This position is a Grizzly Bear Conflict Manager (Grizzly Bear Conflict Manager), GS- 0486-12 for the R6-Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator. Duty location is negotiable after selection, but must be located within 100 miles of Missoula, Bozeman, or Kalispell in Montana, United States.
This position is also open to status candidates under announcement R2-22-11398543-MP. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
Summary
This position is a Grizzly Bear Conflict Manager (Grizzly Bear Conflict Manager), GS- 0486-12 for the R6-Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator. Duty location is negotiable after selection, but must be located within 100 miles of Missoula, Bozeman, or Kalispell in Montana, United States.
This position is also open to status candidates under announcement R2-22-11398543-MP. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
The Grizzly Bear Conflict Manager is responsible for coordinating grizzly bear conflict management in MT, WY, ID, and WA jointly with state agencies, tribes, and Wildlife Services (WS) according to grizzly bear recovery plan, Interagency Grizzly Bear Guidelines, and inter-agency agreements. These efforts include making final relocation and removal decisions, in consultation with Recovery Coordinator, and coordinating a ground response such as relocation, trapping operations, conflict prevention, and monitoring bears. The position will assist the Grizzly Bear Recovery Program with population assessments, recovery planning, and other Program needs. The position deals with a highly controversial species but provides the opportunity to develop innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships. Position requires a balanced perspective, significant grizzly bear handling experience, and strong communication and relationship building skills. The position will supervise 2-4 employees and/or bear specialists and reports to the Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator in the Grizzly Bear Recovery Program.
Develops and coordinates grizzly bear conflict management programs with state and federal agencies and Native American Tribes according to the grizzly bear recovery plan, Interagency Grizzly Bear Guidelines, and inter-agency agreements. Identify grizzly bear conflict management needs and recommends conflict actions, including relocation and management removals. Plans and coordinates ground response, including trapping, chemical immobilization, monitoring, conflict prevention, and relocation efforts. Work with partner agencies, special interest groups and/or private organizations to identify and resolve biological and management issues of local and national significance.
Reviews and assists in development of conflict management policies, population assessments, recovery planning, and other grizzly bear management needs. Prepares monitoring plans and implements these plans, including working with Federal agencies, including Service personnel in multiple offices and Regions, as well as State agencies, and the local public, to ensure their interests are addressed in the recovery process. Assists in the development and implementation of outreach strategies targeting the local and national public. Assists with US Fish Wildlife Service and interagency training of bear handlers on best management practices as they pertain to capture and handling protocols.
Physical Demands: The job involves a substantial amount of field work. When engaged in field activities, the work is at times strenuous, requiring exertion such as walking over wet, rough, uneven or rocky surfaces; bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities. The work requires average agility and dexterity. Travel to remote study sites will be required via boats, small aircraft, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and/or on foot. Extended periods of camping in tents or cabins in remote field camps may occur. Incumbent must be able to cope with the pressure of short time deadlines, responsibilities of logistics to remote areas, cultural conflicts, and adverse weather conditions. The incumbent may be required to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Work Environment: The work requires both office and outdoor work. The office is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. Frequent travel by various means of surface and air transportation is required to attend meetings and to conduct field work. A variety of temperature and weather extremes may be encountered while in the field. The incumbent may be subject to large numbers of biting insects and may be required to work in close proximity to large animals such as bear and moose. He/she may need to carry a firearm for personal protection from wildlife. The incumbent is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow workers, or property.
Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.
Resume and supporting documents (See How to Apply).
Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation
Drug Testing Position: Selectees tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
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.
Supervisory Probationary Period: Selectees who have not previously completed a supervisory probationary period will be required to serve a one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period for this position.
Position is authorized to carry firearms requiring training and an up-to-date license to carry, handle and use firearms for animal control in compliance with safety policies.
Firearm requirement invokes additional background checks under the Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act of 1968.
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by 03/08/2022 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.
Basic Requirement:
Completed a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree in biological science that included: at least 9 semester hours in such wildlife subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, or research courses in the field of wildlife biology; --and-- at least 12 semester hours in zoology in such subjects as general zoology, invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, cellular biology, parasitology, entomology, or research courses in such subjects (excess courses in wildlife biology may be used to meet the zoology requirements where appropriate); --and-- at least 9 semester hours in botany or the related plant sciences.. OR
Completed an appropriate combination of education and experience - which includes major study in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), with at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zoology and 9 semester hours in botany or related plant science as shown in A above, plus additional education and/or experience comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of a full 4-year course of study with a major in the appropriate field.
Minimum Qualification: Possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal government performing all of the following: 1) manage/lead staff of biological/natural resource professionals; 2) evaluate species conservation plans and agreements, and develop collaborative solutions for resource management problems.; 3) write scientific papers and technical reports; 4) trap and chemically immobilize grizzly bears or other large carnivores; 5) knowledge of conflict prevention techniques; 6) manage controversial situations that include human safety issues and communication with potentially hostile publics.
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
Telework:This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP):Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), score at least 85 on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP and ICTAP visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/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.
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 theories, principles, concepts, and methods of wildlife biology and wildlife management; professional knowledge of habitat, status, ecology, conservation of wildlife species and related biological and physical science disciplines to develop and implement biological programs and/or scientific studies.
Thorough knowledge of Service program activities, policies, and the working relationships within the Service to effectively and efficiently implement program management objectives in the coordination of natural resource management programs within the Service, with state and federal agencies, Native organizations, public and private groups with opposing viewpoints and with scientists from other countries.
Ability to plan, analyze, and implement biological programs involving natural resources of significant national or international importance for use in the development of management plans covering biological programs.
Significant experience trapping, chemical immobilization, and handling grizzly bears or other large carnivores.
Experience with or knowledge of conflict prevention techniques and outreach strategies to reduce human-grizzly bear conflicts or human-predator conflicts.
Experience managing controversial situations, including communicating with hostile publics, and managing situations involving human safety.
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).
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, annual salary, 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.
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.
Additional Documentation, if applicable: 1. Cover Letter
2. Veterans' Preference Documentation: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference in addition to the proof required by that form (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.
3. 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.
Note on Expanded Telework Posture: Due to COVID-19, the USFWS is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement in accordance with the Department's re-entry procedures. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework one or more days per pay period depending upon the terms of the USFWS telework policy.
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 03/08/2022 ,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
134 Union Blvd Suite 220
Lakewood, CO 80228
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 for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, annual salary, 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.
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.
Additional Documentation, if applicable: 1. Cover Letter
2. Veterans' Preference Documentation: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference in addition to the proof required by that form (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.
3. 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.
Note on Expanded Telework Posture: Due to COVID-19, the USFWS is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement in accordance with the Department's re-entry procedures. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework one or more days per pay period depending upon the terms of the USFWS telework policy.
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 03/08/2022 ,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
134 Union Blvd Suite 220
Lakewood, CO 80228
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.
