Biologist - Sacramento, United States - US Geological Survey

US Geological Survey

Verified Company

Sacramento, United States

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Mark Lane

beBee recruiter

Description

Duties:

As a Biologist within the California Water Science Center, some of your specific duties will include:

Plans and conducts studies and investigations concerning biological, chemical, and physical processes that affect biology resources.
Analyzes data, performs scientific tests, and conducts studies on the impact of existing or proposed management or public practices on biology resources.
Develops plans for biology projects including estimates of personnel, equipment, materials, and schedules required to carry out plans.
Modifies and adapts standard techniques, processes, and procedures; assesses, selects, and applies precedents; and devises strategies and plans to overcome significant resource problems related to ecology, fishery, and/or wildlife habitat restoration.
Writes reports that include recommendations for changes, elimination, or improvement of operations and program plans.
Operates government owned or leased vehicle as an incidental driver.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The field work requires some physical exertion such as walking over wet, rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities.

Laboratory work requires moderate physical ability and agility and dexterity to manipulate samples and operate equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in an office, laboratory, and/or in the field. The office is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Temperature and weather extremes may be encountered in the performance of the outdoor work. Field and laboratory duties may require the use of special protective gear.

The incumbent is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow workers, or property with which entrusted.

Requirements:

Conditions of Employment:

Key Requirements:

Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
Selectee must provide a valid state driver's license & safe driving record.
More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Other Information.

Are There Any Special Requirements For This Position?

Qualifications:

BASIC
EDUCATION
REQUIREMENT:
Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Biologist, all grade levels.

A. Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

OR
B.

Combination of education and experience-courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above (24 semester hours or the equivalent in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position), plus appropriate experience and/or additional education for a total of 4 years.

The education or combined education and experience must be comparable in type, scope and thoroughness to that acquired through successful completion of a 4-year course of study as described in "A" above.

(CLICK HERE
FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

For GS-11: In addition to the basic education requirements as stated above, applicants must meet one of the following:

Possess 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph. D. or equivalent doctoral degree in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines.

OR Possess one year of specialized experience at or equal to the next lower grade level.

Examples of experience at the GS-09 level work may include: 1) participation in the planning and execution of biological studies with limited number of variables; 2) performing established, standardized tests and analyses on a broad range of biological samples; 3) conducting biological studies using established fact finding procedures. For examples 1-3, assignments were made with the objectives, priorities, and deadlines defined. The work was planned and carried out independently in accordance with proven techniques, methods, and practices.

Controversial use of approaches or modifications of standard procedures were typically discussed with a designated person before being carried out.

OR Possess a combination of graduate level education as described in above, beyond the first two years of progressive graduate study, and appropriate professional experience that together meet the qualification requirements for this position.

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.

Education:

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 t