Summary
This position is a Biologist, GS- 0401-11/12, working in Austin, TX, for the R2-Austin Ecological Services Field Office.
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 Biologist your duties will include but are not limited to the following:
- Conduct formal and information consultations pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act; draft Biological Opinions, concurrence letters, and technical assistance correspondence; and prepare responses to Regional, Headquarters, and Congressional inquiries.
- Coordinate development and presentation of educational, information, and guidance materials for agency staff, such as the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) staff, and other interested agencies, groups, and individuals. Prepare and review drafts and summaries of all documents submitted in support of transportation projects for final approval.
- Assists in the preparation and review of complex biological implications of low effect, categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, impact statements and/or comprehensive resource planning efforts to evaluate environmental consequences of proposed transportation projects, wildland fire, or other agency actions.
- Review new or proposed legislation or regulations, and provide comments on the impact to natural resources and the public as related to transportation projects or other agency actions.
- Facilitate implementation of conservation actions authorized through Biological Opinions and other regulatory documents; Coordinate budgets, contracts, grants, and agreements for conservation actions.
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: Selectee(s) must 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 06/14/2024 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.
Basic Requirement:
- Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR
- Combination of education and experience comprised of courses equivalent to a major in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position PLUS appropriate experience or additional education. This combination of education and experience is comparable to a full 4-year course of study with a major in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
Minimum Qualification [GS-11]
- One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to at least the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service. Qualifying experience includes: (1) conducting investigations to determine the impacts of land and/or water development projects upon fish and/or wildlife resources; (2) assisting in the development of fish and/or wildlife management plans; (3) assisting in the preparation and review of biological assessments or evaluations, biological opinions, or related documentation pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act; (4) implementing federal environmental regulations (e.g., Endangered Species Act, specifically Sections 7 and 10; Clean Water Act; Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, National Environmental Policy Act, etc.) involving natural resource issues. OR
- Three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree -OR- possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree with a major study in or directly related to this position (e.g., biology, fish and/or wildlife biology, ecology, conservation science, 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-12]
- One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Qualifying experience includes: (1) conducting investigations to determine the impacts of land and/or water development projects upon endangered species and their habitats; (2) negotiating alternative actions or mitigation measures; (3) developing habitat conservation or restoration projects; (4) providing technical guidance on the Endangered Species Act to other staff, government agencies, landowners, private and interest groups; (5) preparing biological assessments or evaluations, biological opinions, or other related documentation pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.
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 will have their qualifications reviewed to determine if they possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the work of this position.
- Knowledge of biology and related fields (e.g., fish biology, wildlife biology, ecology, conservation science, botany, chemistry, hydrology, etc.).
- Knowledge of the Endangered Species Act.
- Ability to conduct investigations, assessments, or inspections and prepare impact statements, draft biological opinions, or project findings pursuant to the Endangered Species Act.
- Ability to establish working relationships with co-workers, representatives of other Federal agencies, state/tribal/local organizations, conservation organizations, private entities, and the public.
- Ability to build consensus with individuals and groups with diverse and conflicting viewpoints with regard to natural resource management.
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 format you choose 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 our 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.
2. College Transcripts: 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.
Additional Documentation (if / as applicable):
1. Cover Letter (optional)
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/12423735.
- Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
- Applications must be received by 06/14/2024, 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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