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Biologist

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

Summary

This position is a Biologist, GS- 0401-9/11 working for the Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Resources Office in Essex Junction, VT.

This position is also open to the public under announcement R5-22-11539072-LL-DE. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
06/27/2022 to 07/08/2022
Salary
$55,395 to - $87,126 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 9 - 11
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Essex Junction, VT
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
11
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
R5-22-11539074-LL-MP
Control number
662128100

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Duties

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As a Biologist your duties will include but are not limited to the following:????

  • Designs, plans, and conducts conventional investigations, assessments or inspections involving a full range of biological, chemical, and physical processes. Examples include impacts of point and non-point source pollution, land management, land and water resource development projects, studies to determine the status of populations of rare species, the development of comprehensive fish and/or wildlife mitigation or management plans, the review and assessment of proposals and/or license applications/renewals to determine their impact upon fish and/or wildlife resources and habitats, or the development and implementation of conventional strategies to conserve and protect habitats and populations.
  • Identifies feasible alternatives to restore natural resources and habitats. Modifies and adapts standard techniques, processes, and procedures; assesses, selects, and applies precedents; and devises strategies and plans in a variety of settings that will range from relatively pristine to highly degraded environments in a wide variety of land use settings, including rural lands and urban environments.
  • Independently coordinates activities with involved agencies, researchers, and other stakeholders, including state and county officials, Native American Tribes and special interest groups and or/ private organizations to identify and resolve technical and administrative issues of local and national significance.
  • Reviews and/or prepares work plans, budgets, program accomplishment reports, and technical reports of findings, conclusions, and/or recommendations regarding appropriate courses of action such as management approval/disapproval, offering alternative projects or approaches, or taking remedial action.
  • Conducts program analyses, and reviews results of studies or investigations. Prepares reports that include recommendation for changes, elimination, or improvement of operations and program plans.
  • Coordinates, collects and processes field data for analysis according to established procedures, as methods and techniques. Gathers, organizes, and interprets a wide variety of biological, ecological, pathological, public use data or other information pertinent to scientific studies.
  • Conducts field experiments using a wide variety of data-collection systems and extracts and analyzes data from these systems. Deploys remote data-collection systems and manipulates and analyzes data from these systems. Modifies and adapts conventional techniques, processes and procedures; assesses, selects and applies precedents; and recommends strategies and plans to overcome significant resource problems.
  • Analyzes and synthesizes quantitative and qualitative data using a wide variety of methods and software in ways that support project needs.
  • Develops and maintains computer databases; and gathers, analyzes, tabulates and summarizes scientific, programmatic, and/or budgetary data. Utilizes a wide variety of data visualization methods and techniques to accurately and effectively communicate data and data analysis findings to various audiences including FWS management and staff, stakeholders, and partners.
  • Prepares technical reports, briefings, presentations, and training materials on analytical findings and recommendations.
  • Maintains contact and communication with biologists throughout the assigned organization and the Service, as needed, and with other agencies (federal, tribal, and state) with similar programs. Provides technical biological guidance for the program area of the assigned organization.
  • Responds to written, telephone, and in-person inquiries from the public. Provides requested information within established guidelines of the office and in conformance with FWS and Departmental policy.
  • As assigned, reviews new or proposed legislations, regulations, policies or programs and provides comments on their effectiveness or impact on natural resource management.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • 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).
  • Merit promotion applicants must meet time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
  • Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
  • Driver?s License: Selectees MAY be required to possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure.
  • Uniform: Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform is required.
  • Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • You will be required to sign a mobility agreement.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 07/08/2022 will be considered.

In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.

Basic Requirement:

  1. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR
  2. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Minimum Qualification [GS-9]
  1. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-7 in the Federal service. Experience may include: assisting in the planning and execution of studies and assessments, organizes and implements limited studies concerning biological, chemical, and physical processes that affect ecosystems; Gathering, organizing, and interpreting a wide variety of biological, ecological, pathological, public use data or other information pertinent to scientific studies; Conducting geospatial analysis, gathering, analyzing, tabulating and summarizing scientific, programmatic, and/or budgetary data. OR
  2. Completion of two years of progressively higher level graduate education at an accredited college or university leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or a directly related field appropriate to this position. OR
  3. A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement.
Minimum Qualification [GS-11]:
  1. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-9 in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience may include: planning and execution of complex studies and assessments or independently plans, organizes and implements limited studies concerning biological, chemical, and physical processes that affect ecosystems; Conducting routine field experiments using various data-collection systems and extracts and analyzes data from these system; Gather, organize, and interpret a wide variety of biological, ecological, pathological, public use data or other information pertinent to scientific studies; Collaborate with non-profit organizations, universities, state agencies, and/or federal agencies on priorities and conservation efforts. OR
  2. Completion of three years of progressively higher level graduate education at an accredited college or university leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or a directly related field appropriate to this position. OR
  3. 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.

Time In Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet both eligibility and qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the JOA. Specifically,
i. Area of Consideration.
ii. Time-in-grade (TIG) requirements as specified in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
iii. Time after competitive appointment as specified in 5 CFR 330.502.
iv. Qualification requirements outlined in OPM's Qualifications Standards for General Schedule Positions or for Federal Wage System (FWS), wage grade positions, applicants are evaluated using the OPM Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations and the job element examining method
Your SF-50 will be used to confirm you meet all requirements

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 and may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.

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 click here

The Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA),P.L. 114-47, allows certain individuals who currently or formerly were under time-limited competitive appointments at certain land management agencies to compete under merit promotion procedures.

For Eligibility Information click here: USAJOBS Help Center | Land Management

Public Land Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority: Served as a qualified youth on an appropriate conservation project completing a minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory service that included at least 120 hours through the PLC and received a certificate of non-competitive eligibility. Completed most recent Corps service, for which a certificate of non-competitive eligibility was issued, within the last 2 years. Appointment must be effected within the 2 year period.

Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the online assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

  • Professional knowledge of the theories, principles and concepts of chemistry, toxicology, hydrology, entomology, limnology, parasitology, and ecology.
  • Knowledge of database management concepts, principles, and methods.
  • Ability to organize and track data records.
  • Ability to communicate in writing in order to prepare correspondence, scientific, and administrative reports, management plans, and similar documents.
  • Ability to establish positive working relationships/partnerships and exercise tact and diplomacy in coordinating activities with co-workers, and as needed, with representatives of other federal agencies, state, tribal and local organizations, conservation organizations, private entities, and the general public.

In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

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