Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as a Biologist. You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment. Duty Location: Lakewood, Colorado

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, plans, conducts, and guides complex scientific studies related to invasive species, integrated pest management, and habitat restoration. Executes and reviews long range programs designed to help understand biological and ecological relationships of broad scope and complexity. Coordinates research activities among laboratory staff by identifying agency and project study needs and directing the preparation of study proposals. Directs, leads, and conducts scientific studies using a variety of specialized tools, equipment, and materials, and selects appropriate methods, procedures, and practices necessary to conduct laboratory and field investigations. Provides advanced technical analyses, review, and advice related to complex environmental and invasive species problems and serves as technical advisor on problems in the field of aquatic pest management and aquatic ecology. Prepares and directs the preparation of technical documentation such as technical reports, study analyses and results, peer-reviewed research publications, articles, and technical proposals. Lead collaboration with researchers and scientists within and external to the agency to identify and adopt new protocols and standards for conducting environmental research and analyses.

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. ~and~ 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-11 Grade Level: Specialized Experience: You must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to at least the GS-09 level in federal service (obtained in the private sector, state or federal government).Specialized experience includes independently leading, developing, and conducting complex biological and environmental studies for aquatic and/or terrestrial species and collecting and analyzing environmental data through laboratory and/or field analyses. There is no education substitution for this grade level. 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. Time-In-Grade: Current career or career-conditional employees of the Federal government, or former career or career-conditional employees, who have a break in service of less than one year, are required to meet the time-in-grade restriction of one year of Federal experience at the next lower-grade, with few exceptions outlined in 5 CFR 300.603(b). Applicants eligible under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) are not required to meet time-in-grade restrictions in order to be considered. You must meet all Eligibility and Qualification requirements, including time-in-grade restrictions and any selective placement factors if applicable, by 10/11/2023.

Education

This position does not allow substituting education for experience.

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]