Open & closing dates: 06/21/2021 to 07/06/2021
Appointment type: Permanent
Salary: $48,852 to $77,681 per year
Work schedule: Full-time

See full job details and application instructions at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/605096900?PostingChannelID=

Summary

This position is a Wildlife Biologist, GS- 0486-7/9 working in Homer, AK for the R7-Maritime National Wildlife Refuge or in Tok, AK, for the R7-Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge.

This position is also open to the public under announcement MR-21-11149711-MR-DE. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.

Responsibilities

As a Wildlife Biologist your duties will include but are not limited to the following:

  • Major duties will involve support of a multi-decade seabird monitoring program. These duties will broadly cover logistical support, planning, field work implementation, and data summarization.
  • Enters data into and extracts data from Access databases and spreadsheets.
  • Provides written reports of field projects.
  • Coordinates and oversees logistics for remote biological projects.
  • Conducts biological field work including avian surveys and a diversity of other inventory and monitoring projects.
  • May camp in a remotely-located field site or travel aboard the FWS research vessel for several weeks to several months at a time.
  • Develops and prepares information and technical assistance to partners, cooperating scientists, cooperators, the public and a variety of entities.
  • Develops, prepares, and delivers oral presentations and training to the public, staff, volunteers, and professional groups related to conservation, research, and monitoring projects.
  • May be scheduled to work weekends, holidays, and overtime to meet program needs.
  • Edits and writes safety plans and planning documents for project activities.
  • May provide work direction for temporary/seasonal and volunteer personnel up to 25% of the time.
*Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.
  • Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply).
  • Merit promotion applicants must meet time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
  • Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
  • Driver?s License: Selectees must possess and maintain a valid State driver’s license at all times during their tenure.
  • Firearm: Selectees will be required to carry a firearm in the performance of your duties.
  • Uniform: Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform is required.
  • Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 07/06/2021 will be considered.

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

Basic Requirement:
  1. Degree: biological science that included: 1. At least 9 semester hours in such wildlife subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, or research courses in the field of wildlife biology; and at least 12 semester hours in zoology in such subjects as general zoology, invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, cellular biology, parasitology, entomology, or research courses in such subjects (Excess courses in wildlife biology may be used to meet the zoology requirements where appropriate.); and at least 9 semester hours in botany or the related plant sciences. OR
  2. Combination of education and experience: I have a degree that is equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), with at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zoology, and 9 semester hours in botany or related plant science, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Minimum Qualification [GS-7]
  1. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-5 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as Collected terrestrial and aquatic animal information such as presence and condition; Assisted with the assessment of habitat conditions for native wildlife and aquatic species; Created maps and assisted with developing habitat management and improvement plans; Assisted biologists in terrestrial and aquatic habitat improvement or restoration work; Compiled biological data obtained from aerial and ground surveys; and/or ability to conduct weed management to benefit fish and wildlife. OR
  2. A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement.
Minimum Qualification [GS-9]
  1. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-7 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as one or more of the following: Prepared plans for collecting terrestrial and aquatic animal information such as presence, condition, and/or breeding status; Assessed habitat conditions and suitability for native wildlife and aquatic species; Developed draft copies of habitat management and improvement plans; Interpreted biological data obtained from aerial and ground surveys; and/or applied herbicide to conduct invasive weed management. OR
  2. A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement
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.

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 form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, annual salary, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number. Additional information on what to include can be found hereYour experience needs to address every required qualification.

2. College Transcripts: Please refer to the education section above for additional information. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.

3. SF-50: (non-award), or equivalent Notification of Personnel Action if you are a current or former Federal employee. Your SF-50 (non-award) must show tenure code 1 or 2 in block 24, and position occupied code 1 (competitive service) in block 34. If you have previously held a higher grade than the grade/position you currently occupy, you must submit a copy of the last non-award SF-50 you received for that position.

Note: Federal employee who has reinstatement eligibility please review the How to Apply for Reinstatement page for all required documents.

If you have any questions regarding which SF-50’s to submit, it is highly recommended that you contact the person listed on this vacancy announcement before the closing date.

Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment if you are requesting to be considered Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act eligibility. For Public Land Corp eligibility, a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Compliance Hiring Based for Public Land Corps Service is required for verification of eligibility.

4. Performance Appraisal: Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.

Additional Documentation if applicable:

1. Cover Letter

2. Veterans’ Preference Documentation: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans’ preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans’ preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans’ Preference in addition to the proof required by that form (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.

3. 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.

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.