Clarification from the agency

Open to all U.S. Citizens. ICTAP/CTAP eligibles.

As a Geneticist your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs laboratory tasks associated with population genetics and environmental DNA studies of fish and wildlife populations.
• Performs high-throughput sample analyses employing appropriate genetic techniques, adherence to established sample requirements, sample preparation, and other related requirements necessary to obtain valid data according to established principles and procedures.
• Prepares tissue samples and environmental samples for genetic analyses. Performs detailed procedures to ensure uniform preparation of electrophoretic gels, quantitative PCR analysis, metabarcoding library preparation, Sanger and Illumina-based sequencing, and other laboratory methods as needed. Performs laboratory work in adherence to established protocols. Extracts DNA from tissue-based and environmental samples, quantifies concentration of DNA.
• Develops and maintains organized database of biological and genetic data for samples being analyzed to facilitate sample tracking, project progress, and data analysis.
• Performs statistical analyses and generates graphical representations of study results, maintains results in databases, and incorporates these data into written reports, manuscripts, scientific publications, and oral presentations. Statistical analysis and methods include but are not limited to :analyses common to population genetics (parentage analysis, variation within and among populations, population structure, species identification or stock identification) and environmental DNA analysis (qPCR marker efficiency calculation, standard curve analysis, limit of detection, limit of quantification, alpha and beta diversity). Operates, configures, and maintains specialized molecular population genetics laboratory equipment such as thermocyclers, automated DNA sequencers, electrophoresis gels, centrifuges, and other laboratory equipment.

Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-9. 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-9. 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.

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• 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 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 Selective Service. To verify registration, visit SSS.gov.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 11/27/2023 will be considered.

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

Basic Requirement: Possess a degree with a major in genetics; or one of the basic biological sciences that included at least 9 semester hours in genetics. Courses dealing with genetics, some phase of genetics, or specific techniques that are applied in genetics work are acceptable. This includes courses in genetics, plant or animal genetics, molecular and cellular biology, mathematics and statistics (as they apply to genetics), population dynamics, and certain techniques such as those dealing with irradiation. 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.

Minimum Qualification [GS-7]

1. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-5 in the Federal service. Experience must include operating genetics laboratory equipment; practicing molecular genetics techniques and principles; and using sample and genotype databases. OR
2. Completed 1 full year of graduate-level education in an accredited college or university in a field directly related to Genetics, or a curriculum or pattern of training that placed major emphasis on genetics. Graduate study in related fields such as agronomy, horticulture, animal, dairy, or poultry husbandry, entomology, microbiology, plant pathology, chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, and physiology that involved cross-training in genetics is qualifying, provided it placed sufficient emphasis on genetics. OR
3. Completed all requirements for a bachelor's degree in in genetics; or one of the basic biological sciences that included at least 9 semester hours in genetics AND meet one of the following under the Superior Academic Achievement provisions: a) A grade point average of B (a GPA of 3.0 or higher) for all completed undergraduate courses, or those completed in the last 2 full years of undergraduate study; or b) A grade point average of B+ (a GPA of 3.5 or higher) for all courses in your major field of study, or those courses in your major completed in the last two years of undergraduate study; or c) Rank in the upper one-third of your class in the college, university, or major subdivision; or d) Membership in a national honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies. NOTE: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) was taken on a pass/fail or similar basis, your claim must be based on class standing or membership in an honor society.
4. A combination of graduate education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement

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 must include conducting genetic studies in a lab including: DNA extraction using multiple techniques, PCR analysis, microsatellite genotyping, data analysis, and data management; performing techniques such as DNA sequencing (e.g., Sanger or next-generation), quantitative PCR, or genome sequencing; performing statistical analyses to generate results; maintaining databases of biological and genetic data and incorporates these data into written reports, scientific publications, and oral presentations. OR
2. Completed a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in genetics or another closely related field which places sufficient emphasis on genetics and which provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position. OR
3. Possess a combination of education and experience that consisted of courses equivalent to a major (24 semester hours) in fields such as those shown in response A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. The quality of the combination of education and experience is sufficient to demonstrate that I possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform work in the occupation, and is comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in the appropriate field.

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.

How you will be evaluated

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

This vacancy will utilize a multiple hurdle assessment process to determine the qualifications of applicants. The first hurdle will consist of applicants completing an occupational questionnaire related to the major duties and competencies of the position. The second hurdle will consist of applicant resumes being reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) panel for related position competencies against a pre-determined rating schedule. This process will determine the final rating of the applicant for possible referral to the hiring official for hiring consideration.

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):

• Knowledge of the concepts, principles, methods, and theories of genetics, including the biochemistry of DNA manipulation, genotyping via microfluidics, capillary DNA sequencing (Sanger sequencing), and sequencing by synthesis (e.g. Illumina) and DNA quantification and preservation. (GS-9 Only)
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment such as thermocyclers, automated DNA sequencers, PCR and quantitative PCR machines, electrophoresis gels, centrifuges, and other laboratory equipment.
• Skill in computer programs necessary for collection, collation, maintenance, and manipulation of DNA genotypic and sequence data for developing population genetic databases and for data analysis.
• Ability to effectively communicate, explain, and present scientific data in writing and orally.

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).