Natural Resources Specialist (Weeds)
: Job Details :

SummaryThis position is located in Bureau of Land Management (BLM), New Mexico State Office NMSO), in the Farmington Field Office.This position is concurrently open to all U.S. Citizens under Announcement Number BLM-NM-25-12634209-DE-OPM.Salary Range for GS-09: $59,966 - $77,955Salary Range for GS-11: $72,553 - $94,317This job is open to

• Federal employees - Competitive serviceCurrent or former competitive service federal employees.
• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)Federal employees who meet the definition of a surplus or displaced employee.
• Veterans
• Individuals with disabilities
• Military spouses
• Special authoritiesIndividuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.
• Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista
• Family of overseas employeesFamily members of a federal employee or uniformed service member who is or was, working overseas.
• Land and base managementCertain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.

Clarification from the agencyStatus Candidates (Merit Promotion, Land Management, and VEOA Eligibles) and Non-Competitive Authority EligiblesThis job is also open in another announcement to:

• The public
• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

This job is also open in another announcement to:

• The public
• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Duties

• Prepare and monitor plans to improve or expand natural resources, and to alleviate or eliminate detrimental management impacts created by other resource uses upon the landscape.
• Conduct compliance inspections on multiple use actions, including monitoring construction activities.
• Serve as a member of the Field Office interdisciplinary team and writes and documents complex pre-acquisition assessments, recommends alternatives to avoid or mitigate impacts of proposals that may adversely affect ecological environments or human communities.
• Provide input including analysis and mitigation of impacts in NEPA documents including Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements for the analysis of impacts of invasive plant species.
• Advise program leads and supervisor on natural resource concerns with and emphasis in noxious/invasive weed issues.

Requirements Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship required
• May be required to complete background investigation and drug screening.
• Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males
• Must provide resume and supporting documents (See required documents).
• You cannot hold an active real estate license, nor can you have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Lands.
• If you are a new employee or supervisor in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
• Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
• Must be able to possess a valid driver's license to safely operate 4-wheel drive vehicles and must be able to obtain certifications to safely operate ATVs, UTVs and off-highway vehicles (OHVs) to accomplish field related work.
• You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 5 nights per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes
• Must be able to attain and maintain a Federal Pesticide Applicators License to apply chemicals for weed management and/or supervise others in the application thereof.

QualificationsIn order to qualify, you must meet BASIC Requirement *AND* ADDITIONAL Requirement described below. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience. If qualifying based on education, a copy of your unofficial transcripts must be provided with your application.BASIC Requirement for the 0401 series:A. Education: Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. (NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts as proof of any claimed education.)ORB. Combination of Education and Experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. (NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts as proof of any claimed education and your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience.)*AND*ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT: To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required specialized experience described below:GS-09Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service (obtained either in the private or public sectors) performing the 3 or more of the following: (1) identifying weeds and options for their control; (2) assisting in evaluation of the effects of weed management activities on wildlife habitat, range, forest, and/or watershed environments; (3) assisting in developing pest control or pesticide use, goals, and/or priorities; (4) resolving problems related to the noxious/invasive weed management and/or treatment. (NOTE: Your resume must clearly describe this experience.)OREducation: Successful completion of at least 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in a field that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to conduct the work of this position such as biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. (NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts as proof of any claimed education.)ORCombination: Successful completion of a combination of experience and education and experience. To calculate your combined amount, first determine the amount of your specialized experience a graduate level education biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. (To calculate, first take the number of semester hours or equivalent earned towards a graduate degree, in excess of 18 semester hours, and divide by 18 semester hours or equivalent. Then take the number of months of experience and divide by 12 months. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify). Note: You must submit a copy of your college transcripts (official or unofficial) AND your resume must demonstrate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you may be found ineligible.GS-11Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service (obtained either in the private or public sectors) performing 3 or more of the following: (1) evaluating the effects of weed management projects on natural resources; (2) providing technical guidance on pest control programs, pesticide uses, and/or precautions to ensure the protection of personnel/environment in the performance of weed management activities; (3) coordinating studies or monitoring efforts in support of program objectives; (4) ensuring concerns are documented and/or resolved between proposed land uses and other resource mandates.OREducation: Successful completion of at least 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a field that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to conduct the work of this position such as biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. Note: You must submit transcripts (official or unofficial).ORCombination: Successful completion of a combination of specialized experience and graduate level education biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. (To calculate, first take the number of semester hours or equivalent earned towards a graduate degree, in excess of 36 semester hours, and divide by 18 semester hours or equivalent. Then take the number of months of experience and divide by 12 months. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify). NOTE: Your resume must indicate how you meet this requirement, and you must submit copies of your college transcripts (official or unofficial), otherwise you may be found ineligible.TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-07 is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 level. One year at the GS-09 is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level.(Must submit your SF-50 that shows Time-in-Grade eligibility and reflects your title, series, and grade. No award SF-50 will be accepted).Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).Volunteer Experience: 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.You must include months, years and hours per week worked to receive credit for your work and/or volunteer experience. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that does not indicate exact hours per week or is listed as varies .EducationTo qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your 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.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.Additional information

• Any individual who is currently holding, or has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet time-in-grade requirements (must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent in the Federal service). Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement

