Biologist
: Job Details :

Summary This position is a Biologist, GS-0401-7/9 working in Asheville, North Carolina for R4-ARD-Conservation Science and Innovation. Responsibilities As a Biologist your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following: In a developmental capacity, participates in the planning and execution of studies and assessments concerning biological, chemical, and physical processes that affect ecosystems. Coordinates, collects and processes field specimens for analysis according to established procedures, methods and techniques. Gathers and organizes a wide variety of biological, ecological, pathological, public use data or other information pertinent to scientific studies. Performs preliminary analysis of quantitative and qualitative data using established methods and software in ways that support project needs. Maintains computer databases; conducts geospatial analysis; and gathers, analyzes, tabulates and summarizes scientific, programmatic, and/or budgetary data. As directed, utilizes established data visualization methods and techniques to accurately and effectively communicate data and data analysis findings to various audiences including FWS management and staff, stakeholders, and partners. Participate in partnerships/collaborative groups and meet with partners, stakeholders and general public to communicate mission of the USFWS, respective USFWS office priorities and conservation needs. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Only experience and education obtained by 12/11/2024 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification. Basic Requirement: Possess a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Possess a combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in 1 above, PLUS appropriate experience or additional education. Minimum Qualification [GS-7] Possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience includes: 1) Utilizing and updating geospatial or relational databases using quality control standards, protocols, and guidelines; 2) Planning, and managing activities to effectively support higher-level biologists in data and information collection, compilation, analysis, and various field and laboratory projects; 3) Participating in the development of reports, briefings, presentations, or training materials related to fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats; and 4) Assisting in work with partners, stakeholders, or the general public. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified. OR Possess one full year graduate level education. NOTE: To qualify under this option you must submit transcripts (official or unofficial) to verify your education. OR Possess Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.). S.A.A. is based on (1) Class Standing, (2) Grade-Point Average, or (3) Honor Society Membership. (1) Class Standing: Upper one-third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision based on completed courses. (2) Grade-Point Average: A grade point average of (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 (B or better) as recorded on the official transcript or as computed based on four years of education, or computed based on courses completed during the final two years of the curriculum; -or- (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 (B+ or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final two years of the curriculum. (3) Election to Membership in a National Scholastic Honor Society: Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies. Freshman scholastic honor societies cannot be used to meet the requirements of this position. Superior academic achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled. NOTE: To qualify under this option you must submit transcripts (official or unofficial) to verify your education. OR Possess a combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above that when combined, equals 100% of the total requirement. NOTE: To qualify under this option you must submit transcripts (official or unofficial) to verify your education. Minimum Qualification [GS-9] Possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience includes: 1) Designing and maintaining geospatial or relational databases using quality control standards, protocols, and guidelines; 2) Generating reports and communicating results in writing through the use of various word processing, spreadsheet and database software applications; 3) Using geographic information systems (GIS) and geospatial databases in natural resource management; 4) Collaborating and coordinating within an agency or organization, on the use and application of current conservation biology theories principles, and concepts to manage natural resources; and 5) Communicating ideas and other information to individuals and groups to gain support and maintain positive working relationships where divergent points of view exist. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified. OR Possess two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in a field directly related to the work of the position. NOTE: To qualify under this option you must submit transcripts (official or unofficial) to verify your education. OR Possess a combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above that when combined, equals 100% of the total requirement. NOTE: To qualify under this option you must submit transcripts (official or unofficial) to verify your education. 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 programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. 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. These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements) for the position with a score of 85 or above on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. For more information visit: Public Land Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority: Served as a qualified youth on an appropriate conservation project completing a minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory service that included at least 120 hours through the PLC and received a certificate of non-competitive eligibility. Completed most recent Corps service, for which a certificate of non-competitive eligibility was issued, within the last 2 years. Appointment must be effected within the 2 year period. Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, you must be a preference eligible, or a Veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. 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.