FISH BIOLOGIST
: Job Details :

Summary

This position is a Fish Biologist, GS-0482-9/11, working with the R5-Lower Great Lakes F and W Conservation Office in Basom, NY or Oswego, NY.

This position is also open to I/CTAP, PLC, and VEOA eligibles (R5-24-12545054-AW-PLC), and status candidates and Land & Base Management eligibles (R5-24-12545055-AW-IMP). You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under each recruitment method.

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Overview

* Accepting applications

* Open & closing dates

09/23/2024 to 10/04/2024

This job will close when we have received 50 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more

* Salary

$59,966 - $94,745 per year

* Pay scale & grade

GS 9 - 11

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Locations

2 vacancies in the following locations:

* Basom, NY

* Oswego, NY

* Remote job

No

* Telework eligible

Yes-as determined by the agency policy.

* Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

* Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

* Appointment type

Permanent

* Work schedule

Full-time

* Service

Competitive

* Promotion potential

11

* Job family (Series)

* 0482 Fish Biology

* Supervisory status

No

* Security clearance

Other

* Drug test

No

* Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

* Trust determination process

* Suitability/Fitness

* Financial disclosure

No

* Bargaining unit status

No

* Announcement number

R5-24-12551790-AW-RCG

* Control number

810387900

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Thisjob is open to

* Recent graduates

Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizen or National and Recent graduates from a qualifying educational institution having completed an academic program within the preceding two years. Note: Veterans who were precluded by their military service obligation from meeting this requirement will have up to six years to apply.

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Duties

The Pathways Recent Graduate Program is forrecently graduated or graduating individuals who are looking for developmental experiences in the Federal Government intended to promote possible careers in the civil service. Recent Graduates will serve on this appointment for one year. During the first year the selectee will perform developmentalactivities designed to help them acquire the competencies of the target position in which they may be placed upon completion of the program. Participants who successfully complete the Recent College Graduates Program may be eligible for conversion to the target position on a permanent or term (morethan one to four years in duration) basis without further competition. For more information on the Pathways Recent Graduate Program, please visit

As a Fish Biologist your duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

* Develop and maintain large datasets typical of acoustic telemetry programs and ecological datasets.

* Provide leadership in developing the most appropriate analytical approaches to best address identified research or management questions and defined objectives.

* Prepare manuscripts for peer-review submission using existing data sets, completed, or in ongoing development.

* Represent FWS locally and regionally on lake-wide work groups and committees specific to native species restoration.

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

* Must be a U.S. Citizen or National

* Resume (See Required Documents). Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is provided on resume.

* Eligibility and Supporting documents - You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select yes to AND submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section.

* Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation

* Must meet Pathways eligibility requirements

* Must meet the eligibility requirements for the Recent Graduate Program. Recent Graduates will enter a formal training program with a mentor and execute an Individual Development Plan outlining training requirements and program expectations.

* Recent Graduates must receive at least 40 hours of formal training directly linked to their employment field.

* Recent Graduates serve a trial period for the duration of their excepted service appointment.

* Recent Graduates will be required to sign a Pathways Recent Graduate Participant Agreement.

* Applicants must provide documentation of completion within the previous 2 years of a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution.

* Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service

* Driver's License: Selectees may be required to possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure.

* Uniform: Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform may be required.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 10/04/2024 will be considered.

OPM's Qualification standard: Applicants meet the following eligibility requirement, and provide documentation such as a copy of your official transcript and/or veteran's documentation by the closing date of the announcement to be considered:

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

Basic Requirement:

* A bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited college or university in biological science that included at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects such as limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology; and at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences in such subjects as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or research in these fields. Note: If courses in aquatic and the animal sciences are not clearly identified on transcript and knowledge of such subjects was obtained in other coursework, you must include a description of such courses, to include syllabus as provided in official college catalog. OR

* A combination of education from an accredited college or university and experience--courses equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), of which a minimum of 6 semester hours were in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours were in the animal sciences, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Note: If courses in aquatic and the animal sciences are not clearly identified on transcript and knowledge of such subjects was obtained in other coursework, you must include a description of such courses, to include syllabus as provided in official college catalog.

