Ecologist Job in Torrey, UT

Vacancy No. IM-1539-CARE-24-12440322-DE Department National Park Service
Salary $49,025.00 to $77,955.00 Grade 7 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/12/2024 Close Date 6/26/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Torrey, UT


Job Description (Please follow all instructions carefully)

Summary

This position is located in Capitol Reef National Park, in the Resource Management Division.

Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as Career appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis. You will work from approximately March through January, and you will be in a non-pay status for the remainder of the year.

Duties

Incumbent will engage in the protection, inventory, monitoring, restoration, and management of natural resources and communities. Assists in the development of restoration and conservation action plans in coordination with supervisor for resilience and recovery of natural communities. Uses input from specialists, past studies and GIS analysis to develop restoration and conservation plans. Leads a wide variety of field activities in support of the natural resource program including inventory and monitoring and restoration of species habitat. Develops and implements restoration activities. Gathers spatial data on natural resources. Creates and utilizes databases and datasets to enter and organize collected field data and uses standard statistical methods in the preparation of reports; enters, retrieves, organizes, manipulates and analyzes data from a geographic information system (GIS) and other information management systems and operates data collection equipment. Recommends avoidance, minimization and mitigation strategies for park activities that impact natural resources.

Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

Area Information

Capitol Reef National Park is located in a remote part of south-central Utah, with the visitor center, park headquarters, and housing located in the Fremont River canyon, 11 miles east of Torrey, Utah (seasonal services only). Major shopping is located in Richfield (75 miles distant). Medical and dental services are available in Bicknell, Utah (20 miles distant) and groceries are available in Loa, Utah (30 miles distant). Park housing is located one block from the visitor center and includes 14 housing units, one of which is a four apartment complex and three are dormitory style houses. No pets are allowed and housing is shared. Park headquarters is at an elevation of 5500' with a climate typical of the Colorado Plateau high desert with hot summers and cold winters. The park was established as a Monument in 1937 and as a Park in 1971 to protect the 100-mile long Waterpocket Fold, a one-sided wrinkle or monocline in the earth's crust. Hiking, photography, star gazing, touring and backpacking are popular activities. Park interpretive themes focus on the complex 275 million year geologic record, rich natural history, Prehistoric Cultural features and Mormon pioneer history, including historic orchards. The park is open year-round with the majority of activities and visitation occurring during the busy season from March to October. The visitor center operation has high visitation in the summer with daily totals of 1,000 to 2,000 people. A large percentage of visitors are international.

Government quarters maybe be available

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
  • Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
  • You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
  • You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
  • If you are a new employee or supervisor in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
  • You may be required to travel overnight away from home occasionally. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-06/26/2024-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience.

To qualify for this job series, you must possess the following basic education requirement by close of the announcement: Successfully completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in biology, or a related field of science underlying ecological research that included at least 30 semester hours in basic and applied biological sciences. These hours must have included at least 9 semester hours in ecology, and 12 semester hours in physical and mathematical sciences. You must include transcripts.

-AND-
To qualify for this position at the GS-7 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
  • SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-5 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: analyzing natural resource monitoring/data, developing or engaging rangeland, springs or riparian restoration planning, monitoring of water resources, conducting hydrologic investigations, preparing ecology portions of resources management plans for natural resources that requires the application of ecological principles; drafting natural resource specific action plans and strategies needed to successfully manage and protect natural ecosystems and environmental conditions; or prepare natural resource related portions of environmental assessments (EAs) for projects in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. Experience equivalent to the GS-5 may be professional work at the developmental or trainee level. Generally technical work below the GS-7 level is not creditable. You must include hours per week worked.
  • GRADUATE EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one year (18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours) of progressively higher level graduate education from an accredited college or university in a field of study directly related to the position to be filled (ecology, biology, or a related field of science underlying ecological research, fish and wildlife management, natural resource management, etc.) . You must include transcripts.
  • Successful completion of a combination of graduate education and specialized experience as described above. For example, I have 6 months of specialized experience as described above, and at least 9 semester hours (14 quarter hours) of graduate study as described above. You must include transcripts.
  • Meet the criteria for Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.) as evidenced by one of the three following methods: I am in the upper third of my graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; OR I have a GPA 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum, or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in my major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; OR I am a member in one of the national scholastic honor societies. Degree must be directly related to the position (ecology, biology, or a related field of science underlying ecological research, fish and wildlife management, natural resource management, etc.)

