This position is a Fish Biologist, GS- 0401-7/9 working in Marquette, Michigan, for the R3-Marquette Biological Station.
This position is also open to public under announcement R3-24-12418409-RR-DE. 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- 0401-7/9 working in Marquette, Michigan, for the R3-Marquette Biological Station.
This position is also open to public under announcement R3-24-12418409-RR-DE. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
The incumbent serves as a staff fishery biologist in the Sea Lamprey Control Program (Program) and conducts sea lamprey control and assessment operations in the United States waters of the Great Lakes at either the Ludington or Marquette Biological Station. The primary focus of the position is in one or more of the following areas: to control sea lamprey populations through the application of lampricides or barrier operation and construction, to implement experimental biological control, to assess non-target effects of control, to assess abundance of adult sea lampreys to measure Program success, or to assess abundance of larval sea lampreys to guide control efforts. The incumbent is part of a team that consists of a team leader and may consist of other full-time career fishery biologist, full-time career biological or physical science technicians, full-time career-seasonal biological science technicians, full-time temporary biological technicians or aids, student trainees and volunteers.
As a Fish Biologist your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
Annually drafts plans that describes the field work required, tools needed, and sampling or control locations. Upon supervisory review, this document serves as the annual field guide to scheduled work and includes task description, field operations, and field schedules. Determines the streams where protocols will be applied and recommends to team leader proposed staff time, procedures, and equipment needed.
Draw conclusions from complex data to recommend control actions. Performs statistical analysis on data to support conclusions and recommendations. Presents results of highly technical content at workshops, professional meetings and symposia.
Writes or contributes to administrative and technical reports and scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed fishery journals. Uses appropriate software tools to draft reports and illustrative materials.
Collaborates with partners, investigates new approaches, and assists in development of protocols that standardized techniques as a member of an international subgroup formed by task forces or working groups consisting of U.S. and Canadian federal, provincial, state, tribal, and university representatives. Reviews workplans to ensure techniques are scientifically sound and comprehensive. Cooperates with co-workers in the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, other U.S. and Canadian agencies, tribes, and contractors to discuss objectives, share information and evaluate the status and progress of Program objectives and tasks. Plans, coordinates, and schedules specific tasks of Program activities throughout the Great Lakes based upon workload and priorities as outlined by team leader. Leads members of team to complete work plan objectives and tasks and other field activities, and ensure that members of teams are following appropriate protocols.
Ensures inventory and procurement of equipment, materials, and supplies to meet operational needs. Responsible for the proper use, care, maintenance, and safekeeping of equipment used in field operations. Adheres to procurement, contracting, and liability policies in conducting sea lamprey control activities. Ensure appropriate application and operation of highly specialized fishery equipment (e.g. lamprey sterilization equipment and robotics, electrofishing gear, electrical/mechanical weirs, lampricide application equipment, nets, traps, water sampling devices, fish holding and hauling facilities, and water filtration apparatus).
Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-11. 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-11. 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.
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.
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.
Medical Requirements: Selectees must pass a pre-employment medical examination and may be subject to post-employment medical examinations to determine if they are maintaining the fitness standards for this position.
Driver’s License: Selectees are required to possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure.
Extensive overnight travel (11-20 or more nights per month) is required during the field season (April through October).
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 06/03/2024 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.
Basic Requirement:
Have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited college or university in biological science that included 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 at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences in such subjects as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or research in these fields. Note: If courses in aquatic and the animal sciences are not clearly identified on transcript and knowledge of such subjects was obtained in other coursework, you must include a description of such courses, to include syllabus as provided in official college catalog. OR
Have a combination of education from an accredited college or university and experience--courses 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. Note: If courses in aquatic and the animal sciences are not clearly identified on transcript and knowledge of such subjects was obtained in other coursework, you must include a description of such courses, to include syllabus as provided in official college catalog.
Minimum Qualification [GS-7]
Have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience for this position is described as: assisting with biological initiatives related to the management of fish and aquatic resources; collecting data and biological information concerning fish populations or fish culture techniques; and assisting with the preparation and presentation of data relative to fishery resources. OR
Have one year (18 semester hours) of graduate education in a closely related field which provided me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully complete the work of the position. OR
Have a bachelor's degree in a closely related field which provided me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully complete the work of the position AND meet one of the Superior Academic Achievement Provisions. 1. Maintained a grade-point average of "B" (a GPA of 3.0 or higher) for all completed undergraduate courses, or those completed in the last two years of undergraduate study. - OR - 2. Maintained a grade-point average "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- 3. Rank in the upper one-third of your class in the college, university, or major subdivision. -OR- 4. Am a member of a national honor (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies. Please submit a college transcript(s) showing your grade point average for all four years of undergraduate study, including all transferred courses. NOTE: GPA's are rounded to one decimal place. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0 and 2.94 will round to 2.9. If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail or similar basis, your claim must be based on class standing or membership in an honor society.
