -
Serve as a coordinator for Asian Carp management and control efforts in the Southeast Region. The biologist will work closely with numerous state and federal agencies, universities, and non-governmental organization partners. There is no field work associated with the duties and responsibilities of this position, although there may be opportunities to assist with field work as schedules allow. The primary duty will be to provide coordination support to the Lower Mississippi and Arkansas-Red-White Subbasins' Asian Carp Partnerships in developing and implementing projects to contain and control the spread of Asian carp. Additional duties include coordination of habitat restoration efforts and assistance with large multi-jurisdictional partnerships to further conservation efforts throughout the Southeast.
Vancouver, Washington for the Columbia River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office(Vacancy 1 of 2)-This position serves as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist within the Columbia River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office. The biologist will work with internal and external partners to develop and implement studies aimed at the conservation of aquatic, native USFWS trust species, often focusing on species-of-concern or listed species. The primary duty will be serving as the liaison between Fish and Aquatic Conservation and National Wildlife Refuges throughout Region 9. The biologist will provide technical assistance to Refuges by designing, coordinating, and implementing complex fish and aquatic habitat assessments to characterize resources and evaluate habitat restoration. They will coordinate habitat restoration efforts and serve on multi-agency/stakeholder conservation planning and implementation teams. The Fish and Wildlife Biologist may coordinate with watershed councils, agencies, and fish management entities on implementation of the National Fish Habitat Partnership, and administer funding agreements for habitat projects.
Vancouver, Washington for the Columbia River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (Vacancy 2 of 2)-This position serves as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist within the Columbia River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office. The primary duty will be serving as liaison between Fish and Aquatic Conservation and both Ecological Services and Science Applications. The biologist will work with Ecological Services to represent the Service in technical and management forums in the Willamette and Columbia River basins working on the conservation of native USFWS trust species, species-of-concern and/or listed species such as Pacific Lamprey and Bull Trout. The Fish and Wildlife Biologist will co-lead the development of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act Reports. The biologist will work with Science Applications on regional and national initiatives such as the climate change strategic plan. They may represent Fish and Aquatic Conservation on multi-disciplinary teams to develop and execute regional climate action plans focused on integrating adaptive management into all Service efforts within the Columbia Pacific Northwest and Pacific Islands Regions.
Red Bluff, California for the Red Bluff Fish and Wildlife Office (1 Vacancy) -
Serves as a senior fish biologist implementing the CVPIA Anadromous Fish Restoration Program in the Central Valley of California, including restoration projects related to improving aquatic and terrestrial habitat, fish passage, and stream flow for salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon. The program also funds aquatic ecosystem research, and evaluation and monitoring of restoration activities. Serves as an expert on resource issues relative to fish management, habitat protection and restoration, and endangered species. Coordinates with a wide range of partners including: Federal and State agencies; utilities, and irrigation and water districts; urban, agricultural, industrial, and environmental organizations; local watershed workgroups and technical advisory committees; and other interest groups. The successful applicant will promote Service policy, negotiate positions, and develop projects to increase protection and enhancement of fish populations and their habitats. Develops, coordinates, negotiates, and manages contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements. Plans and implements program initiatives, including adaptive resource management and a science integration team.
Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.
Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply).
Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
Driver's License: Selectees must possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure.
Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by 03/29/2021 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.
BASIC 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 assessments of fish and aquatic species populations and habitat; (2) providing planning support for biological initiatives related to the management of fish and aquatic resources; (3) assisting in aquatic invasive species prevention and planning; (4) participating in habitat protection and restoration projects: (5) preparing and presenting scientific data relative to fishery resources; 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 the status of endangered or trust species and their habitats or aquatic invasive species; (2) Developing and managing contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements; 3) creating partnerships with Service partners, tribal groups, and state and federal agencies to strategically prioritize, conserve and restore aquatic species and habitats; (4) providing aquatic habitat restoration technical expertise and assistance to fish habitat and other multi-agency conservation partnerships and fisheries resources; (5) effectively communicating orally and in writing, including proposal and initiative preparation and journal quality report preparation.
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
Telework:
This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.
Additional Vacancies: Multiple positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP):Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. CTAP or ICTAP applicants must be determined to be well-qualified for this position in order to receive special selection priority. To be well-qualified, a CTAP or ICTAP applicant must meet the following: OPM qualification requirements for the position, all selective factors, where applicable; special OPM approved qualifying conditions for the position; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate, to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and receives a rating of at least 85 on the questionnaire. For more information visit: OPM's Employee Guide to Career Transition
You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy for Tupelo, MS and Red Bluff, CA. However, Vancouver, WA will NOT offer relocation.
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 cut-off} 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.
Professional knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, concepts methodologies and techniques of biology and an in depth working knowledge of related biological and ecological fields.
Professional knowledge of the concepts and principles of fish biology to conduct aquatic habitat studies and habitat restoration using appropriate techniques, including habitat assessment, evaluation, and restoration methods.
Knowledge of landscape-level conservation and aquatic ecosystem functionality, enabling the incumbent to deal with issues involving a variety of distinct habitats, species assemblages, and natural processes.
Ability to integrate knowledge of biological, ecological and physical systems in order to strategically plan, develop, prioritize, implement and monitor habitat conservation, restoration, and assessment projects.
Ability to coordinate with other Service programs and offices, other Federal agencies and State and local agencies to conserve and manage fish populations and strategically prioritize, conserve and restore aquatic species and habitats.
Ability to develop, negotiate and manage grants and cooperative agreements.
Well versed in professional and technical writing and speaking skills in order to prepare technical reports, publications, develop training materials and give oral presentations to a variety of audiences.
Ability to lead a diverse group of partners through strategic planning, coordination and project implementation of complex field and laboratory investigations into fish management or AIS early detection, monitoring and control.
Applicants eligible for priority consideration under DOI's Career Transition Assistance Program/Plan, employees eligible under the Interagency Career Transition Plan (ICTAP). Eligible candidates on the Reemployment Placement List (RPL). A qualified and eligible permanent DOI employee may be selected before an ICTAP eligible.
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. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.
Required Documents:
1. Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, annual salary, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number. Additional information on what to include can be found here. Your experience needs to address every required qualification.
2. College Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.
Additional Documentation if applicable:
1. Cover Letter
2. CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents section.
Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
Applications must be received by 03/29/2021, 11:59pm ET to receive consideration.
Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, in Applications tab, click the position title you applied to for the status. 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 Capital Management
1875 Century Blvd Suite 370
Atlanta, GA 30345
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. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.
Required Documents:
1. Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, annual salary, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number. Additional information on what to include can be found here. Your experience needs to address every required qualification.
2. College Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.
Additional Documentation if applicable:
1. Cover Letter
2. CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents section.
Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
Applications must be received by 03/29/2021, 11:59pm ET to receive consideration.
Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, in Applications tab, click the position title you applied to for the status. 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 Capital Management
1875 Century Blvd Suite 370
Atlanta, GA 30345
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.
