Wildlife Biologist
: Job Details :

Wildlife Biologist

Department Of The Interior

Location: Wells,ME, USA

Date: 2024-11-10T08:34:59Z

Job Description:

Summary

This position is a Wildlife Biologist, GS- 0486-11/12 working in Wells, Maine for the R5-Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.

This position is also open to the public under announcement R5-25-12594301-JL-DE. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.

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Overview

* Accepting applications

* Open & closing dates

11/05/2024 to 11/18/2024

* Salary

$81,963 - $127,707 per year

* Pay scale & grade

GS 11 - 12

* Help

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

* Wells, ME

* Remote job

* Telework eligible

Yes-as determined by the agency policy.

* Travel Required

25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.

* Relocation expenses reimbursed

Yes-You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.

* Appointment type

Permanent

* Work schedule

Full-time

* Service

Competitive

* Promotion potential

* Job family (Series)

* 0486 Wildlife Biology

* Supervisory status

* Security clearance

Not Required

* Drug test

* Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

* Trust determination process

* Suitability/Fitness

* Financial disclosure

* Bargaining unit status

* Announcement number

R5-25-12594302-JL-MP

* Control number

817710800

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This job is open to

* Federal employees - Competitive service

Current or former competitive service federal employees.

* Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees who meet the definition of a surplus or displaced employee.

* Veterans

* Military spouses

* Special authorities

Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.

* Land & base management

Certain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.

Clarification from the agency

Government Wide: Current Career or Career Conditional Federal Employees, Land Management eligibles, 30% disabled veterans, Military Spouse, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Vista, VRA, VEOA, ICTAP/CTAP, Schedule A, Reinstatement eligibles, Public Land Corp (PLC).

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Duties

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

* Works collaboratively as a team member of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge staff, to achieve conservation and priority public use objectives for the American people.

* Manages and leads the biological work of an extensive National Wildlife Refuge that spans coastal, estuarine, salt marsh and upland habitats in southern Coastal Maine.

* Develops wildlife habitat and species monitoring, protection and management plans, and grant proposals, and secures funding for these efforts, and coordinates all facets of these programs in the field and administratively.

* Works with partners to coordinate and leverage support and funding for complex wildlife and habitat projects, manages and monitors work on and off refuge, and works as a member of local, regional, or national teams.

* Uses computer systems to manage data and information, and to prepare statistically defensible reports including the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to prepare maps and display data and results.

* Leads and provides technical guidance and quality assurance of the work of junior graded biological team members at the refuge.

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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.

* 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 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.

* Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.

* Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 11/18/2024 will be considered.

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

Basic Requirement:

* A degree in biological science that included: At least nine (9) semester hours in wildlife subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, or research courses in the field of wildlife biology; AND At least twelve (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 nine (9) semester hours in botany or related plant sciences. NOTE: Transcripts required.. OR

* A combination of education and experience, equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), with at least nine (9) semester hours in wildlife subjects, twelve (12) semester hours in zoology, and nine (9) semester hours in botany or related plant science, as shown in A above, PLUS appropriate experience or additional education. NOTE: Transcripts required.

Minimum Qualification [GS-11]

* One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-09 in the Federal service. Experience may include 1) Managing the biological program at a national wildlife refuge or other protected area by analyzing, evaluating, and selecting the appropriate techniques in the collection of biological data with an emphasis on wildlife population assessment, habitat management, or conservation plans; 2) Identifying and making recommendations to resolve wildlife management problems; 3) Providing technical advice relating to wildlife habitat management or conservation plans, wildlife species; 4) Preparing reports and making presentations on findings and recommendations concerning wildlife management issues; 5) analyzing and evaluating diverse environmental conditions; planning and conducting wildlife inventories, monitoring or research.. OR

* Posses three (3) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree, or Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in the biological sciences, natural resource management, or a closely related field which provided me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this 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-12]

* One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-11 in the Federal service. Experience may include: 1) Leading and managing the biological program at a national wildlife refuge or other protected area by monitoring, protecting, managing, restoring, and enhancing wildlife and wildlife habitat; 2) Planning, implementing, and using quantitative means to assess the results of research, habitat management, wildlife population management, and species and habitat monitoring work; 3) Working with refuge, regional biology, and partner organization teams to monitor, manage and restore key habitats and species; 4) Using GIS technology and statistical analyses to produce scientifically defensible results; 5) Writing natural resource management plans, Section 7 consultations, and presenting these and other findings to diverse audiences.