Minimum Qualification [GS-09]

* One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience includes: (1) assists in performing ecological studies; (2) develops study designs related to fish populations; and (3) conducts data analysis of fish populations or related datasets to address management objectives. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified. OR

* Two years of progressively higher level graduate education, in a discipline directly related to the position, leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree, in a discipline directly related to the position. OR

* A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement.

Minimum Qualification [GS-11]

* One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience includes: (1) performing ecological studies and investigations related to published fishery management plans; (2) developing study designs based on fishery management plan objectives leading to increased understanding of complex ecological problems, (3) conducting data analysis of fish populations or related datasets to address management objectives, and (4) communicating results in written reports in coordination with other agencies and partners. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified. OR

* Three years of progressively higher-level graduate level education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a major study related to fisheries/aquatics. OR

* 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.

Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-9/11. At lower grade levels, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-9/11. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds. The selectee may be promoted without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.

(NOTE: You must attach a copy of your transcripts. Failure to submit transcripts will result in an ineligible rating.)

Education

PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants 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. Failure to submit transcripts will result in an ineligible rating. 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. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)

Additional information

Education Status: Completed all requirements for an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two (2) years; or individuals who, due to military service obligation, were precluded from applying to the Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period described above shall have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon release or discharge from active duty. This eligibility period cannot extend more than 6 years from the date on which the requirements for the academic course of study were met.

Recent Graduate appointments may not exceed two years. Recent Graduates who satisfactorily complete all the Program requirements may be non-competitively converted to a Term or Permanent appointment in the competitive service. Conversion is not guaranteed. Recent Graduates converted to Term appointments may later be non-competitively converted to a Permanent competitive service position.

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.

PCS Relocation: A PCS move is not authorized.

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.

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* Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the basic qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If you meet the basic qualifications your resume and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience which resulted in you being listed in the highest quality category, you may lose consideration, or be assigned to a lower quality category for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

* Ability to analyze, design, and conduct aquatic research, modeling, and monitoring projects to plan and conduct a wide variety of investigations including the design, collection, and analysis of biological data.

* Skill in applying biometric principles, theories, practices and concepts to develop statistically valid study proposals and evaluation of study results.

* Skill in data compilation, relational database structure, and statistical data analysis in order to develop and maintain biological databases, synthesize and analyze data.

* Ability to communicate in writing to compose reports requiring a minimum of reviewing and editing, prepare technical fishery manuscripts, and review other professional work for technical accuracy. (GS-11 only)

* Skill in coordinating official activities and associating with varied entities to establish rapport and cooperation with other agencies (e.g., Federal, State, local), private and national organizations, private landowners, and the general public. (GS-11 only)

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 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference in addition to the proof required by that form.

Unranked list - Professional Order: If numerical scores have not been assigned, all preference eligibles will be considered together regardless of the type of preference, followed by all other candidates. Agencies cannot select non-preference eligible veterans until the preference eligible veterans are exhausted or the agency has gone through the proper pass over procedures with respect to the remaining preference eligible veterans.

302.302 Examination of applicants.

(a)Eligibility. An evaluation of the qualifications of applicants for positions covered by this part may be conducted at any time before an appointment is made. The evaluation may involve only determination of eligibility or ineligibility or may include qualitative rating of candidates. If the evaluation involves only basic eligibility numerical scores will not be assigned and eligible candidates will be referred in accordance with the procedures described in paragraph (b)(5) of 302.304.

* Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

* Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package.

1. Resume (REQUIRED): 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 format you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications for each job listed INCLUDING (a) job title (to include job series and grade level, if federal); (b) beginning and ending dates of employment (month and year) for paid and non-paid work experience; (c) hours worked per week; and (d) description of job duties performed. You should also include our employer name and address, and supervisor name and telephone number. Additional information on what to include can be found here. NOTE: Your resume must include ALL required information. Failure to provide all required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.

2. Transcripts (REQUIRED): Official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable; a copy of your official transcripts is required if you are selected. Official and unofficial transcripts MUST INCLUDE student name, institution name (or identifying information such as an acronym or URL web address), degree conferral date, major, grades, credit hours earned, grade point average or class ranking. If your transcripts do not show degree conferral, you must submit additional documentation (such as a letter from your school's registrar) verifying that you have completed all requirements for conferral of your degree, including date of completion. Please refer to the education section above for additional information.