Have a combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement
Minimum Qualification [GS-9]
Have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience for this position is described as: developing workplans and biological initiatives related to the management of fish and aquatic resources; leading collection of data and biological information concerning fish populations or fish culture techniques; and preparation and presentation of data relative to fishery resources. OR
Have two years (36 semester hours) of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree closely related field which provided me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully complete the work of the position. OR
Have 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
The candidate must meet medical standards to assure the ability to perform field work safely. New employees must pass a pre-employment medical examination and the incumbent will require continued medical clearance through periodic medical examination. Also, the incumbent will be subject to exposure of specific medical surveillance testing before and after field seasons. Retention is subject to satisfactory completion of a physical capability test immediately after entering on duty. The physical capability test will simulate the lifting, carrying, and emptying containers of lampricide (TFM, 50lbs). Failure to satisfactorily complete this physical capability test may result in the incumbent being terminated from his/her employment with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)
Additional information
PCS INFORMATION: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. In addition, relocation discretionary entitlements May be authorized for this position excluding contractor-provided home sale.
Telework: This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval. For teleworkers, their official duty station is the agency worksite (e.g., Main Interior Building) as they are expected to report to the regular worksite at least twice a pay period.
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):Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. CTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP 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, 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 visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/"
Reasonable Accommodation: The USFWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.
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. Current appointees:
Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency;
Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years; AND
Must have performed at an acceptable level.
Former appointees:
Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency;
Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years;
Must apply for position within 2 years after separation;
Must have been separated for reasons other than misconduct or performance; AND
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 must be performing at a fully successful level or higher in order to be considered for this position. Applicants must provide a current rating of record dated within the past 18 months at the fully successful or higher level. Applicants who do not have a current rating of record available must provide a reason and certify that their performance is acceptable, and they have not been advised that their performance is currently at an unacceptable level.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications for this position. This vacancy utilizes a multiple hurdle assessment process to determine the qualifications of applicants. The first hurdle consists of applicants completing an online occupational questionnaire related to the major duties and competencies of the position. The second hurdle consists of verification that your performance in your current position is acceptable, and you have not been advised that your performance is currently at an unacceptable level.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
Knowledge of wide range of standard fish biology methods, techniques and precedents.
Ability to operate computers using word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
Ability to develop new partnerships and maintain cooperative relationships. (GS-9 Only)
Ability to adapt procedures and schedules to changing conditions and make sound decisions based on scientific principles.
Skill in the use of fish samplings gears (e.g. lampricide, electrofishers, nets, and traps).
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials may result in your removal from consideration. Performance rating of record review: All applicants must provide a copy of their current performance rating dated within the past 18 months verifying their performance is at a fully successful level or higher. Applicants who do not have a current rating of record available must provide a reason and certify that their performance is acceptable, and they have not been advised that their performance is
currently at an unacceptable level. Applicants who have an unsuccessful performance rating, or who have certified that their performance is not at an acceptable level will not be eligible for hiring consideration.
Candidates who apply under Competitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are highly qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Best qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.
Candidates who apply under Noncompetitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are minimally qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.
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, 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. Note: Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
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.
3. SF-50: (non-award), or equivalent Notification of Personnel Action if you are a current or former Federal employee. Your SF-50 (non-award) must show tenure code 1 or 2 in block 24, and position occupied code 1 (competitive service) in block 34. If you have previously held a higher grade than the grade/position you currently occupy, you must submit a copy of the last non-award SF-50 you received for that position.
If you have any questions regarding which SF-50's to submit, it is highly recommended that you contact the person listed on this vacancy announcement before the closing date.
Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment if you are requesting to be considered Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act eligibility. For Public Land Corp eligibility, a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Compliance Hiring Based for Public Land Corps Service is required for verification of eligibility.
4. Performance Appraisal: Submit a copy of your most recent completed Employee Performance Appraisal Plan (EPAP) dated within the past 18 months. If you do not have a current rating of record available, you must provide a reason and certify that your performance is acceptable, and that you have not been advised that your performance is currently at an unacceptable level.
Additional Documentation if applicable:
1. Cover Letter
2. CTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP, 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 eligible.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will 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 06/03/2024 , 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/.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact the Human Resources Office via email at fwshiring@fws.gov.
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, 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. Note: Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
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.
3. SF-50: (non-award), or equivalent Notification of Personnel Action if you are a current or former Federal employee. Your SF-50 (non-award) must show tenure code 1 or 2 in block 24, and position occupied code 1 (competitive service) in block 34. If you have previously held a higher grade than the grade/position you currently occupy, you must submit a copy of the last non-award SF-50 you received for that position.
If you have any questions regarding which SF-50's to submit, it is highly recommended that you contact the person listed on this vacancy announcement before the closing date.
Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment if you are requesting to be considered Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act eligibility. For Public Land Corp eligibility, a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Compliance Hiring Based for Public Land Corps Service is required for verification of eligibility.
4. Performance Appraisal: Submit a copy of your most recent completed Employee Performance Appraisal Plan (EPAP) dated within the past 18 months. If you do not have a current rating of record available, you must provide a reason and certify that your performance is acceptable, and that you have not been advised that your performance is currently at an unacceptable level.
Additional Documentation if applicable:
1. Cover Letter
2. CTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP, 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 eligible.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will 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 06/03/2024 , 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/.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact the Human Resources Office via email at fwshiring@fws.gov.
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.
