Overview
Open & closing dates
11/15/2017 to 11/29/2017
Salary
$63,909 to $99,586 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 12
Work schedule
Full-Time
Appointment type
Term - 13 Months
Locations
4 vacancies in the following location:
Vero Beach, FL
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
This job is open to
Announcement number
R4-18-10073546-NM-DEU
Control number
484517900
Duties
Summary
You too can make a difference in our world. The work of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is meaningful and varied. Want to know more about what it is like to work for us? Click here to watch short podcasts entitled Meet Your New Bossand Diversity is our Strength.
This position is part of the South Florida Ecological Services Field Office. As a Fish and Wildlife Biologist you will be responsible for Fish and Wildlife Biologist duties within the South Florida Ecological Services Field Office in Vero Beach, Florida.
This is a Term appointment, not-to-exceed 13 months, which can be extended for a total appointment of 4 years.
This position may be filled at the GS-11 or GS-12 grade level.Responsibilities
As a Fish and Wildlife Biologist, you will be responsible for:
Coordinate and facilitate activities pursuant to sections 4,6,7,8, and 10 of the Endangered Species Act.
Plan and conduct status surveys for both listed and candidate species.
Coordinate wide ranging initiatives.
Review rules, regulations, legislation and statute pertaining to rare, candidate, proposed, threatened, and endangered fish, wildlife, and plant resources.
Plan, investigate, conduct, and review on-site ecological investigations.
Conduct private lands program habitat restorations.
Prepare objective and complete written reports and other documents.Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Supervisory status
No
Promotion Potential
12
Who May Apply
This job is open to…
U.S. CitizensQuestions? This job is open to 1 group.
Job family (Series)
0401 General Natural Resources Management And Biological Sciences
Requirements
Conditions Of Employment
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
- Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
- Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation
- Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform required
- May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
- A valid state issued Driver's License is required
Only experience and education obtained by 11/29/2017 will be considered.
Incumbent must be able to operate a government-owned or leased motor vehicle and be at least 18 years of age. A valid state issued Driver's License is required. You must possessor be able to obtain a valid state Driver's License prior to appointment.
The position's sensitivity level has been designated as non-critical sensitive. Accordingly, the selectee must undergo a limited background investigation prior to appointment.Qualifications
You may qualify for the 0401 Occupational Series level, if you fulfill one of the following education qualification requirements:
A. Successful completion of a full 4 year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study or specific course requirements in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
B. A combination of education and experience which includes courses equivalent to a major, as described above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. The quality of the combination of education and experience must have been sufficient to demonstrate that the applicant possesses the knowledge, skill, and abilities required to perform Fish and Wildlife Biologist work, and is comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of a full 4 year course of study with a major study in one of the appropriate fields.
You may qualify at the GS-11 level, if you fulfill one of the following qualification requirements:- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates your ability in: facilitating activities pursuant to sections of the Endangered Species Act; conducting status surveys for listed candidate species; preparing draft budget initiatives; preparing written correspondence.; OR
- A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or possession of a LL.M. degree, if related. Graduate level education must demonstrate the competencies necessary to do the work of the position, examples of qualifying fields include: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, and chemistry.; OR
- A combination of education and experience as listed above.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates your ability in: coordinating and facilitating activities pursuant to sections of the Endangered Species Act; planning and conducting status surveys for listed candidate species; coordinating wide ranging initiatives to fully implement ESA programs; preparing draft budget initiatives; reviewing rules, regulations and legislation pursuant to ESA; preparing written correspondence for publication..
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) and grade point average or class ranking. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.htmlAdditional information
Career Transition Assistance (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs (ICTAP): These programs apply to employees who have been or may be involuntarily separated (e.g. reduction in force, declining to relocate/transfer outside their local commuting area) 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 for the position with a score of 95 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal or Removal Notice; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; or Removal and most recent performance appraisal.). For more information visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/
To register or verify your registration go to the Selective Service System at https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx
We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of 11/29/2017.
Relocation expenses are not authorized.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
DRIVER'S LICENSE: You must possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times
during your tenure.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Alternate_Application_Information- Select the words "Alternate Application" and click the link icon.
- Leave the Protocol as http://
How You Will Be Evaluated
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):
Knowledge of the Endangered Species Act and the regulations, policies, case law, and Solicitor's opinions relating to its administration.
Knowledge of the latest theories, principles, and methods of fish and wildlife biology, their application, and general knowledge of a wide range of related disciplines.
Knowledge of the biology of rare, candidate, proposed, and listed species occurring within the area of responsibility, including habitats, distribution, life history, food habits, habitat use, behavior, taxonomy, and population ecology.
Skill in analysis of complex information sources in evaluating the effects of development proposals on federally listed, threatened, and endangered species, migratory birds, wetlands, and other important fish and wildlife resources, and developing mitigation/compensation features, reasonable and prudent alternatives, and/or conservation recommendations or measures.
Knowledge of statutes, regulations, and policies related to water and land resources development proposals, especially those pertinent to the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act.
Skill in communicating effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to work cooperatively with staff, as well as with personnel of other agencies and the public with skills in resolving disputes among competing groups and resource uses.
All qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position. The category ratings for this position are:
Best Qualified
Well Qualified
Qualified
The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of Veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the basic qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher).
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.Background checks and security clearance
Security clearance
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
- 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 and year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk
- Other supporting documents:
- Cover Letter, optional
- Official or unofficial College Transcript(s), if the position has education requirements, or if you are using your education to qualify. A copy of your official transcripts will be required if you are selected.
- Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
- If applicable, documentation/proof that you are eligible Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., 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:
You MUST submit a copy of your transcript if you want to substitute your education for experience. If you claim qualifications based on education, and do not submit a transcript, your education will not be used in making a qualification determination and you may be found "not qualified".
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.
Benefits
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.
https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/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 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 ONLYbe 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.
- 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 submitted. 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.
- When completing the eligibility portion of the application process, please note that only items you answer "yes" to will be used for consideration. You may choose more than one eligibility and you must submit the appropriate documentation specified in the vacancy to support your claim.
- This eligibility section of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this announcement. You must provide proof of your eligibility (as described below) and will only be considered for the questions that you indicated "yes".
- Please note, your eligibility will be based solely on the selections you have indicated in this section. You must provide the supporting documentation to support your claim to be considered. You may choose more than one eligibility in this section.
- To view the assessment questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10073546
Agency contact information
Nicole Martinez
Phone
Email
christina_nicole_martinez@fws.gov
Address
Division of Human Resources
Learn more about this agency
Division of Human Capital Management
1875 Century Blvd Suite 370
Atlanta, GA
USVisit our careers page
Learn more about what it's like to work at Interior, US Fish and Wildlife Service, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.
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 & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy And gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a Case-by-Case basis.
A reasonable accommodation is any change in the workplace or the way things are customarily done that provides an equal employment opportunity to an individual with a disability. Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) must provide reasonable accommodations:
- An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
- An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
- An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.