Fish and Wildlife Biologist
Company Name:
Department Of The Interior
United States Citizens Term NTE 13 months Full Time You too can make a difference in our world. The work of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is meaningful and varied. Want to know more about what it is like to work for us? Watch these short podcasts entitled Meet Your New Boss and Diversity is our Strength.
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: All U.S. Citizens
The employees in these positions serve as a full-time, Term Fish and Wildlife Biologists for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 6, Montana Ecological Services Field Office, located in Helena, MT and Kalispell, MT.
This is a Term appointment, not-to-exceed 13 months, which can be extended for a total appointment of 4 years.
This position may be filled at the GS-09 or GS-11 levels.
U.S. citizenship required Completion of a one-year probationary period may be required Official US Fish and Wildlife Service uniform required
The employee represents the Service in carrying out various agency responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Migratory Birds Treaty Act, Bald Eagle Protection Act, Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and numerous other federal laws, regulations, and policies for the protection of natural resources.
Plan and conduct on-site ecological investigations of complex land and water resource development proposals to determine their effect on fish and wildlife resources, with special emphasis on federally listed species.
Conduct informal and formal ESA Section 7 consultations, review biological assessments and NEPA documents, respond to species list requests and prepare biological opinions.
Prepare status and listing packages, as appropriate, for Federal candidate species as required under authority of the ESA; assist in the development and implementation of recovery plans for listed species.
The majority of the work will require no unusual physical exertion. Field situations may involve travel in off-road vehicles, boats, by horseback, aircraft, or walking over mountainous terrain, occasionally during inclement weather.
In addition to meeting the Specialized Experience Requirements listed below, applicants must meet the education requirements as described under Basic Education Requirements.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: GS-09: One year of progressively responsible experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level. Qualifying specialized experience includes all of the following: biological work participating in the analysis and mitigation of ecological impacts associated with resource development projects and their impact on fish or wildlife. This includes applying the provisions of various federal and state laws designed to protect and conserve natural resources, such as the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for the protection and conservation of fish or wildlife.
GS-11: One year of progressively responsible experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level. Qualifying specialized experience includes all of the following: independently conducting biological work participating in the analysis and mitigation of ecological impacts associated with resource development projects and their impact on fish and wildlife; collaboratively developing practices to conserve federally listed and/or other at-risk species such as State species of great conservation need; implementing the Endangered Species Act, specifically section 7; and implementing other laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for the protection and conservation of fish and wildlife.
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR SPECIALIZED
Experience: GS-09: Successful completion of 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education from an accredited college or university leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree directly related to the position being filled.
GS-11: Successful completion of 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education from an accredited college or university leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree directly related to the position being filled.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for both the GS-09 and GS-11 grade levels, which when combined meets 100% of the specialized experience requirements.
If substituting education for the Specialized Experience requirement, you MUST submit all school transcripts. Only official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted. Failure to submit transcripts that verify qualifying education by the closing date of the announcement will results in disqualification from further consideration.
BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: A. Successful completion of a full 4 year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree or higher degree in biological science, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
B. Combination of education from an accredited college or university and experience -- courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
This position requires completion of the specific course of study as reflected above. ALL APPLICANTS, including those who currently, or have previously, occupied a position in this job series, MUST submit a copy of their transcripts (official or unofficial) to verify that they meet these educational requirements. If you have attended more than one university/college or have completed more than one degree, you MUST submit documentation from each university/college. If the position being filled requires specific classes or a specific number of credits, applicants must ensure that the transcripts submitted verify completion of those courses or credits. Failure to submit transcripts that verify qualifying education by the closing date will result in disqualification from further consideration.
Foreign Education: Education completed outside the United States must have been evaluated by a private U.S. organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials, commonly called a credential evaluation service or education that is recognized by the Secretary of Education from an accredited body. You must submit the credential evaluation with your application to have your education considered.
NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to show how he/she satisfies the course requirements. This may include providing course syllabi or an official course description, as provided by the university course catalog. If you do not provide information that clearly shows how your completed course work meets the specific course requirements above, you will be rated ineligible.
