Biologist Job in Location Negotiable After Selection

Vacancy No. R9-25-12651043-CU-SDHA Department U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Salary $103,409.00 to $134,435.00 Grade 13 to 13
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/23/2024 Close Date 1/7/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Location Negotiable After Selection


Summary

This position is a Biologist, GS-0401-13, with the R9-Division of Environmental Review.

This is a term position expected to last 13 months but may be extended up to a total of 4 years at management's discretion.

Duty location is negotiable with placement at a U.S. Fish and Wildlife regional or field office, current duty station, or other DOI-owned or -leased worksite management discretion. This is not a remote position. Reserve questions regarding placement 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

This position will serve as a national coordinator and Endangered Species Act (ESA) section 7 lead to facilitate interagency cooperation and the efficient and effective ESA section 7 consultation and conservation associated with the implementation of energy, infrastructure, and/or land management programs and projects. The duties of this position will include, but are not limited to:

  • Build partnerships with Federal and State agencies, industry and conservation organizations, and others to promote effective environmental reviews and the conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants and the ecosystems they depend upon.
  • Provide scientific, technical, and program support to improve how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), Federal agencies, and others work together to meet ESA section 7 and other environmental review responsibilities associated with the implementation of energy, infrastructure, land management, and/or similar programs.
  • Coordinate, facilitate, and/or conduct activities pursuant to ESA section 7 and/or other environmental laws.
  • Coordinate with and provide technical assistance to Service Regional and Field Offices.
  • Analyze, interpret, develop, and provide training on environmental review practices, procedures, or guidelines.
  • Support the development of programmatic environmental documents and environmental data.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
  • 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 01/07/2025 will be considered.

In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.

Basic Requirement:
  1. Bachelor's or higher degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR
  2. Combination of education and experience that includes courses equivalent to a major in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position, PLUS appropriate experience or additional education. The quality of the combination of education and experience must be sufficient to demonstrate possession of 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 with a major in the appropriate field.

Minimum Qualification [GS-13]
  1. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Examples of experience include: (1) serving as a technical expert and providing guidance, training, and assistance on the implementation of the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and/or other environmental laws and associated regulations and policies; (2) managing a high-volume of complex projects/assignments related to natural resource management; (3) preparing correspondence, briefing papers, technical reports, and other written communications on conservation, technical, or policy issues; (4) coordinating and leading diverse teams to develop actions plans and deliver projects related to fish and wildlife conservation; (5) collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to achieve fish and wildlife conservation objectives; (6) evaluating and developing collaborative conservation solutions for land and water development and other natural resource management challenges.

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 programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).

Additional information

Salary: Salary will be based upon duty location and locality pay once selected. Locality tables may be found at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/.

PCS INFORMATION: No PCS entitlements authorized

Telework: This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.

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.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements) for the position with a score of 85 or above on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. 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. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.

Reasonable Accommodation: The USFWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.

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 upon receipt of 100 applicationswill have their qualifications reviewed to determine if they possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the work of this position.

  • Ability to manage a high-volume, time-sensitive workload involving both short-term and long-term projects and assignments.
  • Knowledge of federal statutes and regulations pertinent to fish and wildlife conservation (e.g., Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Sikes Act, etc.).
  • Ability to communicate in writing.
  • Skill in integrating technical, policy, and legal considerations in reviewing actions that affect fish and wildlife species and habitats, in order to effectively evaluate actions and develop recommendations and solutions to complex problems.
  • Ability to establish working relationships/partnerships in coordinating activities with co-workers, representatives of other federal agencies, state, Tribal and local organizations, conservation organizations, private entities, and the general public.
  • Ability to communicate and coordinate with other programs, partners, and disciplines of an organization to ensure program-related goals and objectives are met.

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. Current and former Federal employees should also include pay plan, series, and grade level for relevant federal experience. 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.

  • 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.


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. You may qualify for more than one eligibility, so please choose carefully. If you respond that you do not meet any of the eligibility criteria, you will not be considered for this position under this announcement.

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/12651043.
  2. Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
  3. Applications must be received by 01/07/2025, 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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