Job opening: Biologist
Salary: $66 126 - 104 005 per year
Published at: Jul 22 2024
Employment Type: Full-time
This position is a Biologist, GS-0401-9/11, working with the R3 - Michigan Ecological Services Field Office in East Lansing, MI.
This position is also open to I/CTAP, PLC, and VEOA eligibles (R3-24-12469783-CU-MP), and status candidates and Land & Base Management eligibles (R3-24-12469784-CU-MP). You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under each recruitment method.
Duties
The Pathways Recent Graduate Program is for recently graduated or graduating individuals who are looking for developmental experiences in the Federal Government intended to promote possible careers in the civil service. Recent Graduates will serve on this appointment for one year. During the first year the selectee will perform developmental activities designed to help them acquire the competencies of the target position in which they may be placed upon completion of the program. Participants who successfully complete the Recent College Graduates Program may be eligible for conversion to the target position on a permanent or term (more than one to four years in duration) basis without further competition. For more information on the Pathways Recent Graduate Program, please visit https://www.usajobs.gov/StudentsAndGrads.
As a Biologist your duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Coordinating with partners (State and Federal agencies, applicants, and local governments) to provide technical assistance in implementation of the Endangered Species Act and other environmental laws in support of transportation projects.
Reviewing research and reports prepared by outside parties, such as technical reports, biological assessments, and published literature, and providing recommendations orally and in writing to identify conservation needs for imperiled species.
Working independently in the development of written reports, briefings, and presentations related to conservation of listed species.
Tracking multiple projects and tasks of varying complexity
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
- Must meet Pathways eligibility requirements
- Must meet the eligibility requirements for the Recent Graduate Program. Recent Graduates will enter a formal training program with a mentor and execute an Individual Development Plan outlining training requirements and program expectations.
- Recent Graduates must receive at least 40 hours of formal training directly linked to their employment field.
- Recent Graduates serve a trial period for the duration of their excepted service appointment.
- Recent Graduates will be required to sign a Pathways Recent Graduate Participant Agreement.
- Applicants must provide documentation of completion within the previous 2 years of a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution.
- Driver’s License: Selectees must possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure.
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by 08/02/2024 will be considered.
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements and provide documentation such as a copy of official transcript and/or veteran's documentation by the closing date of the announcement to be considered.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification of the respective grade(s) to which you are applying.
Basic Requirement:
Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR
Combination of education and experience that includes courses equivalent to a major in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position PLUS appropriate experience or additional education. This combination of education and experience is comparable to successful completion of a full 4-year course of study as described above.
Minimum Qualification [GS-9]
One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-7 grade level in the Federal service performing work in or directly related to the position to be filled. Qualifying experience may include: (1) conducting biological or ecological investigations to determine the impact of land and water development projects upon the fish and/or wildlife resources of an area; (2) reviewing biological portions of biological assessments, environmental assessment or impact statements, or resource planning reports; (3) assisting in the evaluation of data to determine the effects of proposed actions on imperiled species and their habitats. OR
Completion of two years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree -OR- possess a master's or equivalent graduate degree that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of this position (e.g., major study in or directly related to the position such as biology, ecology, conservation science, etc.). OR
A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement.
Minimum Qualification [GS-11]
One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service performing work in or directly related to the position to be filled. Qualifying experience may include: (1) conducting biological or ecological investigations to determine the impact of land and water development projects upon endangered species and their habitats; (2) serving as a technical advisor on the Endangered Species Act for other staff, government agencies, landowners, private interest groups, etc.; (3) preparing biological portions of biological assessments or opinions, environmental assessment or impact statements, or resource planning reports; (4) implementing environmental laws, regulations, or policies pertaining to natural resource issues (e.g., Endangered Species Act, specifically sections 7 and 10; Clean Water Act; Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act; National Environmental Policy Act). OR
Completion of three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree -OR- possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of this position (e.g., major study in or directly related to the position such as biology, ecology, conservation science, etc.). OR
A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement.
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.
Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-11. At lower grade levels, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-11. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds. The selectee may be promoted without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
(NOTE: You must attach a copy of your transcripts. Failure to submit transcripts will result in an ineligible rating.)
Education
PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants 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. Failure to submit transcripts will result in an ineligible rating. 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)
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