This position is considered a career ladder opportunity, with a full performance level of GS-11. If selected at a lower grade level, you may be non-competitively promoted to the next grade level at the discretion of your supervisor and is contingent upon meeting regulatory and legal requirements for promotion, satisfactory performance, and the availability of higher-level work. Promotion is not guaranteed, and no promise of promotion is implied.Physical Demands:The incumbent must be in good physical condition. Field work requires long periods of walking over rough, uneven terrain for extended periods, under harsh conditions, while at times carrying moderately heavy equipment or supplies that weigh up to 50 pounds. From time-to-time, the incumbent will be involved in aerial flights involving helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. From time-to time, the incumbent will use Off Highway (OHV) and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) to implement work.Working Conditions:The incumbent is required to be in the field frequently for extended periods of time. The incumbent is required to hike in mountainous, rocky terrain, steep timbered and brush hillsides as well as desert areas. Weather conditions involve a wide temperature range from below zero to well above 100 degrees. Incumbent will adhere to all safety rules and regulations as prescribed in manuals/supplements or by the designated Safety Officer. Work involves moderate risks and discomforts due to adverse weather, exposure to chemicals and fumes, etc.The Bureau of Land Management has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees. If eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive or Student Loan Repayment.Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) or Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP or CTAP eligible see To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated at 90 or above on the rating criteria for this position.If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please contact San Antonio Services Branch at ...@opm.gov or 816-###-####.

• BenefitsA 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 benefitsEligibility 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 EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Occupational Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions may affect your rating.You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the additional assessments required for this position.In order 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 assessments, including a subject matter expert resume review.These assessments measure the critical competencies listed below that are required to successfully perform the job.Candidates who apply under Competitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are highly qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Best qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.Candidates who apply under Noncompetitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are minimally qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.You will be evaluated on the following competencies:

• Biology
• Botany
• Communications and Media
• Teamwork
• Written Communication

Performance Appraisals: In the evaluation process, due weight will be given to job related experience, education, training, incentive awards and performance appraisals. Applicants must have a performance rating of at least the equivalent of fully successful to be eligible for promotion or placement. Applicants may provide a copy of a performance appraisal of record dated within the last 18 months. If the applicant is unable to provide a performance appraisal of record dated within the last 18 months, the applicant may provide a written explanation as to why.Recruitment incentive awards: Applicants that have received recruitment incentive awards during the last two years, must list them on their resume.

• BenefitsA 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 benefitsEligibility 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 DocumentsAs 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.The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/10/2025.
• Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, with dates specified in month and year format, and indicate hours worked per week. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.
• A complete Occupational Questionnaire
• College transcripts.
• Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
• Current/Former Federal employees: Your most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent) showing that you are/were in the competitive service, as well as the highest grade (or promotion potential) held, on a permanent basis and containing information which shows you meet time-in-grade (e.g., STEP increase, etc.) You must submit an SF-50(s) that shows permanent (career/career/conditional tenure) and competitive service eligibility to be considered. No award SF-50 will be accepted.
• Former Federal Employees separated from Federal Government over a year ago: Your separation Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent) showing your permanent, competitive status and your last Federal performance appraisal plan/rating. You must submit an SF-50(s) that shows permanent career or career conditional tenure and competitive service eligibility to be considered (No award SF-50 will be accepted). Your last Federal performance appraisal plan must reflect a rating of Fully Successful or equivalent.
• Documentation for the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) eligibility, which includes ALL Appointment AND Termination SF-50s for EACH appointment as well as ALL performance evaluations, for each qualifying period of temporary employment claimed.
• Veterans Preference Documentation:
  • If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
  • If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
  • If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-###-#### to establish proof of disability.
• Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified 90 or above on the rating criteria for this position.
• Schedule A, Persons with Disabilities Appointment Eligibles: Schedule A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation or benefits office citing disability - eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u).
• Interchange Agreement with Other Merit Systems Eligible: Documentation of eligibility as listed in each individual interchange agreement.
• Other noncompetitive or special appointing authorities (e.g., Peace Corps, VISTA, Public Land Corp, Military Spouse, VRA, 30% Disabled Veterans, Certain Former Overseas Employees, Foreign Service, Boren Fellows, etc.) must provide substantiating documentation as required.
• Any other supporting documentation required for verification as described in the announcement.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.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 fromschools 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 ApplyTo apply for this position: You must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/10/2025. WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.
• Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to login or create an account.
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• Select or add the resume you want to use for this application. Click here on how to build a resume in USAJOBS.
• Select documents you want included in this application.
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• Select if you want to include your demographic information.
• After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select Continue to Agency Site.
• Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application.
• Add the supporting documents by indexing your documents with the dropdown.
  • Upload any missing required documents or optional documents.
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Agency contact informationSan Antonio Services BranchPhone816-###-####Email...@opm.govAddressBLM New Mexico State OfficeBLM New Mexico, NM-951301 Dinosaur Trail Santa Fe, NM 87508USNext stepsOnce the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful. If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.
• Fair and TransparentThe 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

Required DocumentsThe following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/10/2025.

Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, with dates specified in month and year format, and indicate hours worked per week. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.

A complete Occupational Questionnaire

College transcripts.

Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:

• Current/Former Federal employees: Your most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent) showing that you are/were in the competitive service, as well as the highest grade (or promotion potential) held, on a permanent basis and containing information which shows you meet time-in-grade (e.g., STEP increase, etc.) You must submit an SF-50(s) that shows permanent (career/career/conditional tenure) and competitive service eligibility to be considered. No award SF-50 will be accepted.
• Former Federal Employees separated from Federal Government over a year ago: Your separation Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent) showing your permanent, competitive status and your last Federal performance appraisal plan/rating. You must submit an SF-50(s) that shows permanent career or career conditional tenure and competitive service eligibility to be considered (No award SF-50 will be accepted). Your last Federal performance appraisal plan must reflect a rating of Fully Successful or equivalent.
• Documentation for the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) eligibility, which includes ALL Appointment AND Termination SF-50s for EACH appointment as well as ALL performance evaluations, for each qualifying period of temporary employment claimed.
• Veterans Preference Documentation:
  • If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National