There are (3) positions available as a Biologist, GS- 0401-12/13, working in Bailey's Crossroads, VA, for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), Headquarters, Ecological Services Program, R9-Division of Environmental Review, which encompasses the Branch of Environmental Review and the Branch of National Consultations.

Duties

(1) vacancy for Biologist, GS-0401-12/13, Branch of Environmental Review (BER): This position will serve as the Service's National Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7(a)(1) Conservation Program Coordinator, working in close coordination with the Service's National ESA Section 7 Policy Lead, the Branch of National Consultations, and other ESA Section 7 practitioners. This position will also implement ESA section 7(a)(2) and other environmental review processes, as needed. The duties of this position will include, but are not limited to: Providing leadership, coordination, technical, and program support to improve section 7(a)(1) implementation. Developing and providing training on ESA section 7(a)(1) policies, procedures, guidelines, and related resources, in collaboration with the National ESA Section 7 Policy Lead and others. Building partnerships with Federal agencies and others to facilitate the development and implementation of section 7(a)(1) conservation programs that advance the recovery of endangered and threatened species. Facilitating the efforts of Service programs (ESA section 7, recovery, environmental review, IPaC, ECOSphere, etc.) and Service offices to contribute to section 7(a)(1) implementation. Providing scientific, technical, and program support to improve how the Service and Federal agencies work together to meet ESA section 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) and other environmental review responsibilities associated with energy and infrastructure development and related Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act programs. Coordinating, facilitating, and/or conducting other activities pursuant to ESA section 7(a)(2) and/or other environmental laws. Supporting the development of programmatic environmental documents and environmental data. (2) vacancies for Biologist, GS-0401-12/13, Branch of National Consultations (BNC): These positions implement section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This includes developing guidance, policies, and regulations; conducting analyses of complex federal agency actions; interacting with senior Service and Department of Interior officials at briefings and meetings, etc. BNC biologists work on a diverse array of species and projects and actively coordinate with staff throughout the Service. The positions would join the Service's national consultation team, working collaboratively with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), other Federal agency partners, and stakeholders on ESA section 7 consultations, including EPA's national pesticide registrations. These complex and challenging consultations include consideration of various effects of those actions to many of the 1,600+ domestically listed, proposed, and candidate species and their critical habitats and ways to avoid, reduce, or otherwise minimize such effects. These positions would also work with other Federal agencies (e.g., BLM, DOD, FS, OSMRE, etc.), providing technical assistance and conducting consultations on their actions at a national scale. Candidates for these positions should be well-versed in ESA section 7 consultations, especially as related to pesticides, toxicology and water quality. They should have expertise with complex and controversial actions and negotiations, be able to work effectively and collaboratively in a dynamic and energetic team environment, and proactively coordinate with internal and external partners. These positions also require advanced skills in at critical thinking, completing assigned analyses and writing tasks, and managing a diverse and challenging workload. Multiple biologist positions may be filled under this vacancy announcement.

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.
• Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• 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 03/15/2024 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification(s). Basic Requirement: A bachelor's or higher degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR A combination of education and experience that includes courses equivalent to a major in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position, PLUS appropriate experience or additional education. The quality of the combination of education and experience must be sufficient to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform work in the occupation, and is comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of a full 4-year course of study with a major in the appropriate field. Minimum Qualification [GS-12] One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-11 in the Federal service. Experience includes (1) providing technical, biological guidance for an assigned program area focused on biodiversity conservation or natural resources management (e.g., ecological services, endangered species, aquatic conservation, fisheries, environmental restoration, migratory birds, wildlife refuges, etc.); (2) participating in collaborative work groups aimed at fish and wildlife conservation outcomes; (3) utilizing the principles and regulations which govern the Endangered Species Act, specifically section 7, and other environmental statutes (e.g., National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act); (4) reviewing the policies, procedures, regulations, and statutes pertinent to natural resources management; and/or (5) communicating effectively with various audiences regarding natural resources conservation. Minimum Qualification [GS-13] One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-12 in the Federal service. Experience includes (1) serving as a technical and policy expert on the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and/or other environmental laws (e.g., National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act); (2) providing scientific or technical leadership for biological programs, projects, or teams focused on biodiversity conservation or natural resources management; (3) coordinating or leading national work groups to develop action plans, manage projects, and produce products aimed at fish and wildlife conservation outcomes; (4) preparing technical issue papers and briefings; (5) analyzing, interpreting, and disseminating information relevant to the effects of land and water development and other actions to the environment, threatened and endangered species, and their critical habitats; (6) participating in multi-agency projects as an advisor or subject matter expert to support program related efforts across geographic areas, other boundaries, and programs; (7) applying knowledge of appropriate Federal statutes and regulations (e.g., Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, etc.) to fish and wildlife conservation; and/or (8) coordinating activities with internal and external stakeholders to achieve fish and wildlife conservation objectives. 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 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS-BPHC Falls Church, VA 22041 US
• Name: Human Resources Staffing Division
• Email: [email protected]