Job opening: Wildlife Biologist (Avian)
Salary: $67 738 - 88 058 per year
Published at: Dec 23 2024
Employment Type: Full-time
This position is a Wildlife Biologist (Avian), GS- 0486-9 working in Anchorage, AK for the R7-Division of Migratory Birds.
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 Wildlife Biologist (Avian) your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
Plans and executes aerial and ground-based migratory bird surveys to determine distribution, population abundance and trends, patterns in reproductive success, timing of nesting events, adult and natal fidelity, and other demographic parameters of select species of land birds, seabirds, shorebirds, raptors and waterfowl.
Analyzes survey, monitoring and assessment data; writes reports and peer reviewed publications; presents information at public outreach, and professional meetings and symposia.
Helps train and supervise permanent biologists, seasonal biological technicians, and volunteers on aerial and ground migratory bird surveys, monitoring, and assessment techniques, methods, and protocols.
Collaborates and provides support to state agencies including the Alaska Department of Fish and Game; other federal agencies including the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Ocean Energy and Management, US Geological Survey, and the National Marine Fisheries Service; Universities, research institutions, and Native organizations.
Reviews and follows all appropriate natural resource state and federal laws, regulations, and international treaties and agreements, completes required Institutional Animal Care and Use protocols and annual report; obtains necessary state and federal permits for scientific collection or potential take of threatened and endangered species.
Requirements
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
- Drug Testing Position: Selectees tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
- 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.
- Firearm: Selectees will be required to carry a firearm in the performance of their duties.
- 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 the closing date 12/31/2024 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 degree with a major in a biological science that includes the following course work: 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.
A combination of education and experience that is equivalent to a major in a biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), with at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zoology subjects and 9 semester hours in botany as described in "A" above, plus appropriate specialized experience or additional education.
Minimum Qualification [GS-09]
One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-07 in the Federal service. Experience may include assisting in capturing, handling, and observing large raptors or vultures (such as condors, eagles) in the wild in order to identify and resolve recurring biological problems; ensuring proper collection and preservation of specimens; performing and monitoring specialized tests and non-routine procedures; calculating or correlating test results and verifying results; writing analytical reports, plans, and correspondence on specific wildlife related subjects. OR
Possess 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree directly related to this position. 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.
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).
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