Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as a Biologist. Make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment. Duty Location: Lakewood, CO **This announcement will close on August, 8, 2023 or the applicant count reaches 100 applicants, whichever is sooner. If you make any changes to your application after the initial submission, your application date will change.

Duties

The Ecological Research Laboratory, located within the Bureau of Reclamation's Technical Service Center in Lakewood, Colorado, applies cutting-edge science and emerging technology to solve complex biological and ecological problems and develop innovative solutions for critical water issues in the western United States. Scientists manage an indoor laboratory facility and conduct short- and long-term field studies. Scientists study the control, management, and identification of aquatic and terrestrial pest species. Scientists focus on the early detection and monitoring of invasive species which includes collecting samples in the field and analyzing samples in the laboratory by microscopy and genetic analysis (qPCR). Scientists also conduct habitat restoration projects that include revegetation studies, ecological surveys, and the application of integrated pest management. Each employee is given the opportunity to develop their skills through formal training, on-the-job mentorship, and professional engagement and is encouraged to bring their unique expertise to enhance the group's capabilities. Duties are listed at the full performance level: Develops and conducts biological and ecological studies in the field and laboratory, collects data, and completes data analyses related to invasive species, integrated pest management, and habitat restoration. Frequently travels to field locations to perform studies at reservoirs, rivers, and in riparian habitat under variable weather conditions, with extended travel durations during field seasons. Operates and maintains specialized equipment including boats and large machinery and is responsible for troubleshooting and problem solving in the field. Performs research studies in support Reclamation's mission, including laboratory and field investigations to identify new methods for detection and control of invasive species, environmental monitoring, and habitat restoration. Prepares written technical documentation such as technical reports, biological study analyses and results, peer-reviewed research publications, and technical proposals. Makes oral presentations of technical work to internal team members and external technical briefings to clients and collaborators.

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Education Requirements: To be eligible for consideration, you must first meet the Basic Education Requirement for this position by meeting one of the following criteria: A. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. Or B. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Please submit both undergraduate and graduate level transcripts, as applicable, to meet Basic Education qualification requirements. Additional Specialized Experience Requirement: In order to be rated as qualified for this position, the HR Office must be able to determine that you meet the education and/or specialized experience requirement - this information must be clearly supported in the resume. To qualify at the GS-07 Grade Level: A. You must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to at least the GS-05 level in federal service (obtained in the private sector, state or federal government). Specialized experience includes assisting with biological and environmental studies for aquatic and/or terrestrial species and collecting and analyzing environmental data through laboratory and/or field analyses. -or- B. One full year of graduate education in a related field. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study. -or- C. Combination of education and specialized experience. To qualify at the GS-09 Grade Level: A. You must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to at least the GS-07 level in federal service (obtained in the private sector, state or federal government)..Specialized experience includes conducting biological and environmental studies for aquatic and/or terrestrial species and collecting and analyzing environmental data through laboratory and/or field analyses. -or- B. You have 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree. -or- C. Combination of higher level education and specialized experience. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You must meet all Eligibility and Qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors if applicable, by 08/08/2023.

Education

This vacancy announcement allows substituting education for experience at the GS-07 and GS09 grade level. You must submit a copy of college transcript(s) (unofficial copy is acceptable) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include the name of the college or university and date the degree was conferred. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not-qualified for the position.

This position has a mandatory education requirement. You must submit a copy of college transcript(s) (unofficial copy is acceptable) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include the name of the college or university and date the degree was conferred. Non-submission will result in being rated not-qualified for the position.

You will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify educational qualifications, if selected. An official transcript must be sent directly from the University's Registrar's office and must be provided from the institution awarding the degree. Academic transcripts certified by notary publics are NOT official. Official transcripts must be submitted prior to reporting to work as a condition of employment. Failure to submit official transcripts may be grounds for dismissal or rescission of the job offer.

Accreditation: Only education from an accredited college or university recognized by the Department of Education is acceptable to meet education requirements or to substitute for experience, if applicable. For additional info, refer to the Office of Personnel Management and U.S. Department of Education.

Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For additional info, refer to the U.S. Network for Education Information.

Contacts

• Address Technical Service Center Bureau of Reclamation Denver Federal Center P.O. BOX 25007 Denver, CO 80225-0007 US
• Name: Jennifer Smith
• Email: [email protected]