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.

Time In Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet both eligibility and qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the JOA. Specifically,

i. Area of Consideration.

ii. Time-in-grade (TIG) requirements as specified in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.

iii. Time after competitive appointment as specified in 5 CFR 330.502.

iv. Qualification requirements outlined in OPM's Qualifications Standards for General Schedule Positions or for Federal Wage System (FWS), wage grade positions, applicants are evaluated using the OPM Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations and the job element examining method

Your SF-50 will be used to confirm you meet all requirements

The Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA),P.L. 114-47, allows certain individuals who currently or formerly were under time-limited competitive appointments at certain land management agencies to compete under merit promotion procedures.

Note: You MUST submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment that qualifies for LMWFA. Performance documentation can be obtained by contacting the supervisors for the positions you served in during your 24 months. If they did not complete performance appraisals ask them to provide a statement of performance for each period of service. The statement must specify the dates for each employment period and your level of performance (dates should match the dates on the SF-50s).

Current appointees:

* Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency;

* Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years; AND

* Must have performed at an acceptable level.

Former appointees:

* Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency;

* Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years;

* Must apply for position within 2 years after separation;

* Must have been separated for reasons other than misconduct or performance; AND

* Must have performed at an acceptable level.

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.

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. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)

Additional information

PCS INFORMATION:

Yes, entitlements for payment of basic moving expenses, as required and to the extent allowed by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 302-3.101, are authorized for eligible applicants changing duty station when the change meets the distance tests as provided in FTR 302-1.1 and 302-2.6. All moving expenses are taxable.

In addition, relocation discretionary entitlements MAY be authorized for this position including contractor-provided home sale.

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.

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.

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. CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. 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. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), score at least 85 on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry.

For information on CTAP and ICTAP visit:

This vacancy will utilize a multiple hurdle assessment process to determine the qualifications of applicants. The first hurdle will consist of applicants completing an occupational questionnaire related to the major duties and competencies of the position. The second hurdle will consist of applicant resumes being reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) panel for related position competencies against a pre-determined rating schedule. This process will determine the final rating of the applicant for possible referral to the hiring official for hiring consideration.

* Benefits

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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 qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If you meet the qualifications your resume and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. Note: If, after reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications 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):

* Knowledge of the theories, principles, concepts, and methods of wildlife biology and wildlife management including habitat management.

* Ability to conduct statistical analysis of biological data, interpreting results, drawing objective conclusions, preparing clear reports on the results, and ability to apply results to the field.

* Ability to design and safely conduct a variety of biological surveys and investigations including experience in capturing and banding birds and familiarity with software used to analyze wildlife species distribution and abundance data.

* Ability to use computer equipment and a variety of software to prepare statistical reports, biological surveys and other related briefing materials.

* Ability to work effectively with others and provide technical supervision to lower grade biologists and technicians to delegate and prioritize work and provide quality control oversight of work products.

The GS-11 grade level will not be evaluated on the ability to work effectively with others and provide technical supervision to lower grade biologists and technicians to delegate and prioritize work and provide quality control oversight of work products.

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.

* Benefits

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Review our benefits

* 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.

You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.

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. Note: Current Federal employees should include the grade level of their federal positions. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number. Additional information on what to include can be found here. Your experience needs to address every required qualification. Note: Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.

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.

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.

4. 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 employees who have 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.

5.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.

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

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 in the application preview linked below: The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. 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 or the application text.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents section.

Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.

* Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents. To preview the assessment questionnaire, click

* Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.

* Applications must be received by 11/18/2024 , 11:59pm ET to receive consideration.

* Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, in Applications tab, click the position title you applied to for the status. 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 by the hiring official.

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 as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.

* 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

You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.

Required Documents:

Additional Documentation if applicable:

1. Cover Letter

Note: Federal employees who have 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.

5.Performance Appraisal: Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (

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