Summary
This position is a Fish Biologist, GS- 0482-11 working in Uvalde, Texas for the R2-Uvalde National Fish Hatchery.
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 Fish Biologist at Uvalde National Fish Hatchery and support refugium, you will ensure the Edward Aquifer Authorities' compliance with Incidental Take Permit (ITP) and obligation within the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan.
The incumbent will work under the guidance of higher-level biologists or the supervisor to assist in implementing, developing, evaluating, and managing the warmwater fish, aquatic invertebrates and plant production and distribution programs at a National Fish Hatchery. Various species of fish, aquatic plants and invertebrates, and other aquatic species are produced utilizing intensive as well as extensive culture methods. You will assist in implementing, developing, evaluating and managing warm-water fish, aquatic invertebrates and plant production and distribution at two locations.
- Design, establish and coordinate invertebrate, fish, and salamander refugia activities using pond, indoor recirculating and flow-through facilities and develop new methodologies, technologies or equipment for research, propagation, and restoration projects including initiating, carrying out, and guiding projects to completion.
- Direct the work of biologists, technicians, graduate students, etc. engaged in research and refugia projects.
- Ensure proper and efficient use of facilities and resources (e.g., ensure that contractual obligations are met, manage lower graded employees, authorize purchases, oversee facility maintenance and repair, develop, and implement budgets, organize and maintain outreach materials and activities that relate to reimbursable agreement activities.
- Communicate regularly with stakeholders including partners, Service personnel and other researchers to develop and maintain partnerships; propose, justify, or obtain funds needed to meet Service and reimbursable agreement goals of Uvalde NFH's refugia programs.
- Present seminars at scientific meetings, to university faculty and students, conservation groups, and other interested groups and organizations.
- Load fish distribution trucks, operate a variety of vehicles and equipment.
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: Selectees may be required to 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.
- Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
- Supervisory Probationary Period: Selectees who have not previously completed a supervisory probationary period, will be required to serve a one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period for this position.
- 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 07/02/2024 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position, you must possess BOTH the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualifications
Basic Requirement:
- A full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in biological sciences that included: at least 6 semester (9 quarter) hours in aquatic subjects such as limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology; and at least 12 semester (18 quarter) hours in the animal sciences in such subjects as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or research in these fields. (Excess courses in aquatic subject may be used to meet this requirement when appropriate). NOTE: You must submit copies of your college transcript(s) to support your educational claims. -OR-
- A combination of education and experience in courses equivalent to a major in biological science (at least 30 semester hours), of which a minimum of 6 semester hours were in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours were in the animal sciences, as shown in paragraph A, above, plus appropriate experience or additional education equivalent to a course of study with a major in the appropriate field as described in A above. NOTE: You must submit copies of your college transcript(s) to support your educational claims.
Minimum Qualification [GS-11]:
- One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience includes applying scientific understanding of fish physiology and current research to propagate endangered or threatened fish or aquatic resources in a hatchery or refugia environment; managing fish hatchery systems (e.g., water delivery, circulation & reuse systems, effluent management systems, egg isolation facilities, automated water quality monitoring systems, etc.) to ensure effective fish culture and husbandry; performing administrative responsibilities at a hatchery such modifying processes based on analysis of fishery or aquatic data; tracking current project expenditures, analyzing project performance, preparing administrative documents on fish cultural activities, water use, Endangered Species Act (ESA) requirements, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements or similar topics. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified. -OR-
- Three years of progressively higher-level graduate level education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a major study related to fisheries/aquatics. NOTE: You must submit copies of your college transcript(s) to support your educational claims. -OR-
- A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement. NOTE: You must submit copies of your college transcript(s) to support your educational claims.
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 {or cut-off} 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 fishery biology as it pertains to the life history, distribution, behavior, and culture of fish.
- Ability to gather, evaluate and apply biological and analytical data to make treatment and management recommendations and to present findings through presentations and publication to other biologists and resource professionals or groups.
- Ability to recruit, train, supervise, and motivate employee(s) sufficient to develop employee skills, evaluate employee effectiveness, identify training needs and provide training, counsel employees, establish performance standards, write position descriptions, appraise performance, recommend and/or approve personnel actions, awards, and disciplinary actions, and deal effectively with employee grievances.
- Ability to use oral and written communication and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain productive working relationships with other agencies, partners and stakeholder groups.
- Ability to use computers and computer software programs.
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 form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes:
- Beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience.
- Hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed.
- Salary and description of job duties.
- Name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number.
Additional information on what to include can be found here. Your experience needs to address every required qualification.
Important Note: Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
USAJOBS Help Center | What should I include in my federal resume?
USAJOBS Help Center | What should I leave out of my federal resume?
2. College Transcripts:Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected. 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.
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.
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/12446176.
- Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
- Applications must be received by 07/02/2024, 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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