This position is a Fish and Wildlife Biologist, GS- 0401-11 working in Lafayette or New Orleans, Louisiana for the R4-Louisiana Ecological Services Field Office. This is a term position expected to last 13 months but may be extended up to a total of 4 years at management's discretion.

Duties

As a Fish and Wildlife Biologist your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Plans, evaluates, conducts a wide variety of complex ecological investigations or inspections involving complex land and water resource development projects or studies, proposals and/or license applications/renewals to determine their impact upon fish and/or wildlife resources and habitats and to ensure that legal standards and other requirements are met and implemented in a manner most beneficial to fish and/or wildlife resources. Prepares reports on the findings and recommends appropriate courses of action (e.g., approval/disapproval, offering alternative projects, or taking remedial action) in accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA) and/or other applicable laws and regulations. Evaluates biological data and Federal program or project operational data to determine the effects of those programs or actions on threatened or endangered species through formal and informal consultation procedures. Assesses impacts of proposed Federal actions on threatened and endangered species and develops draft biological opinions required under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Amendments for supervisor's review. Recommends ways to minimize or eliminate impacts to listed species, as well as alternatives that will avoid jeopardizing the continued existence of a species or avoid destroying or adversely modifying critical habitat. 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 and processes permits, reports, and other ESA-related and FWCA-related documents in coordination with Federal, Tribal, and state agencies; and with other parties as required. Ensures that due dates are met and policies are followed, reviews and edits permits or other documents, and provides technical information regarding the permit process to biologists in the Ecological Service's field offices or to partner Federal, Tribal, and state agencies, or other parties as required. Develops comprehensive fish and/or wildlife mitigation or management plans to insure preservation, protection, and enhancement of fish and/or wildlife and their habitat for a geographic area having a variety of habitat conditions. Maintains contact and communication with biologists throughout the assigned Region and with other agencies (Federal, Tribal, and state) regarding potential effects to Service trust resources. Provides technical biological guidance to requestors implementing programs for the conservation and recovery of threatened and endangered species and other Service trust resources.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
• Driver’s License: This position requires the incumbent to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of their official duties. Selectee must hold and maintain a valid state driver’s license throughout their employment in this position.
• Trial Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a trial 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 12/17/2024 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification. Basic Requirement: Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Minimum Qualification [GS-11] One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-09 in the Federal service. Experience may include: (1) assisting with or providing scientific, planning, or technical expertise on federally listed threatened or endangered species, migratory birds, wetlands, habitats, or other important fish and wildlife resources; (2) working with a variety of natural resource professionals engaged in a range of projects and studies related to the conservation of ecosystems and species to ensure the achievement of project objectives; (3) assisting with the planning and coordination of project management and review activities among groups of diverse stakeholders (e.g., state agencies, commissions, tribal, other Federal agencies, development districts, NGOs, etc.) to maximize benefits for fish and wildlife resources; (4) assisting with the development of briefing materials, position papers, technical analyses, or biological assessments on natural resource conservation and management programs, policies, or activities; and (5) assisting with project reviews under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, as well as other laws such as the Endangered Species Act (section 7), the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for the protection and conservation of federal trust resources and their habitats. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information proving you have relative experience. OR Possess 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a discipline that clearly demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. OR A combination of education (beyond second year) 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.

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 programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).

Contacts

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