SUPERVISORY BIOLOGIST

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.

As a SUPERVISORY BIOLOGIST your duties will include but are not limited to the following:

• Provides administrative, scientific, and technical leadership for a large, complex scientific program/project. Manages the formulation of program objectives, priorities, and techniques. Provides long range resource planning, program direction, coordination, and evaluation. Lead the development of overall program goals, objectives, policies and strategies necessary to direct the program. Evaluates and monitors the program's accomplishments against stated goals and objectives. Monitors and coordinates with partners.
• As needed, directs, and oversees program and field work/activities such as monitoring, inventory, surveys, invasive species monitoring and control, research, impacts of point and non-point pollution, restoration, project reviews, and other related field activities. When required, provides on the ground support and assistance, and arranges for or directs additional monitoring efforts designed to gather specific information that supports the FWS and program position or the development of strategies for achieving targets and goals. Coordinates field activities with local governments and other public and private entities to minimize conflicts with subsistence, commercial, and recreational activities. Conducts public meetings for coordination and information exchange, and presentation and interpretation of project.
• Reviews or prepares or performs senior scientific reviews of materials in their areas of expertise. May develop training materials or training vehicles needed to convey changes or revisions to policy, guidance or data standards to Service personnel.
• Develops budget proposals and other documents including the FWS budget estimates and submittals, OMB budget estimates, and the President's budget justification. As appropriate, makes funding allocation recommendations for high-priority projects within the assigned program area and associated Headquarters, Regional and/or field offices. Assists in the execution of the program/project allocations including tracking budgets and expenditures to ensure they are in line with allocations. Conducts budget reviews, including direct/indirect cost analysis, and negotiates changes as appropriate. Works closely with appropriate FWS staff to ensure compliance with any constraints concerning source, timing, delivery, and amounts of appropriated funds. Responds to Congressional inquiries and actions relative to budget development and execution, and program/project implementation. Monitors and oversees the financial tracking systems to document and report on projects, funding needs, and work accomplishments. Coordinates the preparation, review, and distribution of program and project reports as needed, including annual reports, and special reporting requirements or requests to meet GPRA, OMB and HQ needs.
• Provides administrative and technical supervision necessary to accomplish the work. Plans the work to be accomplished, assigns work to employees, and establishes production or quality standards for the work. Sets priorities and prepares schedules for completion of work. Establishes and communicates guidelines and performance expectations for employees. Conducts formal performance reviews. Identifies and provides for the developmental and training needs of employees. Approves leave and certifies time and attendance, and interviews candidates for positions. Hears and resolves informal complaints and grievances, effects minor disciplinary measures, and recommends action in more serious cases. Provides advice and counsel to employees on both work and administrative matters. Develops and mentors employees to help them be successful in their position and grow in their career.

Conditions of employment

• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• 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 https://www.e-verify.gov/.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period to evaluate your fitness and whether your continuation of employment advances the public interest.

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 probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

This is a supervisory position that may require completion of a supervisory probationary period.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 09/10/2026 will be considered.

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

Basic Requirement:

1. Degree: Possess a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR
2. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

1. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience may include: (1) leading, planning, developing, coordinating, and implementing fisheries projects or studies; (2) providing administrative, scientific, and technical leadership for a scientific program or project, including supervising or managing a staff of biological or natural resource professionals; (3) managing short- and long-term projects and assignments, including development of project timelines and implementation of projects according to schedules; (4) applying knowledge of appropriate Federal statutes and regulations to fish and wildlife conservation; and/or (5) coordinating activities with internal and external stakeholders to achieve fish and wildlife conservation objections. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified.

How you will be evaluated

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

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. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. 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.

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.

You will be assessed in the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

• Accountability
• Customer Service
• Decisiveness
• Flexibility
• Interpersonal Skills
• Problem Solving
• Resilience

If fewer than three eligible and available candidates per vacancy result, the agency will expand the group of candidates in accordance with the pre-announced supplement strategy and 5 CFR 332.402(f).

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

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 structured 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.

You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.

Required Documents:

1. Resume: You may only submit one resume. Only the resume submitted under the "Resume" "Document Type" will be used to determine your qualifications and for rating purposes. Your resume must describe your job-related qualifications (paid and non-paid work experience) that includes job title, beginning and ending dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and description of job duties. You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form, you must ensure this information is provided. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. Note: Current and former Federal employees should include pay plan, series, and grade level for relevant federal experience. If experience is for a career ladder position, please ensure to clearly distinguish the job duties for each grade level and how long you were working in each grade level.

• Do not include the following types of information in your resume:
  • Classified or government sensitive information
  • Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Photos of yourself
  • Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
  • Encrypted and digitally signed documents.

2. College Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.
3. Complete All Required Assessments.

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.

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