This position is a Microbiologist, GS- 0403-11/12 working in Anderson, California for the R8-California/Nevada Fish Health Center. This position is also open to status candidates under announcement R8-24-12514165-LL-MP. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.

Duties

This position is part of the FWS Pacific Southwest Region Fisheries Program that provides staff to support the management of aquatic species and conservation of aquatic habitats in California, Nevada, and Oregon's Klamath Basin. The Fisheries Program undertakes a variety of population management and habitat restoration activities, many of which are directed by Congressionally-legislated and court-mandated authorities, Treaty and Trust responsibilities, and national program goals. These activities rely upon the development and application of technical and scientific information in fish population assessment and management, aquatic ecosystem assessment and management, captive propagation of endangered species, and management of aquatic invasive species, with emphasis on the protection, restoration, mitigation and enhancement of species listed by the Service under the Endangered Species Act, anadromous salmonids, and other imperiled species within the Pacific Southwest Region. The Fisheries Program provides line supervision for three Fish and Wildlife Offices, two National Fish Hatcheries, and one Fish Health Center. This position serves as a Microbiologist and performs laboratory and field testing of parasitological, bacteriological, virological, and microbiological examinations of aquatic animals. The work includes the ability to adapt and apply different guidelines, precedents, and microbiological principles, and the application of sound microbiological practices to design tests, use lab equipment, monitor tests, collect data, and report results. Key duties of this position are as follows but are not limited to: Conducts viral, bacterial, and parasite sample collection from aquatic animals in a laboratory or field setting. Responsible for bacteriology and virology laboratory assays at the Center. Leads histological and cytological specimen preparation. Performs molecular assays such as Polymerase Chain Reaction and Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction for the detection and confirmation of aquatic animal pathogens. Serves as the lead and QA/QC Manager for the Center and oversees the laboratory quality control.

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 required.
• 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 Selective Service. To verify registration, visit SSS.gov.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 08/29/2024 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification. Basic Requirement: A degree: microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent. OR A combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Minimum Qualification [GS11]: One year of specialized experience comparable in scope responsibility and equivalent to grade GS-9 in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include the following: performing a variety of diagnostic laboratory tests; biochemical assay and microscopic examinations of bacterial cultures identification; performing both end-point PCR and Quantitative PCR assays, and maintaining cultures of tissues or cell lines in- vitro; Assisting in developing and evaluating laboratory procedures and assist in keeping the facility QA/QC program up-to-date. Please note: the experience must have been sufficiently specialized to ensure adequate familiarity with the area of specialization or applied field of microbiology, or have direct application in the area for which the applicant is being considered. OR Completion of three years of progressively higher-level graduate education at an accredited college or university leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in microbiology or a directly related field appropriate to this position. OR A combination of education and experience as described above which together equals 100% of the requirement. Minimum Qualification [GS12]: Possess one year of specialized experience comparable in scope responsibility and equivalent to grade GS-11 in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include the following: performing a variety of diagnostic laboratory tests independently such as biochemical assays and microscopic examinations of bacterial cultures for the purpose of species identification; Overseeing development, validation, troubleshooting, and performance molecular assays; Maintenance and propagation cultures of tissues or cell line in-vitro; Managing facility QA/QC program including tracking laboratory procedure documents, reporting, and monitoring corrective actions; Conducting literature searches and modifying laboratory procedures as necessary. Please note: the experience must have been sufficiently specialized to ensure adequate familiarity with the area of specialization or applied field of microbiology, or have direct application in the area for which the applicant is being considered. 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]