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
In addition to the Specialized Experience requirement and any applicable Basic Education requirement, the following competencies are required:
(1) Ability to implement the Endangered Species Act; (2) Knowledge of laws, regulations and policies for the protection of fish and wildlife; (3) Ability to conduct biological surveys/investigations; (4) Ability to communicate biological information in writing; (5) Ability to orally communicate biological information; (6) Ability to work collaboratively with outside organizations.
Applications are evaluated and rated under Category Rating and Selection procedures. Category rating combines the applicant's total experience and/or education/training into a single category. Your application will initially be rated against the criteria outlined in this announcement. Qualifying applications will then be placed into one of the following categories:
1. Best Qualified - 2. Well Qualified - 3. Better Qualified - 4. Qualified
Applications in the Best Qualified category will be evaluated to ensure that the job requirements, including Specialized Experience, Basic Education, Selective Factors, and eligibility requirements are met and supported/verified by the resume and other documents submitted. This will include a review of your resume and supporting documentation as compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire. If, after reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, your category placement may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities.
Full-time work is generally considered to be 35 to 40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in qualifying activities.
IT IS THE APPLICANT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT HIS OR HER RESUME AND ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION FULLY SUPPORT THE EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION CLAIMED IN THE QUESTIONNAIRE. APPLICATIONS THAT FAIL TO SUPPORT CLAIMS WILL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION.
APPLICANTS WHO DISQUALIFY THEMSELVES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FURTHER.
Information for Veterans: The category rating process does not add veteran's preference points but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet qualification requirements and have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% will be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade or higher.
All application materials and supporting documentation must be submitted and received by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on the closing date of the announcement in order for you to be considered for this vacancy.
It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that all application information, including the questionnaire, resume and any additional documents, whether uploaded or faxed, is received, legible, and accurate. HR will not modify any questionnaire answers or documents submitted by an applicant.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the Assessment Questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button.
NOTE: To check the status of your application, including submission and receipt of the questionnaire, documents, etc., or to return to a previous or incomplete application, you may use the following link: OR .
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJobs account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJobs account or your application will be incomplete.
To fax supporting documents you are unable to upload, complete this cover page: using the following Job Opportunity Announcement number: 1180643. Fax your documents to .
NOTE: If you applied online and your application is complete, do not fax the paper application (1203FX) as this will overwrite your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.
If you cannot apply online: 1. Click the following link to view and print the assessment questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire, and;
2. Print this 1203FX form along with your responses to the assessment questionnaire , and;
3. Fax the completed 1203FX form along with any supporting documents to . Your 1203FX will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission.
Keep a copy of your fax confirmation in the event verification is needed.
If you cannot complete the application process using one of the options identified in the How to Apply section, please contact our office for alternate application procedures.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes:
1. Your Resume. In order to ensure that all required information is provided in your resume, it is strongly suggested that you use the USAJOBS Resume Builder. Additional information about the Resume Builder can be found here:
2. A completed and submitted Assessment Questionnaire
3. Other supporting documents:
Veterans Preference Documentation, if applicable
All college transcripts (official or unofficial) if qualifying based on education OR if there is a Basic Education Requirement for this position.
VETERAN'S PREFERENCE DOCUMENTATION: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming veteran's preference, you MUST provide a copy of your DD-214 Member-4, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty or other proof of eligibility, such as a statement of service, if still on active duty. For more information on veteran's preference, go to /.
NOTE: Veterans must submit the Member-4 copy of the DD-214, which shows the character of service. If you do not submit a Member-4 copy, you will not be given preference.
Veterans claiming 10-Point preference must submit evidence of eligibility documentation to include a DD-214 (Member-4 copy), Standard Form 15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference version dated December 2004), and the proof requested on the form. To print a copy of the SF-15, go to .
Once the online questionnaire is received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. The Federal government offers a comprehensive benefits package. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees:
Career Transition Assistance Programs: CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance for Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or separated. If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and your most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must meet the definition of well-qualified. For this vacancy, the definition of well-qualified is placement into at least the well-qualified category. For more information on CTAP/ICTAP, visit: .
Male applicants who were born after 12/31/1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see ).
