This position is a Biologist, GS- 0401-7/9 working in Austwell, Texas for the R2-Division of Biological Services.

Duties

As a Biologist your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Serves as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist as state-specific Invasive Species Strike Team (ISST) Lead. Serves as the state-level ISST crew leader by providing direction, oversight and work assignments for invasive species crews involved in exotic plant and animal control activities, in coordination with refuge staff members. Provides direction for refuge staff members involved in invasive species control activities, assures quality control and safe working conditions, provides training for refuge staff, and reports accomplishments to regional and national offices. Use standard techniques to refine databases for biological data and keep databases current; enter and access data in geographic information systems (GIS); analyze data using tools such as GIS software; and research and review state and federal laws regarding invasive species. Advises on the requirements for compliance with Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Pesticide Use Proposal System (PUPS) review and approval process, in addition to the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, and other Federal and State laws and regulations. Prepares and presents briefings, and provides the information to Refuge Managers, Regional Invasive Species Coordinator, Chief Biological Sciences, and National Invasive Species Program Coordinator on the technical aspects of complex invasive species programs and projects.

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.
• Merit promotion applicants must meet time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
• 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 09/11/2024 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification. Basic Requirement: Possess a Bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited college or university in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Possess a combination of education and experience which includes courses equivalent to a major in the biological sciences (i.e. at least 24 semester hours) as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education that is comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in the biological sciences, agriculture, or natural resources management or related disciplines appropriate to the position. Minimum Qualification [GS-07] One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level in Federal service that may include: Assist with invasive species control activities including implementation of prevention, early detection rapid response (EDRR), management and control, and restoration programs for exotic plants and animals; Enter and access data in geographic information systems (GIS); Prepare and present briefings to various audiences. OR Successfully completed at least 1 full year of graduate education from an accredited college or university in wildlife biology, ecology, or a directly related field appropriate to this position. OR Have Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.) S.A.A. is based on (1) Class Standing, (2) Grade-Point Average, or (3) Honor Society Membership. (1) Class Standing: Upper one-third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision based on completed courses. (2) Grade-Point Average: A grade point average of (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 (B or better) as recorded on the official transcript or as computed based on four years of education, or computed based on courses completed during the final two years of the curriculum; -or- (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 0 (B+ or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final two years of the curriculum. (3) Election to Membership in a National Scholastic Honor Society: Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies. Freshman scholastic honor societies cannot be used to meet the requirements of this position. Superior academic achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled. NOTE: To qualify under this option you must submit transcripts (official or unofficial) to verify your education. OR Have an equivalent combination of professional experience and education beyond the first 60 semester hours towards a bachelor's degree which together equals 100% of the requirements. (When combining education with experience, first determine the total qualifying education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; then determine the experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; finally, add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level.) Minimum Qualification [GS-09] One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level in Federal service that includes: Provide direction for invasive species crews; Oversee invasive species control activities including implementation of prevention, early detection rapid response (EDRR), management and control, and restoration programs for exotic plants and animals; Enter and access data in geographic information systems (GIS); Write professional, objective, and complete reports, letters and other correspondence on investigations involving critical projects with the greater potential for impacts on fish and wildlife resources; Prepare and present briefings to various audiences. OR Possess 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or a directly related field appropriate to this position. OR Possess a combination of education (18 semester hours) and experience (at least 6 months). The total percentage equals at least 100 percent of the required education and experience as stated above. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP):Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. CTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), score at least 85 on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/" 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. Time In Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet both eligibility and qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the JOA. Specifically, i. Area of Consideration. ii. Time-in-grade (TIG) requirements as specified in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. iii. Time after competitive appointment as specified in 5 CFR 330.502. iv. Qualification requirements outlined in OPM's Qualifications Standards for General Schedule Positions or for Federal Wage System (FWS), wage grade positions, applicants are evaluated using the OPM Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations and the job element examining method Your SF-50 will be used to confirm you meet all requirements

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
• Name: Human Resources Staffing Division
• Email: [email protected]