Supervisory Fish and Wildlife Biologist
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Interior, US Fish and Wildlife Service
Overview
Open & closing dates
07/05/2018 to 07/18/2018
Salary
$87,252 to $113,428 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 13
Work schedule
Full-Time
Appointment type
Permanent
Locations
1 vacancy in the following locations:
Jacksonville, FL
Panama City, FL
Vero Beach, FL
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
U.S. Citizens,
Announcement number
R4-18-10253347-TL-DEU
Control number
504221300
Duties
Summary
This position is part of the Panama City Ecological Services Field Office. As a Supervisory Fish and Wildlife Biologist you will be responsible for technical expertise in endangered species and the field of fish and wildlife management.
Responsibilities
This announcement is being advertised concurrently under R4-18-10252297-TL-MPfor current and former federal employees serving under a competitive service career or career-conditional appointment or reinstatement eligible. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
Note: The individual that is selected for this position can potentially negotiate a location other than the three offices listed. Final location must be approved by the Panama city office field supervisor.
Some of the duties of the incumbent include:- Supervise multiple employees while maintaining specific understanding and focus on AFB missions as they vary across the State
- Utilize professional expertise and comprehensive knowledge of fish and wildlife and Air Force management practices, processes, and trends, as well as a broad knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, policies, and precedents
- Assist in identification of management activities required to meet legal requirements of the Sikes Act and implementation of common conservation measures across multiple AFBs in Florida.
- Initiate and develop significant and innovative changes, methods, and measures on AFBs to resolve unusual natural resources problems and situations, and create solutions for long-term improvements and reviews.
- Coordinate with and advise Federal, State and local agencies, Tribes, non-governmental organizations, industry representatives, private landowners, and others
Work is sedentary. Some work requires periods of walking, standing, bending, climbing, or driving a motor vehicle. Employees occasionally carry light items, such as books, small instruments or samples, book and equipment weighing up to 5 pounds and occasionally over 15 pounds, and other similar materials. Overall, work does not require any special physical effort. Work is usually performed in an office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. During occasional outdoor work, the employee may experience temperature and weather extremes, rough terrain, and other conditions requiring appropriate dress and precautions. Work may also involve visits to construction sites or other facilities requiring adherence to site-specific safety requirements.Travel Required
50% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Supervisory status
Yes
Promotion Potential
13
Job family (Series)
0401 General Natural Resources Management And Biological Sciences
Requirements
Conditions Of Employment
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
- Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
- Suitability for employment, as determined by Non-Sensitive-Moderate background investigation
- May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
- A valid state driver's license is required in order to operate government-owned or leased vehicles.
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by will be considered.
To qualify for the 0401 Series you must meet the basic education requirement as described in A or B below:
A. Successful completion 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.
OR
B. Possess a combination of education and experience which includes courses equivalent to a major (i.e. 24 semester hours), 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.
In addition to meeting the basic education requirement to qualify for the GS-13 grade level you must meet the specialized experience requirement below:
At least one year of full-time specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level (comparable to GS-12) in the Federal service. Such experience may have included: coordinating with and advising Federal, State and local agencies, Tribes, non-governmental organizations, industry representatives, private landowners, and others; working with parties to share information, gain support, and resolve conflicts; Initiating and developing significant and innovative changes, methods, and measures to resolve unusual natural resources problems and situations, creating solutions for long-term improvements and reviews; providing assistance on Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 consultations. Coordinating and facilitating activities pursuant to compliance with the ESA; developing Biological Assessments; serving as a technical expert in endangered species and fish and wildlife management.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.
PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.htmlAdditional information
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (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; 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
FWS has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.
We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of 07/18/2018; OR More than one position may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area
Supervisory Probationary Period: If you have not previously completed a supervisory probationary period, you will be required to serve a one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period for this position.
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.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):- Mastery of, and skill in applying advanced theories, principles, and methods of fish and wildlife biology and a knowledge of ecology, conservation biology, botany, zoology, and other related fields
- Mastery of regulations and policies governing decisions and responsibilities related to ESA
- Detailed knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, and policies, such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act. Familiarity with Army Corps of Engineers guidelines and regulations
- Knowledge of the principles of supervision and management including the ability to supervise, coordinate and direct the work of others
- Knowledge of terrestrial, aquatic, estuarine, and wetland ecology, with emphasis on assessment of the effects of water development activities, land projects, etc., on fish and wildlife habitat and associated resources
- Skill in integrating complex technical, policy, legal, and practicability considerations in reviewing actions that affect endangered species
- Ability to manage a high-volume, time-sensitive workload involving both short-term and long-term projects and assignments to ensure timely coordination with other affected entities and meet multiple deadlines
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. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A copy of your official transcripts will be required if you are selected. If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
- 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:
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 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.
- 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: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10253347
Agency contact information
Anthony Long
Phone
Fax
505-248-6856
Email
Address
Division of Human Resources
Learn more about this agency
Division of Human Capital Management
1875 Century Blvd Suite 370
Atlanta, GA
USYou 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.
Note: The individual that is selected for this position can potentially negotiate a location other than the three offices listed. Final location must be approved by the Panama city office field supervisor.Visit 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 by the customer office.
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 & 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 process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants 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.
Legal and regulatory guidance