If a selection is made at a lower grade, promotion up to the full performance level may be made without further competition. However, promotion(s) will depend on the employee's satisfactory performance and are not guaranteed.Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Department Of The Interior
United States Citizens Term NTE 13 months Full Time You too can make a difference in our world. The work of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is meaningful and varied. Want to know more about what it is like to work for us? Watch these short podcasts entitled Meet Your New Boss and Diversity is our Strength.
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: All U.S. Citizens
The employees in these positions serve as a full-time, Term Fish and Wildlife Biologists for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 6, Montana Ecological Services Field Office, located in Helena, MT and Kalispell, MT.
This is a Term appointment, not-to-exceed 13 months, which can be extended for a total appointment of 4 years.
This position may be filled at the GS-09 or GS-11 levels.
U.S. citizenship required Completion of a one-year probationary period may be required Official US Fish and Wildlife Service uniform required
The employee represents the Service in carrying out various agency responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Migratory Birds Treaty Act, Bald Eagle Protection Act, Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and numerous other federal laws, regulations, and policies for the protection of natural resources.
Plan and conduct on-site ecological investigations of complex land and water resource development proposals to determine their effect on fish and wildlife resources, with special emphasis on federally listed species.
Conduct informal and formal ESA Section 7 consultations, review biological assessments and NEPA documents, respond to species list requests and prepare biological opinions.
Prepare status and listing packages, as appropriate, for Federal candidate species as required under authority of the ESA; assist in the development and implementation of recovery plans for listed species.
The majority of the work will require no unusual physical exertion. Field situations may involve travel in off-road vehicles, boats, by horseback, aircraft, or walking over mountainous terrain, occasionally during inclement weather.
In addition to meeting the Specialized Experience Requirements listed below, applicants must meet the education requirements as described under Basic Education Requirements.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: GS-09: One year of progressively responsible experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level. Qualifying specialized experience includes all of the following: biological work participating in the analysis and mitigation of ecological impacts associated with resource development projects and their impact on fish or wildlife. This includes applying the provisions of various federal and state laws designed to protect and conserve natural resources, such as the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for the protection and conservation of fish or wildlife.
GS-11: One year of progressively responsible experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level. Qualifying specialized experience includes all of the following: independently conducting biological work participating in the analysis and mitigation of ecological impacts associated with resource development projects and their impact on fish and wildlife; collaboratively developing practices to conserve federally listed and/or other at-risk species such as State species of great conservation need; implementing the Endangered Species Act, specifically section 7; and implementing other laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for the protection and conservation of fish and wildlife.
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR SPECIALIZED
Experience: GS-09: Successful completion of 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education from an accredited college or university leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree directly related to the position being filled.
GS-11: Successful completion of 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education from an accredited college or university leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree directly related to the position being filled.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for both the GS-09 and GS-11 grade levels, which when combined meets 100% of the specialized experience requirements.
If substituting education for the Specialized Experience requirement, you MUST submit all school transcripts. Only official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted. Failure to submit transcripts that verify qualifying education by the closing date of the announcement will results in disqualification from further consideration.
BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: A. Successful completion of a full 4 year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree or higher degree in biological science, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
B. Combination of education from an accredited college or university and experience -- courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
This position requires completion of the specific course of study as reflected above. ALL APPLICANTS, including those who currently, or have previously, occupied a position in this job series, MUST submit a copy of their transcripts (official or unofficial) to verify that they meet these educational requirements. If you have attended more than one university/college or have completed more than one degree, you MUST submit documentation from each university/college. If the position being filled requires specific classes or a specific number of credits, applicants must ensure that the transcripts submitted verify completion of those courses or credits. Failure to submit transcripts that verify qualifying education by the closing date will result in disqualification from further consideration.
Foreign Education: Education completed outside the United States must have been evaluated by a private U.S. organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials, commonly called a credential evaluation service or education that is recognized by the Secretary of Education from an accredited body. You must submit the credential evaluation with your application to have your education considered.
NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to show how he/she satisfies the course requirements. This may include providing course syllabi or an official course description, as provided by the university course catalog. If you do not provide information that clearly shows how your completed course work meets the specific course requirements above, you will be rated ineligible.
