Summary
This position is a Supervisory Biologist (Branch Manager for Ecological Services) working for the Northern Alaska Fish & Wildlife Field Office in a location negotiable after selection. Fairbanks, Alaska is preferred. Note: If selected, you may be placed at a regional office, field office, current duty station, other DOI-owned or leased worksite, or a remote duty station at the discretion of management. Additional questions regarding placement should be reserved for the interview process.
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 Supervisory Biologist your duties will include but are not limited to the following:
- Serves as a supervisor, exercising the full range of supervisory and managerial duties for the Branch staff. Plans overall work, establishes work schedules and priorities, makes assignments, sets and adjusts short-term priorities, and reviews work. Personally discusses with subordinates the progress of the work and problem areas as they arise. Sets performance standards and evaluates performance and hear and resolve complaints or minor grievances, and advises employees on matters related to less than adequate performance. Keeps employees informed of higher management policies and goals. Incumbent finds ways to improve production or increase the quality of work directed within the Field Office's Ecological Services Branch.
- Develops strategies and procedures for managing two program areas (Endangered Species and Conservation Planning Assistance) in Northern Alaska, in cooperation with other supervisors. The employee supervises a staff that conducts work in the two Program areas, coordinates and provides technical support to other Field Office Branch Chiefs and the Field Supervisor, and participates in budget tracking and expenditures for the Branch.
- Provides administrative and technical guidance to subordinate staff and gives advice and support to other Service units in the State in carrying out the Service's responsibilities under several Acts: Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Program, Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. Develops and presents, or assists in developing and presenting, related training and workshops. Serves as an advisor to the Field Supervisor in developing, analyzing, and commenting on policy issues and Program plans and budgets relating to administration of the two Programs. Prepares evaluations of proposed policies for submission to the Regional Office. Notifies individuals within and outside the Service of policy changes.
- Provides technical assistance and regulatory information to other Service divisions, as well as to other Federal, State and local agencies (especially those that implement conservation and recovery programs), private individuals, organizations, and institutions to satisfy the requirements of the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act and other environmental laws and regulations. Represents the Service on committees and at professional meetings, hearings, and conferences pertaining to assigned areas. Prepares and presents talks and reports, both technical and non-technical in nature, to the general public, professional organizations, other agencies, and Service personnel. Prepares responses to inquiries from the Service directorate, other Service personnel, Federal and State agencies, Congressional representatives, and the general public.
- Incumbent will serve as Branch Manager for Ecological Services, including:
- The Endangered Species Program - components include: conducting and reviewing Section 7 consultations, reviewing species' status, preparing listing actions, developing and implementing research, monitoring, and recovery plans, and providing scientific review and recommendations on actions involving listed species and critical habitat to individuals both within and outside the Service.
- The Conservation Planning Assistance Program - components include: Assisting project proponents, planners, and agency personnel in developing plans that conserve, restore, or enhance plant and animal species, while accomplishing the objectives of proposed development. Review and provide recommendations on plans and development designs, craft mitigation plans, provide expertise in wildlife and habitat science, and serve as members on planning teams. Conduct proactive conservation work by collaborating with partners to assist with development of project plans and permits that incorporate Best Management Practices.
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 may 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.
- 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.
- 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 05/01/2024 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.
Basic Qualification:
- A full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. NOTE: To be found qualified under this option, you must submit transcripts (official or unofficial) to verify your education.
- A combination of education and experience that consisted of courses equivalent to a major (24 semester hours) in fields such as those shown in response A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. The quality of the combination of education and experience is sufficient to demonstrate that I possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform work in the occupation, and is comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in the appropriate field. NOTE: To qualify under this option you must submit transcripts to verify your education and include proof of your experience in the text of your resume.
Minimum Qualification: Possess 1 year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience MAY include: (1) leading, planning, developing, coordinating, and implementing biological or natural resource projects or studies; (2) providing administrative, scientific, and technical leadership for a scientific program or project, including supervising or managing a staff of biological or natural resource professionals; (3) managing short- and long-term projects and assignments, including development of project timelines and implementation of projects according to schedules; (4) applying knowledge of appropriate Federal statutes and regulations to fish and wildlife conservation; and/or (5) coordinating activities with internal and external stakeholders to achieve fish and wildlife conservation objections. Experience in the Ecological Services Program is preferred, but not required.
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/12388935.
- Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
- Applications must be received by 05/01/2024, 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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