Biological Science Technician (Fish) Job

Vacancy No. R7-25-12600670-LP-DE Department U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Salary $26.53 to $34.50 Grade 7 to 7
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/22/2024 Close Date 12/2/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Anchorage, AKFairbanks, AKSoldotna, AK


Summary

These positions are Biological Science Technician (Fish), GS- 0404-7.

Cost of Living Allowance: In addition to the yearly salary, this position is entitled to a cost-of-living allowance (COLA) https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-systems/nonforeign-areas/#url=COLA-Rates .This allowance is subject to annual review, adjustment, and rate decrease.

  • Anchorage, AK and Fairbanks, AK 1.69% COLA
  • Soldotna, AK 3.21%

Duties

These are temporary appointments intended for seasonal work that is less than 6 months or 1040 hours from the date of appointment/service year. It is expected this position will be terminated upon completion of the seasons work. The agency may non-competitively rehire an eligible temporary seasonal worker in subsequent years who works less than 6 months or 1040 hours in their service year. At management's discretion, this appointment may be extended up to one-year with the possibility of extending an additional one-year.

The Alaska Region Fisheries Branch of the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service will be hiring numerous temporary/seasonal Biological Science Technicians for the field season to work on a variety of fisheries-related studies. Duty stations are located in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Soldotna.

Projects involve monitoring salmon runs using fish weirs, digital video equipment, and sonar, conducting abundance estimates of resident fish species, documenting fish movement using radio telemetry, sampling water quality, and performing fish habitat inventories. Technicians will perform fieldwork at various locations throughout the state, including remote areas in the Alaskan bush. Travel to field camps is primarily by small aircraft or boat. Please note that these positions are for the adventurous as harsh weather, an abundance of biting insects, and remote living conditions can be challenging. However, this rare opportunity to work with intact assemblages of native fish species, while surrounded by abundant wildlife and pristine wilderness, will more than compensate the tolerant individual.

  • Assists the study or project leader in planning the course of the project by contributing ideas; researching methods, costs and needs related to personnel, and equipment; assembling equipment; and establishing practical procedures for accomplishing the work.
  • Participates in fieldwork. This includes independent gathering and documentation of a variety of data and may include training and oversight of lower graded technicians. Work may also include making on-site decisions to adjust location and configuration: setting up and dismantling fish weirs and associated video equipment, and over seeing their operation; setting up, overseeing the operation of, and dismantling sonar equipment; locating, capturing, censusing, marking, and tagging fish; data collection and recording; and related work.
  • Leads a small group of lower graded technicians in gathering field data. Provides training in techniques and procedures, plans work, and provides input to supervisor concerning performance of lower graded technicians.
  • Organizes and performs preliminary analysis of field data. Work may involve automated databases and/or geographic information systems.
  • Makes preliminary determinations of the cause of problems noted, e.g., drought, overpopulation, or toxin.

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
  • Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.
  • Driver's License: Selectees will be required to possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure.
  • Firearm: Selectees will be required to carry a firearm in the performance of their duties.
  • 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.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 12/02/2024 will be considered.

In order to qualify for this position, you must possess the Minimum Qualification.

Minimum Qualification [GS-0404-07]:
  1. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level or higher in the Federal service, or equivalent non-Federal experience. Specialized experience includes: Collects biological information for fish studies, field investigations, and surveys; Provides guidance and technical assistance to field crews; leads fish surveys and field studies; logs data for habitat surveys and records data for laboratory analysis; performs capturing, measuring, counting, weighing, tagging, and tracking fish counting devices (e.g. weirs, sonar, screw traps). NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified. -OR-
  2. One year of graduate level education (18 semester/27 quarter hours or the school's equivalent) in an accredited college or university of that included at least 6-semester hours of courses directly related to the position being filled, such as fishery biology, ichthyology, limnology, aquaculture, etc. -OR-
  3. Combination of GS-06 level specialized experience and graduate level education, which, when combined, is equivalent to 100% of the qualification requirements (You must provide a copy of your college transcripts).
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

PCS Information: No PCS entitlements authorized.

Telework: These positions are suitable for telework only in an emergency or natural disaster.

Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area.

Positions that require the use of a Firearm:
Lautenberg Amendment: This position authorized the incumbent to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C. Section 922(g)(9). Candidates under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

Temporary Benefits: Most Federal employees earn both annual and sick leave. For additional information, visit Leave Administration. Effective January 2015, employees on temporary appointments may be eligible for health benefits through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program and, if eligible, will receive the same government contribution as full-time permanent employees. To be eligible for consideration, temporary employees working full-time or part-time must be on appointments expected to last at least 90 days, or be on an intermittent work schedule and expected to work 130 hours per month for at least 90 days. Employees electing to participate in the FEHB will be responsible for the employee share of the premium while on the official agency roles, which is deducted from bi-weekly earnings. After separating from federal employment, employees will be offered to continue participation in FEHB under the Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) option. Employees electing to continue coverage under the TCC provision will be responsible for the full premium amount plus a 2% administration fee.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): 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: OPM's Employee Guide to Career Transition

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.

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 fish and/or wildlife species specific to the designated survey areas sufficient to complete investigations and gather required data within the timeframe allotted.
  • Knowledge of practices that affect natural resources environments (e.g., fish habitat) in order to recognize probable effects on and/or relationship to those resources.
  • Knowledge of database systems such as geographic information systems (GIS) in order to collect, code, organize, and maintain data.
  • Knowledge of principles, practices, and terminology of biological sciences and related management practices and a working familiarity with similar disciplines in order to independently plan, lead, and coordinate survey and other biological data collection and analysis projects.
  • Ability to communicate orally in order to meet and deal effectively with people of different backgrounds, including representatives of state, Federal, Tribal resource agencies and private agencies and organizations.
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 does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of Veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the minimum 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).

Required Documents

You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.

Required Documents:

1. Resume: Your resume must describe your job-related qualifications (paid and non-paid work experience) that includes job title, beginning and ending dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and description of job duties. You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form, you must ensure this information is provided. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. Note: Current and former Federal employees should include pay plan, series, and grade level for relevant federal experience.

  • Do not include the following types of information in your resume:
    • Classified or government sensitive information
    • Social Security Number (SSN)
    • Photos of yourself
    • Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
    • Encrypted and digitally signed documents.
Additional Documentation, if applicable:

1. College Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.

2. Cover Letter

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, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus 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

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.

  1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents. To preview the assessment questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12600670.
  2. Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
  3. Applications must be received by 12/02/2024, 11:59pm ET to receive consideration.
  4. 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.

Agency contact information

Human Resources Staffing Division
Learn more about this agency

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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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