What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position?

This is a term appointment not to exceed 13 months with possible extensions up to a total of 4 years without further competition. Appointment to this position will not convey permanent status in the Federal service.

Salary:GS:11- $68,992 (Step 01) to $89,695 (Step 10);GS:12- 82,694 (Step 01) to $107,507 (Step 10) NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.

Learn more about this agency

As an Ecologist within the Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, some of your specific duties will include:

• Plans and conducts studies, investigations, and tests concerning biological, chemical, and physical processes that affect wildlife resources.
• Formulates plans for major ecology, wildlife and/or fishery projects to investigate novel biological science problems.
• Carries out investigations of wildlife conservation, preservation, and propagation issues.
• Serve as a team leader in the organization and coordination of daily activities of a small field project staff.
• Operates a government owned or leased vehicle as an incidental driver.

Above duties are for the GS-12 level. For the lower grade levels, incumbent will perform a wide range of tasks described in the above duties, but at a lower level of work designed to further develop and refine the knowledge and skills of the incumbent. Assignments will typically combine productive work with on-going training and instruction. Supervision received at the lower level will be closer with oversight and review being provided more frequently.

Physical Demands: The work requires some physical exertion such as walking over wet, rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities. The work requires moderate physical ability and average agility and dexterity.

Work Environment: Work is performed in an office, laboratory, and/or in the field. Field work requires the use of GPS and other navigational equipment. The office is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Temperature and weather extremes may be encountered in the performance of the outdoor work. Field and laboratory duties may require the use of special protective gear. The incumbent is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow workers, or property with which entrusted.

Extensive periods of fieldwork will be required for up to two-week intervals in remote locations and often under primitive living conditions.

Travel Required

50% or less – You may be expected to travel for this position an average of 10 nights per month.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Key Requirements:

1. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
2. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
3. Selectee may be subject to serving a one-year probationary period.
4. More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Other Information.
5. Selectee must provide a valid state driver’s license & safe driving record.
6. Selectee subject to successful completion of a pre-employment medical exam.

Are There Any Special Requirements For This Position?

• This vacancy is limited to the first 35 applications received and will close at midnight Eastern Time on the day this application limit is reached regardless of the closing date specified in this vacancy announcement. Any application received prior to midnight Eastern Time of the day the application limit is reached will be accepted and considered. You are strongly encouraged to submit all required supporting documents at the time of application should the vacancy close earlier than stated in this announcement due to the applicant limit being reached. Supporting documents will not be accepted once the vacancy announcement closes.
• Taking and passing a pre-employment medical examination at Federal expense is required due to the physical demands of this job.

• Because this position requires travel for official business, the selectee will be required to apply for a charge card within 30 calendar days of appointment. Individuals who have delinquent account balances from a previous Government charge card will be required to satisfy their existing obligation before a new card can be issued.
• A background investigation will be required for this position. Continued employment will be subject to the applicant’s successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
• Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system.