Summary
There are (3) vacancies for the position of Biological Science Technician (Fish), GS- 0404-5/6. See "Duties" section (below) for specific details for each vacancy.
This position is also open to status candidates under announcement R6-24-12418850-CU-MP. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
Open to all U.S. Citizens. ICTAP/CTAP eligibles.
Duties
As a Biological Science Technician (Fish) your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Assist hatchery crew in providing daily care to fish in an aquaculture facility. Provide general maintenance required for fish hatchery upkeep including use of simple hand tools or power equipment, landscaping equipment, and other tools for minor repairs on hatchery equipment.
- Assist in collecting data on hatchery populations to study health and propagation methods.
- Participate in multi-faceted fish studies (e.g., carry out various research and survey methods, analyze data, monitor environmental elements related to conservation, management, and/or control of fish).
- Use databases and reporting systems to store, compile, and analyze data from studies.
Position Detail Breakdown:
- (1) Biological Science Technician (Fish), GS-0404-5/6 (FPL 7), with Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery in Hotchkiss, CO.
- Telework is not suitable.
- PCS is not authorized.
- Travel: 25% or less.
- Conditions of employment: Driver's license, CDL, uniform, drug testing, government housing.
- (1) Biological Science Technician (Fish), GS-0404-5/6 (FPL 7), with Creston National Fish Hatchery in Kalispell, MT.
- Telework is not suitable.
- PCS is not authorized.
- Travel: 25% or less.
- Conditions of employment: Driver's license, CDL, uniform, drug testing.
- Government housing is available.
- (1) Biological Science Technician (Fish), GS-0404-5/6 (FPL 7), with Jackson National Fish Hatchery in Jackson, WY.
- Telework is not suitable.
- PCS is not authorized.
- Travel: occasional.
- Conditions of employment: Driver's license, uniform, government housing.
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
- Drug Testing: Selectee(s) tentatively selected for this position may be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. See "Duties" (above) for conditions of employment specific to each position.
- Driver's License: Selectee(s) must possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure.
- Uniform: Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform may be required. See "Duties" (above) for conditions of employment specific to each position.
- CDL: Selectee(s) may be required to possess or obtain a CDL within 6 months of employment. See "Duties" (above) for conditions of employment specific to each position.
- Housing: Selectee(s) may be required to occupy government-furnished quarters. See "Duties" (above) for conditions of employment specific to each position.
- 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 Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by 06/18/2024 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position you must satisfy the Minimum Qualification of the respective grade level(s) to which you are applying.
Minimum Qualification [GS-5]
- One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-4 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience includes: assisting with the care and feeding of all life stages of fish, and collecting and managing biological data of fish. OR
- Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 of these semester hours are directly related to the position to be filled (e.g., fish biology, ichthyology, aquatics, limnology, aquatic botany, oceanography, fish culture, 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-6]
- One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-5 grade level in the Federal service. Qualifying experience may include assisting with the following tasks: feeding and care of all life stages of fish; monitoring fish health and applying therapeutics as recommended; maintaining fish culture and water quality records; rearing, distribution, and maintenance of eggs, fry, adults, and broodstock; collecting, processing, and inventorying eggs; conducting routine health assessments. OR
- Successful completion of one full year of graduate level education with major study or coursework directly related to the position such as fish biology, ichthyology, aquatics, limnology, aquatic botany, oceanography, fish culture, 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)
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.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
- Knowledge of fish propagation techniques.
- Ability to collect biological and water resources data.
- Ability to follow sampling and laboratory procedures and recognize departures from established quality control and quality assurance guidelines.
- Skill in oral communication.
- Attention to detail
- Flexibility
- Integrity / Honesty
- Interpersonal Skills
- Learning
- Reading
- Self-management
- Teamwork
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
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).
To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12418849
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 format 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 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.
Additional Documentation (if / as applicable)
1. College Transcripts: If you are qualifying based on education or a combination of education and experience, transcripts are 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. Please refer to the education section above for additional information.
2. Cover Letter (optional)
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 will 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
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
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. The application process is as follows:
- Click the Apply Online button.
- Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
- Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
- If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
- Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
- Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
- Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
- Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
For more general information, system requirements, reasonable accommodation information, and to request assistance regarding the USA Hire Assessments, review the following resources: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=USA_Hire_Assessments
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
Next steps
Based on your application and your responses to the application questionnaire, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire system to complete the online assessments. The online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Your assessment results will be kept on record for one year and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments.
To be considered for the position, you must meet all qualifications.
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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