What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position The Government-wide direct hire authority for Biologist GS-0401 is being used to fill this position. This is a term appointment not to exceed 13 months with possible extensions up to a total of 4 years without further competition. Appointment to this position will not convey permanent status in the Federal service. CONTINUED IN DUTIES SECTION

Duties

This vacancy is limited to the first 65 applications received and will close at midnight Eastern Time on the day this application limit is reached regardless of the closing date specified in this vacancy announcement. Any application received prior to midnight Eastern Time of the day the application limit is reached will be accepted and considered. You are strongly encouraged to submit all required supporting documents at the time of application should the vacancy close earlier than stated in this announcement due to the applicant limit being reached. Supporting documents will not be accepted once the vacancy announcement closes.

Requirements

Qualifications

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Biologist, all grade levels. A. Degree in 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 (24 semester hours or the equivalent in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position), plus appropriate experience and/or additional education for a total of 4 years. The education or combined education and experience must be comparable in type, scope and thoroughness to that acquired through successful completion of a 4-year course of study as described in "A" above. (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE) For GS-11: In addition to the basic education requirements as stated above, applicants must meet one of the following: Possess 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph. D. or equivalent doctoral degree in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines. **OR Possess one year of specialized experience at or equal to the next lower grade level and experience managing and designing environmental (eDNA) analysis and research studies and analyzing eDNA data. Examples of experience at the GS-09 level work may include: 1) participation in the planning and execution of biological studies with limited number of variables; 2) performing established, standardized tests and analyses on a broad range of biological samples; 3) conducting biological studies using established fact finding procedures. For examples 1-3, assignments were made with the objectives, priorities, and deadlines defined. The work was planned and carried out independently in accordance with proven techniques, methods, and practices. Controversial use of approaches or modifications of standard procedures were typically discussed with a designated person before being carried out. **OR Possess a combination of graduate level education as described in above, beyond the first two years of progressive graduate study, and appropriate professional experience that together meet the qualification requirements for this position. For GS-12: In addition to the basic education requirements as stated above, applicants must have one year of specialized experience at or equal to the next lower grade level. Examples of experience at the GS-11 level may include: 1) independently planning and conducting comprehensive environmental DNA biological studies and investigations; 2) modifying and adapting standard and environmental DNA biological techniques, processes, and procedures; 3) serving as a technical resource on biological and environmental DNA issues. For examples 1-3, the assignments were planned and carried out independently, resolving most of the conflicts that arose, coordinating the work with others as necessary, relating new work situations to precedent ones, extending or modifying existing techniques, and interpreting and applying program policy in terms of established objectives. You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.

Education

• 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 completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.usgs.gov/about/organization/science-support/human-capital/how-foreign-education-evaluated-federal-jobs .

Contacts

• Address WILDLIFE BRANCH 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Reston, VA 20192 US
• Name: Megan Allbrook
• Phone: 303-236-9584
• Email: [email protected]