Geneticist

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to U.S. Citizen or National; and Career transition eligibles (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL).

This position is located within the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 5, Lamar Fish Tech Center. The major duties of this position include but are not limited to the following:

• Conducts molecular studies using environmental DNA (eDNA) and Next-Generation Sequencing techniques to support fisheries conservation and management needs.
• Analyzes eDNA sequence data, including data processing, quality assessment, statistical analysis, analytical pipeline development, and interpretation of results.
• Designs, coordinates, and implements eDNA studies and validation experiments; develops, evaluates, and optimizes laboratory and analytical methods for species detection and identification.
• Uses DNA analyzers, sequencers, PCR, and other laboratory equipment to generate, process, maintain, and analyze eDNA sequence data.
• Applies eDNA data to conservation and management questions and provides scientific guidance and technical assistance to biologists, agencies, Tribal groups, researchers, and other partners.
• Prepares and presents eDNA research findings through technical reports, scientific manuscripts, presentations, workshops, symposia, and other scientific meetings.
• Coordinates eDNA data, databases, sample management, and quality-control procedures to promote standardized methods, validated protocols, and consistent analytical practices.
• Provides technical expertise in eDNA sequence analysis and data management, including conducting sequence alignments and ensuring high-quality genomic workflows.
• Maintains strong, proactive communication with state, federal, Tribal, academic, and other partners to ensure successful project coordination, clear data interpretation, and effective application of eDNA results to management decisions.

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct Deposit participation required.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit www.dhs.gov/EVerify/.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• You cannot hold an active real estate license, nor can you have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Lands.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.

This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probation your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement. To be considered, you must meet one of the below requirements:

• Degree: A bachelor's or higher degree in genetics; OR a degree in one of the basic biological sciences that included at least 9 semester hours in genetics.

OR

• Graduate Education: Graduate education in genetics, or a curriculum or pattern of graduate-level training that placed major emphasis on genetics. Graduate study in a related field may also qualify if the coursework included sufficient emphasis or cross-training in genetics. Qualifying genetics coursework may include genetics; plant or animal genetics; molecular and cellular biology; mathematics or statistics as applied to genetics; population dynamics; or other courses involving techniques applied in genetics work. An appropriate combination of basic coursework in genetics and cytology or statistics may also be qualifying.

You must submit transcripts with your application that demonstrate you meet this basic requirement.

-AND-
In addition to the above individual occupational requirement (IOR), to qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level you must have at least
one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience includes performing professional genetics work with fish or other aquatic species, such as:

• Conducting molecular, population, or conservation genetic analyses;
• Analyzing genomic or genetic sequence data using statistical or biological data analysis methods;
• Applying genetic techniques such as next-generation sequencing, environmental DNA analysis, polymerase chain reaction, metabarcoding, or genetic marker analysis;
• Designing or conducting genetic studies and validation experiments;
• Developing, adapting, or evaluating genetic laboratory or analytical methods and protocols; and
• Interpreting genetic data to evaluate species identification, population structure, genetic diversity, population or stock origin, or other genetics-related questions that support aquatic species conservation and management.

To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.

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.

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement, 09/07/2026.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

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 any additional assessment(s) required for this position.

Your resume must not exceed 2 pages. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.

Candidates will be evaluated and placed into one of three quality categories based on the extent to which their knowledge, skills, and abilities meet the requirements of the position. Veterans' preference is applied in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. For professional and scientific positions at the GS-9 grade level and above, veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more are not automatically placed in the highest quality category. Selection will be made from the highest quality category in accordance with category rating procedures and veterans' preference requirements. Under Category Rating, candidates will be evaluated and placed into the following quality 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 assessed in the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Biology, Genetics, Problem Solving, and Technical Competence

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 assessment(s), including a SME resume review. These assessments measure the critical competencies listed above that are required to successfully perform the job.

Current or former displaced Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be well-qualified, score at least 85 (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry.

Providing false or misleading information on your resume or supporting documentation may result in removal from consideration or other action consistent with applicable federal hiring regulations. Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.

The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/07/2026 - unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement:

1. Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, with dates in month-year format (include month/day/year format if needed for 52 weeks of experience), and indicate hours worked per week (or full-time). Your resume must clearly show how long you have held each grade/rank. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Your 2-page resume must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the specialized experience requirements. If you have federal experience, you should include series, and grade for each position held, and if experience is part of a career ladder position, you must clearly distinguish the job duties and length of time working for each grade level. More information on how to write a Federal Resume: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include
2. Complete All Required Assessments.
3. All college transcript(s) Please submit both undergraduate and graduate level transcripts, as applicable.
4. Veterans Preference Documentation, if applicable. Veterans must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (member 4 copy) or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Parent 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.va.gov/records/ or call 1-800-827-1000. 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.
5. Interagency Career Transition (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): You MUST submit proof of eligibility including 1) copy of the agency notice, 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 well qualified. For more information visit: USAJOBS Help Center - Career Transition Programs (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL).

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from all documents.

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

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