This position is a Biologist, GS- 0401-9/11, working with the R3 - Michigan Ecological Services Field Office in East Lansing, MI.
This position is also open to Recent Graduates (R3-24-12469782-CU-RCG), and status candidates and Land Management eligibles (R3-24-12469784-CU-MP). You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under each recruitment method.
Summary
This position is a Biologist, GS- 0401-9/11, working with the R3 - Michigan Ecological Services Field Office in East Lansing, MI.
This position is also open to Recent Graduates (R3-24-12469782-CU-RCG), and status candidates and Land Management eligibles (R3-24-12469784-CU-MP). You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under each recruitment method.
As a Biologist your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
Coordinating with partners (State and Federal agencies, applicants, and local governments) to provide technical assistance in implementation of the Endangered Species Act and other environmental laws in support of transportation projects.
Reviewing research and reports prepared by outside parties, such as technical reports, biological assessments, and published literature, and providing recommendations orally and in writing to identify conservation needs for imperiled species.
Working independently in the development of written reports, briefings, and presentations related to conservation of listed species.
Tracking multiple projects and tasks of varying complexity
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 must possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure.
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 08/02/2024 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.
Basic Requirement:
Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR
Combination of education and experience that includes courses equivalent to a major in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position PLUS appropriate experience or additional education. This combination of education and experience is comparable to successful completion of a full 4-year course of study as described above.
Minimum Qualification [GS-9]
One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-7 grade level in the Federal service performing work in or directly related to the position to be filled. Qualifying experience may include: (1) conducting biological or ecological investigations to determine the impact of land and water development projects upon the fish and/or wildlife resources of an area; (2) reviewing biological portions of biological assessments, environmental assessment or impact statements, or resource planning reports; (3) assisting in the evaluation of data to determine the effects of proposed actions on imperiled species and their habitats. OR
Completion of two years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree -OR- possess a master's or equivalent graduate degree that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of this position (e.g., major study in or directly related to the position such as biology, ecology, conservation science, etc.). 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 specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service performing work in or directly related to the position to be filled. Qualifying experience may include: (1) conducting biological or ecological investigations to determine the impact of land and water development projects upon endangered species and their habitats; (2) serving as a technical advisor on the Endangered Species Act for other staff, government agencies, landowners, private interest groups, etc.; (3) preparing biological portions of biological assessments or opinions, environmental assessment or impact statements, or resource planning reports; (4) implementing environmental laws, regulations, or policies pertaining to natural resource issues (e.g., Endangered Species Act, specifically sections 7 and 10; Clean Water Act; Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act; National Environmental Policy Act). OR
Completion of three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree -OR- possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of this position (e.g., major study in or directly related to the position such as biology, ecology, conservation science, etc.). 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: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)
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 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
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: 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.
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.
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 a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, your score may be lowered, or you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions can affect your rating.
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.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
Knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, concepts methodologies and techniques of biology and related biological and ecological fields (e.g., fish biology, ecology, conservation science, wildlife biology, botany, chemistry, toxicology, hydrology, entomology, limnology, and parasitology) (GS-9, GS-11).
Knowledge of the Endangered Species Act, environmental laws, Executive Orders, regulations, and/or organizational policies sufficient to conduct investigations, assessments or inspections and prepare project findings (GS-11).
Ability to establish positive working relationships/partnerships and exercise tact and diplomacy in coordinating activities with co-workers, representatives of federal agencies, state, tribal and local organizations, conservation organizations, private entities, and the public (GS-11)
Ability to communicate orally and build consensus with individuals and special interest groups with diverse and potentially conflicting viewpoints with regard to natural resource management, to share information, and to present findings and recommendations (GS-9, GS-11)
Ability to communicate in writing in order to prepare correspondence, scientific, and administrative reports, management plans, and similar documents (GS-9, GS-11).
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.
1. Resume (REQUIRED): 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 format you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications for each job listed INCLUDING (a) job title (to include job series and grade level, if federal); (b) beginning and ending dates of employment (month and year) for paid and non-paid work experience; (c) hours worked per week; and (d) description of job duties performed. You should also include our employer name and address, and supervisor name and telephone number. Additional information on what to include can be found here. NOTE:Your resume must include ALL required information. Failure to provide all required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
2. Proof of Eligibility (REQUIRED):
Public Land Corps (PLC) Documentation: Certificate showing you 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.
OR
ICTAP/CTAP Documentation:
Certification of Expected Separation or Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice or Notice of Proposed Removal AND
Most recent Performance Rating AND
Most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location or SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action.
OR
Veteran's Preference Documentation:
5-pt Preference: Member 2 or 4 copy of DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (must show character of service upon discharge).
10-pt Preference: Member 2 or 4 copy of DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (must show character of service upon discharge) AND SF-15 Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference AND supporting documentation as prescribed on the SF-15 (i.e. VA letter).
You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.
3. College Transcripts (REQUIRED): Official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable; a copy of your official transcripts is required if you are selected. Official and unofficial transcripts MUST INCLUDE student name, institution name (or identifying information such as an acronym or URL web address), degree conferral date, major, grades, credit hours earned, grade point average or class ranking. If your transcripts do not show degree conferral, you must submit additional documentation (such as a letter from your school's registrar) verifying that you have completed all requirements for conferral of your degree, including date of completion. Please refer to the education section above for additional information.
4. Cover Letter (optional)
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 08/02/2024, 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.
1. Resume (REQUIRED): 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 format you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications for each job listed INCLUDING (a) job title (to include job series and grade level, if federal); (b) beginning and ending dates of employment (month and year) for paid and non-paid work experience; (c) hours worked per week; and (d) description of job duties performed. You should also include our employer name and address, and supervisor name and telephone number. Additional information on what to include can be found here. NOTE:Your resume must include ALL required information. Failure to provide all required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
2. Proof of Eligibility (REQUIRED):
Public Land Corps (PLC) Documentation: Certificate showing you 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.
OR
ICTAP/CTAP Documentation:
Certification of Expected Separation or Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice or Notice of Proposed Removal AND
Most recent Performance Rating AND
Most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location or SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action.
OR
Veteran's Preference Documentation:
5-pt Preference: Member 2 or 4 copy of DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (must show character of service upon discharge).
10-pt Preference: Member 2 or 4 copy of DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (must show character of service upon discharge) AND SF-15 Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference AND supporting documentation as prescribed on the SF-15 (i.e. VA letter).
You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.
3. College Transcripts (REQUIRED): Official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable; a copy of your official transcripts is required if you are selected. Official and unofficial transcripts MUST INCLUDE student name, institution name (or identifying information such as an acronym or URL web address), degree conferral date, major, grades, credit hours earned, grade point average or class ranking. If your transcripts do not show degree conferral, you must submit additional documentation (such as a letter from your school's registrar) verifying that you have completed all requirements for conferral of your degree, including date of completion. Please refer to the education section above for additional information.
4. Cover Letter (optional)
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 08/02/2024, 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.
