Fish and Wildlife Biologist Job in Sacramento, CA

Vacancy No. R8-25-12573600-CU-SDHA Department U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Salary $80,217.00 to $124,988.00 Grade 11 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/12/2024 Close Date 11/25/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Sacramento, CA


Summary

This position is a Fish and Wildlife Biologist, GS- 0401-11/12, working in Sacramento, CA, for the San Francisco Bay-Delta Fish and Wildlife 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 Fish and Wildlife Biologist your duties will include but are not limited to the following:

  • Act as technical advisor to other Field Office staff on the habitat needs of rare, candidate, proposed, and federally listed species for the purpose of Section 7 consultations with other Federal agencies and designated non-Federal representatives; consults with staff in preparation of reasonable and prudent measures, reasonable and prudent alternatives, and conservation recommendations.
  • Coordinate wide ranging initiatives involving other Federal and state agencies, organizations, and the public in fully implementing Endangered Species Act programs, the Federal Power Act, and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act.
  • Inspect projects for compliance with policies, standards, guidelines, agreements, and plans, followed by recommendations for action to assure compliance. Review rules, regulations, legislation and statutes pertaining to rare, candidate, proposed, threatened, and endangered fish, wildlife, and plant resources.
  • Prepare and guide the preparation of written correspondence, reports, and papers pertaining to technical aspects of work that analyzes current conditions and assesses implications of future actions on rare, candidate, proposed, threatened and endangered species, fish, wildlife, and their habitats.
  • Facilitates implementation of conservation actions authorized through Biological Opinions and other regulatory documents such as conservation strategies, recovery plans, and habitat management plans.

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: You must possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure.
  • Probationary Period: You 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 11/25/2024 will be considered.

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

Basic Requirement:
  1. Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR
  2. Combination of education and experience that includes coursework equivalent to a major (e.g., 24 semester/36 quarter hours or school equivalent) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines as shown in A above, PLUS appropriate experience or additional education. This combination of education and experience 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 as described in A above.

Minimum Qualification [GS-11]
  1. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service performing work in or directly related to the position to be filled. Qualifying experience may include: (1) assisting in the implementation of conservation strategies, recovery, plans, or risk analyses pursuant to Section 7 consultation under the Endangered Species Act; (2) providing technical assistance with actions and restoration initiatives in habitats of threatened and endangered species; (3) participating in the development of endangered species conservation initiatives in coordination with other agencies (Federal, state, local), organizations, and the public; (4) assisting in the preparation of written correspondence and reports on natural resource impacts based on literature, observations made, and investigations results; (5) assisting in evaluating projects for regulatory and policy compliance with recovery plans, conservation strategies, or biological assessments or opinions for endangered species conservation. OR
  2. Three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree -OR- possess a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree with major study in or directly related to the position to be filled. 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 the position to be filled. Qualifying experience may include: (1) implementing conservation strategies, recovery plans, or risk analyses pursuant to Section 7 consultation under the Endangered Species Act; (2) providing technical leadership with actions and restoration initiatives in estuarine systems and tidal marshes regarding threatened and endangered species; (3) analyzing and coordinating the development of endangered species conservation initiatives in coordination with other agencies (Federal, state, local), organizations, and the public; (4) preparing and reviewing written correspondence, reports, or papers on natural resource impacts for publication based on literature, observations made, and investigations results; (5) conducting risk assessments related to potential management- or development-related impacts to habitats of threatened and endangered species.

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: 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. 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 and wildlife biology and ecology.
  • Knowledge of regulations, policies, and/or statutes related to threatened and endangered species protection, consultation, and recovery.
  • Ability to evaluate and explain biological information and recommendations in terms that are understandable by both scientific professionals and laypersons.
  • Ability to work cooperatively with internal staff, external personnel, and the public.
  • Ability to communicate in writing.


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/12573600.
  2. Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
  3. Applications must be received by 11/25/2024, 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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