3. Cover Letter (optional)

4. Veterans' Preference documentation (if applicable): If you are claiming veterans' preference you must provide a legible copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, member 4 copy or any official documentation or statement from the Armed Forces that confirms your dates of service and that your separation, discharge, or release from active duty was under honorable conditions (i.e., Honorable or General Discharge). If you are currently on active military duty, you must provide documentation (e.g., campaign document, award citation, etc.), that verifies entitlement to veterans' preference and that your character of military service is honorable. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, in addition to the documents specified above, you must also submit documentation that supports your claim, e.g., an official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs (dated 1991 or later) or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying the existence of a service-connected disability, or the award of the Purple Heart, etc. The overall rating must be identified on your certification letter or separation orders.

5. Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation (if applicable): Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

* How to Apply

* Review the Appointment Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility section of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the appointment eligibilities that you selected. You must provide proof of your eligibility as required by appointment eligibility to be considered.

* Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month/day/year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume.

* You must also complete the online application and assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

DEADLINE DATE: Announcement will close at 11:59 p.m. ET after 50 applications have been received or on the closing date,10/04/2024 whichever occurs first. Applications must be received prior to the announcement closing to receive consideration.

* To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

* Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is received. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

* After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

* You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

* You will be considered for all eligibilities for which you select yes and submit the required documents and supporting documentation (e.g. DD 214, Schedule A letter, etc.). The supporting documentation you submit will be used to determine your eligibility. Please review the list of documentation provided in the eligibilities language to ensure you provide the appropriate information.

* Please note, your eligibility will be based solely on the selections you have indicated yes in this section. You must provide the supporting documentation to support your claim to be considered. You may choose more than one eligibilities in this section.

* To view the assessment questionnaire, click here:

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account ( all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit:

If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact the Human Resources Office via email at ...@fws.gov.

Agency contact information

Human Resources Staffing Division

Email ...@fws.gov

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.

You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJobs Account.

* Fair and Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

* Criminal history inquiries

* Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

* Financial suitability

* New employee probationary period

* Privacy Act

* Reasonable accommodation policy

* Selective Service

* Signature and false statements

* Social security number request

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Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package.

1. Resume (REQUIRED): 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 format you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications for each job listed INCLUDING (a) job title (to include job series and grade level, if federal); (b) beginning and ending dates of employment (month and year) for paid and non-paid work experience; (c) hours worked per week; and (d) description of job duties performed. You should also include our employer name and address, and supervisor name and telephone number. Additional information on what to include can be found here. NOTE: Your resume must include ALL required information. Failure to provide all required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.

2. Transcripts (REQUIRED): Official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable; a copy of your official transcripts is required if you are selected. Official and unofficial transcripts MUST INCLUDE student name, institution name (or identifying information such as an acronym or URL web address), degree conferral date, major, grades, credit hours earned, grade point average or class ranking. If your transcripts do not show degree conferral, you must submit additional documentation (such as a letter from your school's registrar) verifying that you have completed all requirements for conferral of your degree, including date of completion. Please refer to the education section above for additional information.

3. Cover Letter (optional)

4. Veterans' Preference documentation (if applicable): If you are claiming veterans' preference you must provide a legible copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, member 4 copy or any official documentation or statement from the Armed Forces that confirms your dates of service and that your separation, discharge, or release from active duty was under honorable conditions (i.e., Honorable or General Discharge). If you are currently on active military duty, you must provide documentation (e.g., campaign document, award citation, etc.), that verifies entitlement to veterans' preference and that your character of military service is honorable. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, in addition to the documents specified above, you must also submit documentation that supports your claim, e.g., an official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs (dated 1991 or later) or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying the existence of a service-connected disability, or the award of the Purple Heart, etc. The overall rating must be identified on your certification letter or separation orders.

5. Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation (if applicable): Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Help

How to Apply

* Review the Appointment Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility section of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the appointment eligibilities that you selected. You must provide proof of your eligibility as required by appointment eligibility to be considered.

* Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month/day/year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume.

* You must also complete the online application and assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

DEADLINE DATE: Announcement will close at 11:59 p.m. ET after 50 applications have been received or on the closing date,10/04/2024 whichever occurs first. Applications must be received prior to the announcement closing to receive consideration.

*