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
In addition to the Specialized Experience requirement and any applicable Basic Education requirement, the following competencies are required:
(1) Ability to implement the Endangered Species Act; (2) Knowledge of laws, regulations and policies for the protection of fish and wildlife; (3) Ability to conduct biological surveys/investigations; (4) Ability to communicate biological information in writing; (5) Ability to orally communicate biological information; (6) Ability to work collaboratively with outside organizations.
Applications are evaluated and rated under Category Rating and Selection procedures. Category rating combines the applicant's total experience and/or education/training into a single category. Your application will initially be rated against the criteria outlined in this announcement. Qualifying applications will then be placed into one of the following categories:
1. Best Qualified - 2. Well Qualified - 3. Better Qualified - 4. Qualified
Applications in the Best Qualified category will be evaluated to ensure that the job requirements, including Specialized Experience, Basic Education, Selective Factors, and eligibility requirements are met and supported/verified by the resume and other documents submitted. This will include a review of your resume and supporting documentation as compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire. If, after reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, your category placement may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities.
Full-time work is generally considered to be 35 to 40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in qualifying activities.
IT IS THE APPLICANT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT HIS OR HER RESUME AND ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION FULLY SUPPORT THE EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION CLAIMED IN THE QUESTIONNAIRE. APPLICATIONS THAT FAIL TO SUPPORT CLAIMS WILL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION.
APPLICANTS WHO DISQUALIFY THEMSELVES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FURTHER.
Information for Veterans: The category rating process does not add veteran's preference points but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet qualification requirements and have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% will be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade or higher.
All application materials and supporting documentation must be submitted and received by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on the closing date of the announcement in order for you to be considered for this vacancy.
It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that all application information, including the questionnaire, resume and any additional documents, whether uploaded or faxed, is received, legible, and accurate. HR will not modify any questionnaire answers or documents submitted by an applicant.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the Assessment Questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button.
NOTE: To check the status of your application, including submission and receipt of the questionnaire, documents, etc., or to return to a previous or incomplete application, you may use the following link: OR .
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJobs account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJobs account or your application will be incomplete.
To fax supporting documents you are unable to upload, complete this cover page: using the following Job Opportunity Announcement number: 1180643. Fax your documents to .
NOTE: If you applied online and your application is complete, do not fax the paper application (1203FX) as this will overwrite your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.
If you cannot apply online: 1. Click the following link to view and print the assessment questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire, and;
2. Print this 1203FX form along with your responses to the assessment questionnaire , and;
3. Fax the completed 1203FX form along with any supporting documents to . Your 1203FX will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission.
Keep a copy of your fax confirmation in the event verification is needed.
If you cannot complete the application process using one of the options identified in the How to Apply section, please contact our office for alternate application procedures.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes:
1. Your Resume. In order to ensure that all required information is provided in your resume, it is strongly suggested that you use the USAJOBS Resume Builder. Additional information about the Resume Builder can be found here:
2. A completed and submitted Assessment Questionnaire
3. Other supporting documents:
Veterans Preference Documentation, if applicable
All college transcripts (official or unofficial) if qualifying based on education OR if there is a Basic Education Requirement for this position.
VETERAN'S PREFERENCE DOCUMENTATION: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming veteran's preference, you MUST provide a copy of your DD-214 Member-4, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty or other proof of eligibility, such as a statement of service, if still on active duty. For more information on veteran's preference, go to /.
NOTE: Veterans must submit the Member-4 copy of the DD-214, which shows the character of service. If you do not submit a Member-4 copy, you will not be given preference.
Veterans claiming 10-Point preference must submit evidence of eligibility documentation to include a DD-214 (Member-4 copy), Standard Form 15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference version dated December 2004), and the proof requested on the form. To print a copy of the SF-15, go to .
Once the online questionnaire is received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. The Federal government offers a comprehensive benefits package. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees:
Career Transition Assistance Programs: CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance for Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or separated. If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and your most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must meet the definition of well-qualified. For this vacancy, the definition of well-qualified is placement into at least the well-qualified category. For more information on CTAP/ICTAP, visit: .
Male applicants who were born after 12/31/1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see ).
If a selection is made at a lower grade, promotion up to the full performance level may be made without further competition. However, promotion(s) will depend on the employee's satisfactory performance and are not guaranteed.Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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