Clarification from the agency

This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.

GS-0401-07 (Biological Scientist/Environmental)

- Uses prescribed methods to perform specific, and limited work assignments that are normally minor phases of a broader assignment of a higher-grade environmental professional.

- Performs assignments meant to familiarize incumbent with execution of typically assigned projects, in-house and by contract, and with all applicable Federal, State, and local environmental laws and policies.

- Assists with the coordination of curricula and training for assigned program areas on the installation.

- Assists in providing advisory services on questions, issues, and projects in assigned program areas.

- Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures, and performs work that enhances the safety of the work environment.

GS-0401-09 (Biological Scientist/Environmental)

- Performs work assignments that are moderately difficult and complex including phases of a broader assignment of a higher-grade Environmental Professional.

- Responsible for executing moderately difficult assigned projects, in-house and by contract, to comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local environmental laws and policies.

- Assists with the coordination of curricula and training for assigned program areas on the installation.

- Provides advisory services on questions, issues, and projects in assigned program areas.

- Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures, and performs work that enhances the safety of the work environment.

Conditions of employment

• Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov. Selective Service: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. For additional information, click here.
• If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
• Mobility - you may be required to relocate during or after completion of your training. Recruitment incentives may be authorized.
• This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program. Disclosure of Political Appointments.
• Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays. Shift work and emergency overtime may be required.
• Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. The salary range indicated in this announcement will be adjusted to include locality payment for selected duty location and/or series.
• Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
• The work may require the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate driver’s license may be required for the position.
• May be required to serve as a member of the Emergency Response Force during exercises or in the event of an actual emergency.
• Successful completion of all training and regulatory requirements as identified in the applicable training plan. Employee must maintain current certifications. May be required to obtain job-related certifications.
• Minimum GPA of 2.95 on a 4.0 grading scale..
• Certain positions and/or rotations require a top-secret clearance, therefore; individuals selected for these positions will be required to obtain and maintain a top-secret clearance... (continue below)
• ...as part of the clearance individuals may be required to undergo polygraph and/or drug testing as a condition of employment. Position may be subject to random drug testing.
• The salary range indicated in this announcement will be adjusted to include locality payment for selected duty location and/or series.
• Must meet suitability for Federal employment. Required to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance. Required to serve a one year probationary period.
• The employee must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position. Meeting these requirements is a condition of employment and necessary to perform the duties of the position.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions.

INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:

A. Degree: Biological Sciences, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

GS-07 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-05, or equivalent in other pay systems.

OR

EDUCATION: 1 year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement

GS-09 - SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-07, or equivalent in other pay systems.

OR

EDUCATION: 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

0401-07 (Biological Scientist/Environmental)

• Knowledge of professional environmental principles, practices, techniques, and procedures to effectively perform basic project development, execution, training, and minor advisory services in assigned projects.
• Knowledge to grasp troubleshooting techniques and methods to identify and solve routine environmental problems requiring straight foward investigation of unsanitary or questionable conditions in assigned projects or program(s).
• Ability to search technical reports, manufacturers' catalogs, and other guidelines and publications to obtain information.
• Ability to use relevant software programs and use data bases to gather information and prepare reports and communicate critical information.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team member in the accomplishment of environmental projects.

0401-09 (Biological Scientist/Environmental)

• Knowledge of professional environmental principles, practices, techniques, and procedures to effectively perform moderately difficult project development, execution, training, and routine advisory services in assigned projects.
• Knowledge to troubleshoot routine environmental problems requiring investigation of unsanitary or questionable conditions in assigned projects or program(s).
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, integration principles and practices, and other guidance to make recommendations concerning assigned restoration, compliance, conservation, pollution prevention, and/or integration principles and practices; and health, safety, and security practices.
• Ability to use relevant software programs and use data bases to gather information and prepare reports and communicate critical information.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team member in the accomplishment of environmental projects and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

BASIS OF RATING: Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable.

Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements.
Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements.
Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements.

The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.

Applicants who meet the requirements for and apply as a non-competitive eligible that meet minimal qualifications and other requirements of this position, will be given consideration as a non-competitive candidate and will be referred unless blocked by an individual with priority/preference.

APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.

1. Online Application: Questionnaire
2. Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply".
3. Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license.
4. Veterans: If claiming VEOA, VRA or 30% Disabled Veteran - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD Form 214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD Form 214. If claiming 30% Disabled Veteran, you must also submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces. NOTE: All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15 form.

ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following:

• Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
• Branch of Armed Forces
• Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
• Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
• Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
• Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
• Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
• Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.

Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:
Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.
Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.
Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).

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