This position is a Fish Biologist, GS- 0482-9/11 working in Dillingham, Alaska for the R7-Togiak National Wildlife Refuge.
This position is also open to status candidates under announcement R7-22-11323315-MT-MP. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
Summary
This position is a Fish Biologist, GS- 0482-9/11 working in Dillingham, Alaska for the R7-Togiak National Wildlife Refuge.
This position is also open to status candidates under announcement R7-22-11323315-MT-MP. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
As a Fish Biologist your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
Develops and reviews comprehensive hatchery and fishery management plans and coordinates with other fishery programs that effect biological resources including, but not limited to: fish culture, hatchery quality control, fishery management assistance, sampling for exotic species, assessing fish populations, and recommending habitat restoration/management.
Plans and conducts a wide variety of complex investigations including the design, collection, and analysis of biological data to: determine the effects of various fish culture techniques, evaluate the impact of land and water development practices upon the fishery resources of an area; or to assist in implementing hatchery reform initiatives.
Plans and conducts inspections and evaluations of existing projects to ensure that legal standards and other requirements are met and implemented in a manner most beneficial to fishery resources.
Prepares reports on progress and completion of activities and formulates recommendations that guide future programs and influences the improvements in hatchery/management/fish health practices.
Reviews and analyzes biological implications of environmental assessments or comprehensive resource planning reports to evaluate environmental consequences of proposed actions on Federal projects.
Responsible for the final collation, preparation and editing of contract reports, annual reports and scientific documents (to be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals) produced as a result of the fishery activity as well as preparing for and conducting briefings (for example, to regional office personnel).
Attends public meetings and hearings to discuss proposed or existing practices that effect hatchery/office/center biological resources. Communicates with external agencies and Tribal partners.
Duties of the position include conducting a water temperature monitoring project on rivers and lakes throughout the Refuge, aerial salmon surveys, conducting resident fish population inventories and assessments, and monitoring aquatic habitat. Other duties involve preparation of study proposals and operational plans, supervision of field activities, collecting and recording data, data analysis, and report writing.
Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for 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.
Firearm: Selectees will be required to carry a firearm in the performance of their duties.
Uniform: Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform is required.
Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by 01/03/2022 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.
Basic Requirement:
Bachelor's of higher degree with a major in biological science that included (1) 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 (2) at least 12 semester hours in animal science subjects such as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or research in these fields. (Excess coursework in aquatic subjects may be used to satisfy the animal science coursework requirement when appropriate.); OR
A combination of education and experience that includes coursework 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.
Minimum Qualification [GS-9]:
One year of full-time specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to grade GS-7 in the Federal service. Examples of qualifying experience may include: assisting with biological initiatives related to the management of fish and aquatic resources; assisting with conducting studies of factors affecting fish populations or hatchery practices; performing biological data analysis; and assisting with preparing and presenting scientific data relative to fishery resources.; OR
Two years of progressively higher-level graduate-level education leading to a master's degree OR a master's or equivalent graduate degree with a major study in or directly related to fisheries and/or aquatics; OR
A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement.
Minimum Qualification [GS-11]:
One year of full-time specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to grade GS-7 in the Federal service. Examples of qualifying experience may include may include: providing planning support for biological initiatives related to the management of fish and aquatic resources; conducting studies affecting fish populations or hatchery practices/operations; performing biological statistical analysis; assisting in fisheries management planning; and preparing and presenting scientific data relative to fishery resources. OR
Three years of progressively higher-level graduate-level education leading to a Ph.D degree OR Ph.D or equivalent graduate degree with a major study in or directly related to fisheries and/or aquatics; OR
A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement.
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.
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
PCS INFORMATION:
No PCS entitlements authorized
Telework:
This position is suitable for telework on in an emergency or natural disaster.
Additional Vacancies: One or more 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/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), score at least 85 on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry.
For information on CTAP and ICTAP visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/"
Responsibilities involve stays in remote field camps, working in harsh weather, operation of boats with outboard motors or river rafts, frequent travel in small aircraft, using radio telemetry equipment, qualifying with and carrying a firearm for bear protection, and maintaining safety training certifications. The work requires recurring, at times significant, physical exertion such as walking considerable distances in rough, wet uneven, or rocky terrain; and carrying heavy field equipment up to 50 pounds in weight under a variety of environmental conditions during all seasons and temperature extremes.
Alaska Positions: The salary range given above includes base pay and locality pay. You will receive a 2.86% cost of living allowance for Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau, or 4.40% for all other Alaska locations. This allowance is subject to annual review, adjustment and grade decrease. Alaska Positions that require the use of Firearms: Applicants are ineligible for this position if at ANY time they have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence, unless such conviction was expunged, set aside or the applicant receives a pardon.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications outlined 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. Note: 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):
Professional knowledge of the biology, ecology and habitat requirements of aquatic species native to North America (e.g., Pacific salmon and rainbow trout) sufficient to plan and conduct population assessments and evaluations; to review and analyze biological data; and to provide technical assistance and advice to others.
Ability to conduct fisheries sampling, monitoring and data collection using a variety of marking and tagging techniques such as coded-wire tags, passive integrated transponder tags, radio-telemetry, fin-clipping, and genetic marking.
Skill in data management, relational database structure, and statistical data analysis, and spatial analysis in order to develop and maintain biological databases, synthesize and analyze data.
Ability to communicate orally to present data and its analyses.
Ability to communicate in writing to compose reports requiring a minimum of reviewing and editing, prepare technical fishery manuscripts, and review other professional work for technical accuracy.
Ability to analyze, design, and conduct aquatic research, modeling, and monitoring projects to plan and conduct a wide variety of complex investigations including the design, collection, and analysis of biological data.
Professional knowledge of the principles, concepts, and theories in fishery biology and a working familiarity with related disciplines to determine the effect of various fish harvest policies, land and water development projects, and fish health on fishery resources of an area.
Basic technical writing skills sufficient to prepare technical fishery related documents and review materials prepared by others for technical accuracy.
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).
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: Please refer to the education section above for additional information. 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. Veterans' Preference Documentation: 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 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference in addition to the proof required by that form (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.
3. 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.
As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and self-certify your vaccination status. USFWS will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request of USFWS a legally required exception from this requirement.
Due to COVID-19, the USFWS is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement in accordance with the Department's reentry procedures. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework one or more days per pay period depending upon the terms of the USFWS telework policy.
For additional information regarding limited circumstances where the law requires an exception please visit the Safer Federal Workforce website.
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 01/03/2022 ,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 Resources
1101 East Tudor Road
Anchorage, AK 99503
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: Please refer to the education section above for additional information. 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. Veterans' Preference Documentation: 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 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference in addition to the proof required by that form (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.
3. 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.
As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and self-certify your vaccination status. USFWS will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request of USFWS a legally required exception from this requirement.
Due to COVID-19, the USFWS is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement in accordance with the Department's reentry procedures. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework one or more days per pay period depending upon the terms of the USFWS telework policy.
For additional information regarding limited circumstances where the law requires an exception please visit the Safer Federal Workforce website.
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 01/03/2022 ,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 Resources
1101 East Tudor Road
Anchorage, AK 99503
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.
