Fish and Wildlife Biologist

Duties As a Fish and Wildlife Biologist your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following: Habitat Restoration: Participates in all aspects of habitat restoration projects including conducting landowner contacts and feasibility determinations, planning and design, securing permits and funding, developing and submitting Private Landowner Agreements (PLAs), interacting with contractors, providing construction oversight, and monitoring habitat improvements.
Participates and assists with development of strategic planning documents and efforts to identify focal areas and species within geographic areas of responsibility.
Utilizes socioeconomic information to identify and understand social and economic aspects of geographic area to better target landowners and to develop new landowner relationships and projects.
Develops, field tests, analyzes, and evaluates methods to restore and enhance habitats on private lands for fish, wildlife, and plant resources and prepares reports and recommendations on habitat restoration techniques and accomplishments.
Monitors projects to understand best restoration techniques and use by trust resources.
Conducts fisheries and wildlife resources studies, accumulating and consolidating biological data into reports or recommendations on habitat restoration techniques.
Ensures project accomplishments are recorded into appropriate databases.
Builds and maintains trust and working relationships with an array of partners in geographic areas of responsibility.
Understands local socio-economic conditions, values and cultures.
Provides technical assistance to state and other Federal agencies that administer Farm Bill and related agricultural programs.
Provides technical and habitat restoration assistance to local, state and Federal cooperators in the restoration and enhancement of habitats utilized by Federal Trust Resources on privately owned lands.
Delivers presentations to other agencies, organizations, conservation districts, wildlife clubs, and community groups; works with print, radio, television, and social media to promote local PFW initiatives; and serves on locally-led conservation boards and committees.
Promotes, establishes, and maintains cooperative, working relationships with partners, including government agencies, Tribal entities, conservation organizations, agribusiness organizations, local community groups, individual farmers and ranchers, and stakeholders with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Enlists conservation partners for support of restoration efforts within the local area of responsibility.
Actively seeks matching funds from other agencies, non-government organizations, and private individuals to accomplish habitat restoration projects.
Develops grant proposals, or assists others with such, for gaining further funding for program accomplishments.
Requirements Conditions of Employment Must be a U.
S.
Citizen or National.
Resume (See "Required Documents").
Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
It is your responsibility to ensure all information is provided on resume.
Eligibility and Supporting documents - You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to AND submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section.
Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
Driver's License: Selectees MAY be required to possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure.
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 Selective Service.
To verify registration, visit SSS.
gov.
Qualifications Only experience and education obtained by 12/12/2023 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.
Basic Requirement: A.
Successful completion of all requirements for a full four-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a discipline closely related to fish and wildlife biology.
OR B.
An appropriate combination of education and experience.
Education must include successful completion of course work equivalent to a major (at least 24 semester or school equivalent) in an accredited college or university in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a discipline closely related to fish and wildlife biology; PLUS experience directly related to the position being filled and/or additional related education.
The quality of the combination of education and experience must demonstrate that the applicant possesses the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work of the position to be filled and equal 100% of the requirement when combined.
Minimum Qualification [GS-9] A.
One year of full-time equivalent specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal service (GS-7).
To meet this requirement, you must have experience performing ALL of the following duties: 1) developing and maintaining effective working relationships and liaison with private landowners, tribes, other federal, state, and local agencies, and the public regarding habitat restoration; AND 2) assisting in developing or evaluating habitat protection or enhancement planning documents and biological reports; AND 3) participating in habitat or conservation and recovery for a wide variety of ecosystems.
NOTE: Your resume must provide sufficient detail proving you have this experience.
OR B.
Successful completion of two full years of progressively higher level graduate education (i.
e.
, 36 semesters or school equivalent) or master's or equivalent graduate degree in a discipline closely related to fish and wildlife biology.
This education must have provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of the position to be filled.
OR C.
An equivalent combination of appropriate level work experience and graduate education as described above that when combined meet the qualification requirements.
Note: only graduate education in excess of 18 semester or school equivalent is creditable toward this grade level when combining.
The quality of the combination of education and experience must demonstrate that the applicant possesses the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work of the position to be filled.
Minimum Qualification [GS-11] A.
One year of full-time equivalent specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal service (GS-9); experience which has equipped me with the knowledge, skills and ability to successfully perform the major duties of this position as described.
To meet this requirement, you must have experience performing ALL of the following duties: 1) developing and maintaining effective working relationships and liaison with private landowners, tribes, other federal, state, and local agencies, and the public regarding habitat restoration; AND 2) developing or evaluating habitat protection or enhancement planning documents and biological reports; AND 3) coordinating efforts of multiple personnel involved in habitat or conservation and recovery for a wide variety of ecosystems; AND 4) formulating recommendations to avoid or minimize adverse effects on listed species; AND 5) preparing briefing statements, reports, correspondence, presentations, etc.
NOTE: Your resume must provide sufficient detail proving you have this experience.
OR B.
Successful completion of 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education (i.
e.
, 54 semester hours or school equivalent) or Ph.
D.
or equivalent doctoral degree in a discipline directly related to fish and wildlife biology.
The quality of the education must demonstrate that the applicant possesses the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work of the position to be filled.
OR C.
An equivalent combination of appropriate level work experience and graduate education as described above that when combined meet the qualification requirements.
Note: only graduate education in excess of 36 semester hours or school equivalent is creditable toward this grade level when combining.
The quality of the combination of education and experience must demonstrate that the applicant possesses the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work of the position to be filled.
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: https://www.
ed.
gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.
html 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 excluding 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.
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: https://www.
usajobs.
gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/" 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.
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.
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.
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications outlined 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 scientific, biological, and ecological theories, principles, methodologies, and practices sufficient to apply a wide range of techniques and procedures toward solving problems associated with fish and wildlife resources on private land, and ability to predict and/or monitor what effects these solutions have on the resources.
Knowledge of the biological characteristics, conditions, and interrelationships of aquatic and terrestrial biota, or of fish and wildlife resources and ecological systems to evaluate resource or water development, restoration, and/or management projects.
This should include knowledge of wetland, grassland, and riparian restoration techniques, procedures, and applications, and their effective promotion.
Knowledge of environmental laws, executive orders, regulations and policies to ensure that legal standards are met in formulating habitat development projects and restoration activities.
Knowledge of applying the processes and procedures used to initiate, plan, develop, and implement habitat restoration projects on private land.
Skill in administrative and staff level work 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, and Qualified The category rating process protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category.
Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the 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).
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 A career with the U.
S.
government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits.
Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee.
You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
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, and description of job duties.
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.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may 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 https://apply.
usastaffing.
gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12187862.
Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
Applications must be received by 12/12/2023 ,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: https://www.
usajobs.
gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
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 fwshiring@fws.
gov.
Agency contact information Human Resources Staffing Division Phone 000-000-0000 Email fwshiring@fws.
gov Address Division of Human Resources Division of Human Resources 2800 Cottage Way Sacramento, CA 95825 US 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.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Reasonable accommodation policy Financial suitability Selective Service New employee probationary period Signature and false statements Privacy Act Social security number request Required Documents 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, and description of job duties.
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.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may 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.
Help This job is open to Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL) Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
The public U.
S.
Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.
S.
Clarification from the agency Open to all U.
S.
Citizens.
ICTAP/CTAP eligibles.