You will serve as a Wildlife Biologist within the USDA, APHIS, WS and performs assignments involving project and program delivery, management, and administration with minimal supervision. The work is primarily concerned with wildlife damage management operations relating to the assessment, reduction, and/or elimination of problems associated with wild and/or feral animal species in urban, suburban, and rural environments.

Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: May perform a variety of technical procedures including capture, restraint, chemical immobilization, marking, transport, euthanasia, and/or necropsy of wildlife. May be required to take extensive training and recurrent training on wildlife damage or disease recognition, control methods, and techniques. Monitors and ensures compliance with program directives, and local, State, and Federal laws and regulations in wildlife damage management activities. Assists cooperators in understanding of and compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Endangered Species Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and other wildlife-related laws. Through supervisor and with assistance from the WS National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) staff, develops and maintains categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, and monitoring reports. Gathers, compiles, evaluates, and presents data on damage or hazards caused by various wildlife species to cooperators, stakeholders, and colleagues. Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with other Federal, State, county and city government agencies, Tribes, corporations, and educational or research institutions. Communicates safe and effective damage management techniques through outreach and other channels to the general public. Supports WS’ safety program and procedures through participation in meetings, inspections, safety-related training, and implementation of safety requirements and protocols.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Testing Designated Position: Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application. Operation of Government-owned or leased vehicles is required.
• All USDA employees are required to be enrolled in Continuous Vetting, which authorizes government agencies to receive notifications of criminal activity on individuals who hold low risk, public trust, or national security positions.
• The work requires moderately strenuous physical exertion. Physical exertion includes lifting moderate weights, walking over wet, rough, uneven, muddy, or rocky surfaces, bending, crouching, stooping, stretching or similar activities.
• This work does require average agility and dexterity. Duties may routinely be conducted on narrow elevated walkways and rooftops.
• The job also requires a flexible schedule, working odd hours, frequent weekend work, and must be conducted at the affected site. Travel for temporary program assignments and training is required.
• Work is performed in both office and field locations. There is regular and recurring exposure to moderate risks and discomfort, such as adverse weather conditions, noisy environments and extensive vehicle travel.
• The incumbent is expected to conduct all duties in a safe and orderly manner to prevent injury to self, fellow workers, cooperators or property.
• The incumbent will be exposed to hazardous situations; including aircraft ground movements, the use of pyrotechnics and firearms, and the application of toxicants and will require the use of personal protective equipment.
• To fulfill field or laboratory requirements of this position, proof of specific vaccinations, including boosters may be required as a condition of employment. The incumbent will be required to obtain certification as an Airport Wildlife Biologist.
• The legal and physical ability to possess and discharge firearms is required.
• APHIS is an emergency response agency. All agency staff members may be requested or allocated to take part in alternating temporary duty assignments away from their designated duty station in support of emergency initiatives.
• Incumbent will be required to successfully obtain and maintain the appropriate pesticide applicator license(s), by completing the necessary Certified Applicators courses and/or examinations within set deadlines after appointment to the position.
• The incumbent will be required to successfully obtain and maintain all secure access credentials, vehicle operation certifications, and other certifications or trainings required by the agency and host entity for operations on an airfield.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: biological science that included: At least 9 semester hours in such wildlife subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, or research courses in the field of wildlife biology; and At least 12 semester hours in zoology in such subjects as general zoology, invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, cellular biology, parasitology, entomology, or research courses in such subjects (Excess courses in wildlife biology may be used to meet the zoology requirements where appropriate.); and At least 9 semester hours in botany or the related plant sciences. OR Combination of education and experience: equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), with at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zoology, and 9 semester hours in botany or related plant science, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level) that demonstrates: Experience with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Federal Air Regulations. Experience using firearms, capture devices, pesticides, pyrotechnics, and other nonlethal control tools. Ability to gather, organize, and analyze data using techniques and technologies such GPS, GIS, and web-based systems for data entry. OR 1 year of graduate-level education in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Management. OR Superior Academic Achievement: To qualify based on superior academic achievement, you must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution AND 1) have a class standing in the upper third of the graduating class, 2) membership in a national scholastic honor society (excluding Freshman honor societies), or 3) must meet certain GPA requirements. GPA requirements: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on official transcripts or as computed based on 4 years of education, or courses completed during the final 2 year of the curriculum; OR 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required course completed in the major field or courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum (GPA will be rounded to one decimal place, e.g., 2.95 rounds to 3.0 and 2.94 rounds to 2.9). FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience dealing with human-wildlife conflicts, principles of wildlife damage management and/or airport wildlife hazard management. Experience selecting appropriate wildlife damage management strategies, techniques, tools and applying them to specific situations. Experience monitoring wildlife behavior and abundance and evaluates hazards posed by various species of wildlife on airports and surrounding properties. Experience collecting, analyzing, and presenting ecological data on wildlife hazards to airport staff and appropriate regulatory agencies through regular program reports and at stakeholder meetings. OR 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in one of the following degree fields: Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, or Wildlife Management. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. You are qualifying for this position based on Superior Academic Achievement. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-07/09 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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 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

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service USDA APHIS MRPBS 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: MRP Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]