About the Position: Serves as a technical specialist on enforcement matters with primary responsibility for the investigation and disposition of violations of Section 9 and 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and Sections 301, 309, and 404 of the Clean Water Act within the US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT, BUFFALO TECHNICAL SERVICES DIVISION, REGULATORY BRANCH OAK HARBOR OFFICE, BUFFALO, NY 14207-3199 H5L8F60.

Duties

Determines regulatory jurisdiction for proposed and existing work. Delineates wetlands through the evaluation of vegetative cover, soils, and hydrology. Conducts office reviews to augment site observations or to obtain data for determining boundaries of waters of the United States when field inspections are not possible. Provides technical reviews associated with the resolution of unauthorized activities, evaluation of after the fact permit applications, and the collection of field data. Investigates, evaluates, and documents unauthorized activities of a complex or controversial nature involving placement of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States or noncompliance with the terms and conditions of issued permits. Documents findings in written form. Coordinates enforcement actions with the Office of Counsel and with other Federal and state agencies when required. Identifies significant issues and moderates meetings between the alleged violator and agency officials and members of the general public. Prepares the required implementing orders and related correspondence. Familiarizes and updates the public on regulatory program policy, procedures and enforcement options.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities. Current Civilian Employees of the OrganizationCurrent Department of Army Civilian EmployeesCurrent Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel WorkforceInteragency Career Transition Assistance PlanLand Management Workforce Flexibility ActMilitary Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473Non-Department of Defense (DoD) TransferOffice of Personnel Management (OPM) Interchange Agreement EligiblePriority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) EligibleReinstatementVeterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998 This position has a positive education requirement. To view the educational requirements, go to the links listed below for each series you are interested in applying for on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website: Biologist - 0401 - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/general-natural-resources-management-and-biological-sciences-series-0401/ In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. To qualify based on your work experience, your resume must describe at least one year of experience which prepared you to do the work in this job. Specialized experience is defined as: GS-07: I have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service which includes: Reviewing permit applications, preparing reports with recommendation for changes, elimination, or improvement of program plans, and performing field work to identify existing environmental conditions and factors that could impact those conditions. OR B. I have a bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) OR C. I have a combination of education and experience which includes courses equivalent to a major in biology or a related discipline that included course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) GS-09: I have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service which includes: Identifying, interpreting, and evaluating a variety environmental document; Reviewing permit application documentation for completeness; and Performing field inspection to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations. OR B. I have successfully completed a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position, such as zoology, biological sciences, physical science, engineering, or mathematics, physical science, engineering, or mathematics, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) OR C. I have the specialized experience as described in A, but less than one year; and I have at least one year of graduate education as described in B, but less than the required two years. I have computed the percentage of the requirements that I meet, and the total is at least 100% (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then, divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.). (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) GS-11: I have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service which includes: Interpreting, evaluating, and managing a variety of regulatory program actions in accordance with established regulations and guidance; and explaining regulatory requirements to applicants. OR B. I have successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position, such as zoology, biological sciences, physical science, engineering, or mathematics, physical science, engineering, or mathematics, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) OR C. I have the specialized experience as described in A, but less than one year; and I have at least two years of graduate education as described in B, but less than the required three years. I have computed the percentage of the requirements that I meet, and the total is at least 100% (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then, divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.). (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas: Biological Field InvestigationEnvironmental Law and Regulatory ComplianceOral CommunicationTechnical Competence Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent.

Education

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 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://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address GJ-APF-W2SM05 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT, BUFFALO DO NOT MAIL Louisville, KY 40201 US
• Name: Army Applicant Help Desk