This position is a Biologist, GS- 0401-12. Please see the "Additional Information section" for detailed location information for these positions.

Duties

The Montana Ecological Services Field Office coordinates with federal and state agencies, local governments, private and non-governmental organizations, and tribes to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats within the state of Montana for the continuing benefit of the American people. Our primary activities include the oversight and evaluation of federally funded, licensed, or permitted projects to insure compliance with, or to provide comments and recommendations relative to, the Endangered Species Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Section 404 permit evaluations as defined by the Clean Water Act. Additionally, we also provide expertise on a wide array of environmental contaminant issues affecting fish and wildlife resources. Key duties for this Biologist position are: Conducts formal and informal consultations pursuant to Section 7 of the ESA, draft Biological Opinions, concurrence letters, and technical assistance correspondence for signature of the Field Office Supervisor and prepare responses to Regional, Washington Office, and Congressional inquiries. Assists with the identification, development, updating, and review of programmatic consultations to address routine actions and similar species. Responsible for preparing and reviewing drafts and summaries of all documents submitted in support of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) projects for final approval. Coordinates the development and presentation of educational, informational, and guidance materials for the BLM staff, and other interested agencies, groups, and individuals. Prepares and presents talks and reports, both technical and non-technical in nature, to BLM, the public, professional organizations, other agencies, and Service staff concerning endangered species conservation activities and accomplishments pertaining to BLM projects. Assists in the preparation and review of complex biological implications of low effect, categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, impact statements and/or comprehensive resource planning efforts to evaluate environmental consequences of proposed BLM projects. Assembles or contacts appropriate biological experts as needed when the scope or complexity is beyond the expertise of the staff and helps to identify and implement process streamlining measures. Reviews new or proposed legislation or regulations and provides comments on the impact to natural resources and the public as related to BLM projects. Facilitates implementation of conservation actions authorized through Biological Opinions and other regulatory documents. Coordinate budgets, contracts, grants, and agreements for conservation actions. Inputs information into data management system, maintain consultation, and administrative files regarding BLM projects. Uses spatial programs to evaluate relationships of proposed projects and species occurrences.

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.
• 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 06/10/2024 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification. Basic Requirement: Have a Bachelor's or higher degree in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Have a combination of education and experience that is equivalent to a major in a biological science. The quality of the combination of education and experience must be sufficient to demonstrate that the applicant possesses 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. In addition to courses in the major and related fields, a typical college degree would have included courses that involved analysis, writing, critical thinking, research, etc. These courses would have provided an applicant with skills and abilities sufficient to perform progressively more responsible work in the occupation. Therefore, creditable experience should have demonstrated similarly appropriate skills or abilities needed to perform the work of the occupation. Minimum Qualification [GS-12]: Must have at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience includes: (1) conducting moderately complex biological or ecological investigations to determine the impact of various land and water development projects upon endangered species and their habitats; (2) evidence of past partnerships with state/federal/tribal agencies that has resulted in conservation benefits to listed species; (3) evidence of collaborating with local, regional, and national organizations to achieve project goals; (4) implementing Endangered Species Act Section 7 or Section 10 regulations; and (5) education or demonstrated experience understanding wildlife and plant ecology. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified. 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 134 Union Blvd Suite 220 Lakewood, CO 80228 US
• Name: Human Resources Staffing Division
• Phone: 000-000-0000
• Email: [email protected]