To qualify for this position at the GS-9 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:

  • SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-7 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: analyzing natural resource monitoring/data, developing or engaging in rangeland, springs or riparian restoration planning, monitoring of water resources, conducting hydrologic investigations, preparing ecology portions of resources management plans for natural resources that requires the application of ecological principles; drafting natural resource specific action plans and strategies needed to successfully manage and protect natural ecosystems and environmental conditions; or prepare air and natural resource related portions of environmental assessments (EAs) for projects in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. Generally technical work is not creditable. You must include hours per week worked.
  • GRADUATE EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least two years (36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours) of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study directly related to the position to be filled (ecology, biology, or a related field of science underlying ecological research, fish and wildlife management, natural resource management, etc.). You must include transcripts.
  • Successful completion of a combination of graduate education and specialized experience as described above.For example, I have 6 months of specialized experience as described above, and at least 27 semester hours (41 quarter hours) of graduate study as described above. Note: Only graduate education in excess of the first year may be used. You must include transcripts.

Volunteer Experience: 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

To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your 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.


Additional information

A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.

Promotion to the full performance level is neither guaranteed nor implied and will be based solely on your ability to satisfactorily perform the work of the position, existing work at the higher grade level, and recommendation by the position's supervisor.

Physical Demands: The position may require strenuous physical activity including periods of standing, walking, climbing, and lifting and carrying heavy objects up to 25 lbs. Some activities will occur in physically dangerous areas or settings. Documentary research and report writing work is sedentary, entails the ability to concentrate and write for long periods of time.

Working Conditions: Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. Assignments may be performed in potentially hazardous areas including steep slopes, rocky terrain, caves, fire lines, arctic environments, swamps, deserts, and forests.

The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.

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), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the additional assessments required for this position. A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score will be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions can affect your rating.

Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into one of three categories:

  • Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position
  • Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job
  • Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job.
You will be evaluated on the following competencies:
  • Applies Technology to Tasks
  • Ecology
  • Information Management
  • Research
  • Writing


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 successful completion of additional assessments, including a panel resume review. These assessments measure the critical competencies listed above that are required to successfully perform the job.

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 06/26/2024:

  1. Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, dates specified in month and year format, and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.
  2. Complete All Required Assessments.
  3. Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
    • Veterans Preference Documentation:
      • If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
      • If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
      • If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.
  4. College transcripts, if qualifying based on education.
  5. Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above 85 on the rating criteria for this position.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.

Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.

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

To apply for this position: You must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 06/26/2024. You must provide documentation to support your claim for each eligibility selected. Please review the required documentation listed in the eligibilities language to ensure you submit the appropriate information. Note: You will only be marked eligible for those eligibilities that you selected and provided the appropriate supporting documentation.

WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.

  1. Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to login or create an account.
  2. Prompted to Start the Application Process by selecting "Start Application."
  3. Select or add the resume you want to use for this application. Click here on how to build a resume in USAJOBS.
  4. Select documents you want included in this application.
  5. Review package to acknowledge your documents were reviewed.
  6. Select if you want to include your demographic information.
  7. After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select "Continue to Agency Site."
  8. Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application.
  9. Add the supporting documents by indexing your documents with the dropdown.
    • Upload any missing required documents or optional documents.
  10. Review and Submit Application.
  11. While logged in, you can check the status of your application by selecting "+" next to the job title for this position.
  12. You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.
    • To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select "+" next to the job title for this position. Select "Update Application" for this job.
    • Note: When you click Update Application, you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So it is important that you select all documents you want to use in the re-application.

Agency contact information

Tammy Ice
Address
Capitol Reef National Park
52 Scenic Dr.
Torrey, UT 84775
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful. If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.


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