This position is a Fish Biologist, GS- 0482-11/12 and will serve as the Assistant Project Leader for the R5-White River National Fish Hatchery located in Bethel, VT.
Summary
This position is a Fish Biologist, GS- 0482-11/12 and will serve as the Assistant Project Leader for the R5-White River National Fish Hatchery located in Bethel, VT.
Yes—this position is suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—entitlements for payment of basic moving expenses, as required and to the extent allowed by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 302-3.101, are authorized for eligible applicants changing duty station when the change meets the distance tests as provided in FTR 302-1.1 and 302-2.6. All moving expenses are taxable. Discretionary entitlements are not authorized for this position.
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.
This position is a Fish Biologist, GS-0482-11/12 and will serve as the Assistant Project Leader for R5-White River National Fish Hatchery located in Bethel, VT. The station currently serves to support several important restoration programs including landlocked Atlantic salmon in Lake Champlain and Lake Ontario and lake trout restoration in the lower Great Lakes. These programs are guided by assessment, applied science and adaptive management in coordination with the Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office and partners to assess and overcome barriers to restoration and evaluate techniques to restore fish populations most effectively in Lake Champlain and Lake Ontario as well as providing transferable insights for other restoration programs in the region and across the country.
Responsibilities of the position will include, but are not limited to, the following:
Operation, production, planning, reporting and supervision of White River National Fish Hatchery.
Assisting the Project Leader with administrative functions including budget planning, development and implementation, supervision of staff and leadership in operations and maintenance of infrastructure and real property, fleet and physical property assets, as well as station safety and environmental compliance requirements.
Covering responsibilities for all production elements including, but not limited to, broodstock management and care, egg and fish culture, spawning, fish rearing, and distribution.
Resume (See "Required Documents"). Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is provided on resume.
Eligibility and Supporting documents - 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.
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 MAY be required.
Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by 06/14/2023 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.
Basic Requirement:
A bachelor's or 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. The quality of the combination of education and experience is sufficient to demonstrate possession of knowledge, skills, and abilities comparable to those normally acquired through the successful completion of a full four-year course of study.
Minimum Qualification [GS-11]
One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-9 in the Federal service. Experience includes (1) working in warm-, cool-, and cold-water fish production; (2) adjusting feed, water flows, water treatment, water testing, measuring growth and other parameters to evaluate condition, and monitoring and treating for fish health concerns; (3) working with partners or acting as a team leader and training others; (4) planning, organizing, and conducting administrative functions such as property management, budget and finance, procurement, and safety. OR
Three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D., or possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, 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-12]
One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-11 in the Federal service. Experience includes (1) managing complex hatchery infrastructure and water resources; (2) developing and implementing fish production and broodstock management plans, standard operating procedures, safety and environmental compliance plans; (3) planning, organizing, and conducting administrative functions such as property management, budget and finance, procurement, and safety; (4) independently performing duties in all phases of hatchery management, including captive rearing fish species for the purposes of supporting restoration and recreational initiatives; (5) recognizing fish disease symptoms, developing bio-security and fish health safety plans; (6) developing new systems and methodologies to improve efficiency; (7) developing and implementing outreach strategies to promote awareness.
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
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 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
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 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.
Knowledge of one or more of the following fields: warm-, cool-, and/or cold-water fisheries; anadromous salmonids; native and rare fish and their habitat; or similar fields.
Knowledge of bio-security methods and protocols, fish pathology, disease diagnoses, and treatment.
Knowledge of water quality, water conveyance and supply systems, water effluent treatments systems, fish and egg culture facilities, and recirculating aquaculture systems.
Knowledge of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits and other pertinent safety and environmental compliance standards, rules, regulations, or laws that influence hatchery operations.
Ability to provide supervision, direction, and oversight to a multi-disciplined staff in all phases of hatchery or fishery resources operations.
Ability to plan, direct, supervise, and perform all aspects of fish production, spawning, development and maintenance of genetically viable broodstocks, and fish health practices.
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 (including month and year of employment) for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, and description of job duties for each job title listed. 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. Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
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 06/14/2023, 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
300 Westgate Center Drive
Hadley, MA 01035
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 (including month and year of employment) for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, and description of job duties for each job title listed. 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. Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
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 06/14/2023, 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
300 Westgate Center Drive
Hadley, MA 01035
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.
