Fish Biologist Job in Iron River, WI

Vacancy No. R3-25-12594331-CU-SDHA Department U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Salary $72,553.00 to $113,047.00 Grade 11 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/4/2024 Close Date 11/18/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Iron River, WI


Summary

This position is a Fish Biologist, GS- 0482-11/12 working in Iron River, WI, for the Iron River 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 a Fish Biologist your duties will include but are not limited to the following:

  • Hatchery Operations: providing technical and operational oversight, training, guidance, and assistance to staff and volunteers engaged in station operations and maintenance; monitoring fish health, growth, and quality, and implementing corrective measures or administering therapeutic and prophylactic treatments; assisting with formulation, implementation, and evaluation of production and distribution plans; collaborating to identify and overcome obstacles to successfully culture and propagate aquatic species in a challenging rearing environment.
  • Projects and Investigations: planning, developing, and conducting studies and investigations, developing diagnostic protocols, and recording experimental fish culture data such as those related to using hormones and testing new and modified pharmaceuticals, fungicides, and other pesticides.
  • Supervision: working with the Hatchery Manager to hire, direct, assign, promote, reward, suspend, discipline, or remove employees; scheduling, assigning, and directing work; administering supervisory personnel functions; evaluating work performance; taking necessary action to ensure work meets quality and quantity standards.
  • Outreach: working in conjunction with the Project Leader to develop and implement the hatchery outreach program by providing tours, making presentations, speaking to various organizations and groups, maintaining the hatchery visitor center, and conducting fishing events; planning, scheduling, attending, and conducting meetings with elected officials (local, county, state, Congressional), varying levels of government units (local, state, federal), interest groups (landowners, county, state bureaus, state and national environmental groups).

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.
  • Drug Testing: Must pass a drug test (due to CDL requirement).
  • Driver’s License: Must possess a valid state driver's license at all times during employment.
  • Uniform: Must wear a uniform in accordance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife policy.
  • CDL: Must possess or obtain a valid CDL license (with tanker endorsement) within 3 months of employment to drive large fish distribution vehicles weighing up to 66,000 GVWR and operate equipment.
  • Other: Must possess or obtain a Merchant Mariners Document (MMD) Credential to work on a vessel/boat within 3 months of employment.
  • Other: Must possess or obtain a Transportation Workers Information Credential (TWIC) Card to be admitted into ports along the Great Lakes within 3 months of employment.
  • Tour of Duty: Must be able to work a non-standard tour of duty including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Probationary Period: 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 11/18/2024 will be considered.

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

Basic Requirement:
  1. Degree with a major in biological science that included: at least 6 semester 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 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 course work in aquatic subjects may be used to meet this requirement when appropriate.). OR
  2. A combination of education and experience that includes courses equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., 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 A above, PLUS appropriate experience or additional education. This combination of education and experience is comparable to that which would be normally acquired through the successful completion of a full 4-year course of study as described above.

Minimum Qualification [GS-11]
  1. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service performing work in or directly related to Fish Biology. Specialized experience includes carrying out daily activities of hatchery production operations; propagating cold, cool and/or warm water aquatic species; assisting in program planning and budget preparation; observing fish for signs of stress or disease and initiating the appropriate steps to alleviate stress or treat disease; maintaining records of fish production and distribution. OR
  2. Three years of progressively higher-level graduate level education leading to a Ph.D. -OR- possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree with a major study in or directly related to fisheries/aquatics.. OR
  3. A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement.

Minimum Qualification [GS-12]
  1. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service performing work in or directly related to Fish Biology. Specialized experience includes planning and carrying out daily activities of hatchery production operations; propagating cold, cool and warm water aquatic species; program planning and budget preparation; developing and carrying out hatchery work plans; planning and conducting fisheries studies, including design, collection, and analysis of biological data related to fish culture, fishery resources, and fish health.


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)

Additional information

PCS INFORMATION: Yes, entitlements for payment of basic moving expenses, as required and to the extent allowed by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 302-3.101, are authorized for eligible applicants changing duty station when the change meets the distance tests as provided in FTR 302-1.1 and 302-2.6. All moving expenses are taxable. In addition, relocation discretionary entitlements May be authorized for this position excluding contractor-provided home sale.

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. CTAP or ICTAP applicants must be determined to be well-qualified for this position in order to receive special selection priority. To be well-qualified, a CTAP or ICTAP applicant must meet the following: OPM qualification requirements for the position, all selective factors, where applicable; special OPM approved qualifying conditions for the position; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate, to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and receives a rating of at least 85 on the questionnaire. For more information visit: OPM's Employee Guide to Career Transition

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 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 fish biology.
  • Knowledge of fish pathology, disease diagnoses, and treatment.
  • Ability to design, implement, and conduct fishery investigations.
  • Ability to provide direction and oversight to a multi-disciplined staff in all phases of hatchery or fishery resources operations.
  • Ability to plan and implement outreach to communicate organizational goals and operations.


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 your employer name and address, and supervisor name and telephone number.

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 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.
  1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents. To preview the assessment questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12594331.
  2. Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
  3. Applications must be received by 11/18/2024, 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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