Summary
This position is a Natural Resources Management Biologist, GS- 0401-11/12 working in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, for the R9-NCTC-Division of Facility Operations.
Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-12. At lower grade levels, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This position will be filled under the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority and is open to all United States citizens and U.S. nationals. Veteran's preference and traditional rating and ranking of applications do not apply. All qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration for this position.
Duties
As a Natural Resources Management Biologist your duties will include but are not limited to the following:
- Manages NCTC's land base to achieve the following goals: restore, conserve, and protect the ecological integrity of the native biological communities occurring on the property; provide opportunities for conservation education that enhance the public's understanding of fish and wildlife conservation and the role of society in the natural environment; demonstrate exemplary land stewardship practices; and foster and cultivate partnerships that support an ecosystem approach to land stewardship. Oversees the NCTC Land Management Committee. Schedules, coordinates, and directs meetings, and engages committee members in various aspects of the NCTC land management program. Serves as the point of contact for reviewing, coordinating, and monitoring all research and other land management projects. Verifies that research and management studies conducted on the property by other agencies do not conflict with or unnecessarily duplicate efforts. Maintains records on the progress and completion of all research and field studies and ensures they are in accordance with the goals and objectives of the NCTC Land Management Plan.
- Serves as a technical expert on natural resources, including fish and wildlife resources, and advises NCTC managers on actions required to achieve land management objectives. Develops techniques as appropriate for surveying and monitoring wildlife populations and habitats. Coordinates and conducts ecological inventories and surveys to determine wildlife and plant species composition and distribution. Analyzes data to prepare an ecological profile of the land base and develops and maintains species' listings and land use maps of the NCTC property. This information is used to develop strategies for NCTC's land management program and where appropriate, wildlife-oriented recreation such as hunting, angling, and photography.
- Plans, conducts, and/or reviews biological studies needed to develop land management programs and to evaluate the effects of these programs on wildlife and habitat. Designs and evaluates both short-and long-range management plans to provide a diversity of habitats for wildlife and plant species. Prepares, implements, and revises, as needed, the NCTC Land Management, Grassland, and Woods Restoration Plans. Formulates annual work plans, coordinates and prepares agreements, identifies funding and staffing needs, and creates timelines to accomplish tasks and meet objectives outlined in the plan. In addition, the incumbent makes recommendations to the NCTC Directorate as to future options and opportunities in land management at the NCTC. Designs, plans, and conducts conventional investigations, assessments or inspections involving a full range of biological, chemical, and physical processes. Examples include impacts of point and non-point source pollution, land management, land and water resource development projects, studies to determine the status of populations of rare species, the development of comprehensive fish and/or wildlife mitigation or management plans, the review and assessment of proposals and/or license applications/renewals to determine their impact upon fish and/or wildlife resources and habitats, or the development and implementation of conventional strategies to conserve and protect habitats and populations.
- Coordinates, collects and processes field data for analysis according to established procedures, as methods and techniques. Gathers, organizes, and interprets a wide variety of biological, ecological, pathological, public use data or other information pertinent to scientific studies. Conducts field experiments using a wide variety of data-collection systems and extracts and analyzes data from these systems. Deploys remote data-collection systems and manipulates and analyzes data from these systems. Modifies and adapts conventional techniques, processes and procedures; assesses, selects and applies precedents; and recommends strategies and plans to overcome significant resource problems.
- Maintains contact and communication with biologists throughout the assigned organization and the Service, as needed, and with other agencies (federal, tribal, and state) with similar programs. Provides technical biological guidance for the program area of the assigned organization. Represents the Service at professional meetings and other meetings pertaining to individual assignments and attends public meetings and hearings to discuss proposed or existing development projects. Cultivates relationships with local and state representatives and interacts with other federal agencies, university professionals, Native American officials, and state government officials for the purpose of disseminating scientific and resource information.
Requirements
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 will be required to 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 05/03/2024 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.
Basic Requirement:
- Successfully completed a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR
- Possess a combination of education and experience--courses equivalent to a major, as shown in "A" above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. To combine education and experience, first take the number of semester hours (or equivalent) earned towards your degree and divide by 120 semester hours (or equivalent). To determine the percentage of qualifying experience, divide the total number of months of acceptable specialized experience by 12 months. Add your percentages of education and experience together. The two percentages must total at least 100%.
Minimum Qualification [GS-11]
- One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-09 in the Federal service. Experience may include: (1) assisting in the review, coordination, and monitoring of land management projects; (2) identifying habitat requirements for the diversity of flora and fauna; (3) monitoring, documenting, and evaluating changes in habitat and wildlife resulting from specific management activities and natural events, including forest and grassland management, herbicide applications, and fire; and 4) identifying techniques as appropriate for surveying and monitoring wildlife populations and habitats. OR
- Possess 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in closely related field which clearly provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position. OR
- A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement
Minimum Qualification [GS-12]: Possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or higher in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Experience must include: (1) leading the review, coordination, and monitoring of land management projects; (2) developing and overseeing landscape restoration projects to maintain and restore the ecological integrity of the landbase; (3) providing technical advice on habitat and population management and serving as a technical expert on endangered, threatened, or sensitive species; and 4) resolving complex problems involving matters such as developing and implementing multiple-use resource management plans or covering diverse resource management issues.
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)
Benefits
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.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
All applicants who submit a complete and legible application by the closing date of this vacancy announcement {or cut-off} will have their qualifications reviewed to determine if they possess the knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the work of this position.
Applicants eligible for priority consideration under DOI's Career Transition Assistance Program/Plan, employees eligible under the Interagency Career Transition Plan (ICTAP). Eligible candidates on the Reemployment Placement List (RPL). A qualified and eligible permanent DOI employee may be selected before an ICTAP eligible.
Required Documents
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. Note: Current and former Federal employees should include the grade level of their federal positions. 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: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.
Additional Documentation if applicable:
1. Cover Letter
2. CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
3. Current and former federal employees - It is recommended that you submit a copy of your SF-50(s) (Notification of Personnel Action) to support your experience. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include appointments/separations, promotions, within-grade increases.
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:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
How to Apply
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.
- Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents. To preview the assessment questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12391732.
- Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
- Applications must be received by 05/03/2024, 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.
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.
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