If selected, you will be responsible for all aspects (scientific and administrative) of cooperative wildlife damage management (WDM) programs and related activities with other federal, state and local governments, and private organizations and individuals in Illinois (IL). You will direct the activities of a large and diverse cadre of professional, technical and administrative personnel. Salary is subject to the 2024 pay scale increase effective January 2024.

Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Develops, implements and leads WDM strategic plans and programs for protection of public and private property, agricultural resources, natural resources and human health and safety. Develops IL WS Strategic Plan which is reviewed and updated annually. Communicates program activities with national, regional, and local advocacy groups. Serves as WDM technical expert for IL. Meets and informs congressional staffers and state, county, city representatives about complex and often controversial WDM programs. Provides services within limitations of budgets. Negotiates with state and federal agencies, national, regional and local advocacy groups in implementation of potential solutions to complex wildlife damage problems. Develops coalitions with national, regional, City and local advocacy groups. Ensures that wildlife damage management programs and staff activities and reporting are in compliance with state and federal laws and statutes.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Subject to one year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
• Testing Designated Position: Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.
• In accordance with Office of Government Ethics regulations concerning conflict of interest, the incumbent will be required to submit a financial disclosure report within 30 days of their effective date of appointment and annually thereafter.
• Required to provide timely and effective coordination and integration of all projects being conducted within IL.
• Required to ensure the acquisition of sensitive materials and delivery of project materials throughout the state.
• Frequently required to provide timely reports, documents and statements which have serious impacts to the agency's philosophy and mission.
• A high degree of entrepreneurship and oversight is required to establish and maintain multiple types of WDM service delivery.
• Relocation Incentive may be offered, see Additional Information below.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: biological science that included: At least 9 semester hours in such wildlife subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, or research courses in the field of wildlife biology; and At least 12 semester hours in zoology in such subjects as general zoology, invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, cellular biology, parasitology, entomology, or research courses in such subjects (Excess courses in wildlife biology may be used to meet the zoology requirements where appropriate.); and At least 9 semester hours in botany or the related plant sciences. OR Combination of education and experience: equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), with at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zoology, and 9 semester hours in botany or related plant science, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to the basic requirement applicants must also possess: FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience dealing with controversial human/wildlife conflicts and how the conflicts may be resolved for a wide range of environmental, cultural and political influences. Experience assisting with the development of wildlife damage management objectives that are in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, and sound conservation principles. Experience in human resources management and supervisory techniques, effectively training and supervising employees. Experience assisting in the formulation of budget estimates and administering expenditures for a large, multi-faceted program consisting of federal, state, and/or other cooperative funded budgets. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. FOR THE GS-14 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-13 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience in developing and maintaining long-term relationships with federal agencies, state agencies, county agencies and private entities to develop cooperative wildlife damage management programs and administering cooperative agreements and MOUs with such entities. Experience leading the formulation of budget estimates and administering expenditures for a large, multi-faceted program consisting of federal, state, and/or other cooperative funded budgets. Experience overseeing a workforce of federal and cooperatively funded employees, which includes biologists, technicians, and various administrative staff. Experience planning, coordinating, and compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Endangered Species Act, and Federal Aviation Regulations for wildlife damage management activities conducted within the State. Experience negotiating interagency/cooperative service agreements with federal agencies, state agencies, county agencies and private entities to develop cooperative wildlife damage management programs. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. 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 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

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service USDA APHIS MRPBS 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: MRP Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]