This position is a Fish Biologist, GS- 0482-11 working in Amargosa Valley, NV as biologist for the Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility that is part of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex. This facility holds the only backup population for the critically endangered Devils Hole pupfish. For more information about the position contact Olin Feuerbacher at [email protected] or 702-755-7057 or visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ash-meadows/ash-meadows-fish-conservation-facility.

Duties

The Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility is a highly technical conservation facility with a pumped water supply, biological reuse system, SCADA-controlled 100,000-gallon refuge tank, and associated laboratory and mechanical facilities, and numerous smaller recirculating aquaculture systems. The primary purpose of the station is to maintain a reproducing refuge population of Devils Hole pupfish, one of the most critically endangered species in the country. As a Fish Biologist your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Develops, designs and maintains habitat within the refuge tank to support a self-sustaining population of Devils Hole pupfish. Develops and maintains genetic refugial population program for Devils Hole pupfish and other imperiled aquatic species as required. Develops, plans and carries out daily activities for captive propagation operations, including rearing techniques for Devils Hole and other pupfish, evaluates cultured fish for stress, and implements fish health measures. Conducts routine field experiments using various data-collection systems and extracts and analyzes data from these systems. Modifies and adapts standard techniques, processes and procedures; assesses, selects and applies precedents; and recommends strategies and plans to overcome significant resource problems. Analyzes and synthesizes quantitative and qualitative data using a wide variety of methods and software in ways that support project needs. Develops and maintains computer databases; conducts geospatial analysis; and gathers, analyzes, tabulates and summarizes scientific, programmatic, and/or budgetary data. Physical Demands:The work requires recurring, at times significant, physical exertion such as walking considerable distances in rough, wet, uneven, or rocky terrain; wading through swift, turbulent waters; bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities; and carrying heavy field equipment up to 50 pounds in weight under a wide variety of environmental conditions during all seasons and temperature extremes. Fish care and investigations require extended periods of work in hot and humid interior environment. Sampling and biological investigations may also involve some moderately strenuous and repetitive exercise that may require above-average agility, dexterity and physical coordination to perform fine and precise work, delicate adjustments or exact measurements.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Resume (See "Required Documents"). Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is provided on resume.
• Eligibility and Supporting documents - You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to AND submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section.
• Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
• Driver’s License: Selectees may be required to possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure.
• Uniform: Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform MAY be required.
• Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• This position requires the incumbent to be able to pass Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) certification within 12 months of appointment.
• Participates in nightly and weekend standby duty rotation and responds to AMFCF emergency alarms as needed.
• May be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration, visit SSS.gov.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 02/16/2024 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification. Basic Requirement: A. I possess a degree with a major in biological science that included: At least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects such as limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology; and at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences in such subjects as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or research in these fields. (Excess course work in aquatic subjects may be used to meet this requirement when appropriate.) NOTE: Transcripts required. (OR) B. I possess a combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), of which a minimum of 6 semester hours were in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours were in the animal sciences, as shown in A above, PLUS appropriate experience or additional education. NOTE: Transcripts required and Your resume must contain sufficient detail of this level of work, i.e., complete begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed, etc. for each timeframe for consideration. Minimum Qualification [GS-11] A. I possess one (1) year of full-time specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service that equipped me with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Examples of specialized experience include: 1) planning and conducting investigations a fish production operation, ensuring all policies and requirements are met; 2) gathering and summarizing fish production data and information for use in program planning and budget formulation; 3) analyzing and summarizing a variety of data concerning fish population performance and their culture environment; 4) reviewing and recommending changes in procedure and techniques to advance fish husbandry as appropriate; 5) writing portions of fishery management plans; 6) maintaining liaison with, and providing guidance or assistance to various organizations and individuals who have a shared interest in fishery management practices. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient detail of this level of work, i.e., complete begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed, etc. for each timeframe for consideration. (OR) B. I have completed 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent degree, or have earned a Ph.D. or equivalent degree, in fisheries or aquatics. NOTE: Transcripts required. (OR) C. I possess a combination of qualifying specialized experience and qualifying graduate education (both as described above) that, when computed as percentages of their respective requirements, equals at least 100% when combined. Only education beyond the second graduate year (36 semesters or equivalent) is creditable using this method. NOTE: Transcripts required, and your resume must contain sufficient information at this level of work, e.g., complete begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed, etc., for each period of work for consideration to meet this standard. 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

PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.

PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

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. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)

Contacts

• Address Division of Human Resources Division of Human Resources 2800 Cottage Way Sacramento, CA 95825 US
• Name: Human Resources Staffing Division
• Phone: 000-000-0000
• Email: [email protected]