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    Biologist - Carbondale, United States - U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

    U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
    U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Carbondale, United States

    3 weeks ago

    Default job background
    Full time
    Description
    Duties

    The primary role of this position is to serve as the lead biologist (both in the office and in the field) for a study examining native fish passage at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's Mississippi River Lock and Dam 22. The study is a multi-year study designed to maintain an acoustic telemetry array to detect fish passage on the Mississippi River. The project is utilizing a variety of fish tagging methods (including acoustic tags) to monitor fish passage at the facility.

    As a Biologist your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
    • Participates in the planning and execution of complex studies and assessments or independently plans, organizes and implements limited studies concerning biological, chemical, and physical processes that affect ecosystems. Coordinates, collects and processes field specimens for analysis according to established procedures, methods and techniques.
    • Conducts routine field experiments using various data-collection systems and extracts and analyzes data from these systems. Modifies and adapts standard techniques, processes and procedures; assesses, selects and applies precedents; and recommends strategies and plans to overcome significant resource problems. Deploys remote data-collection systems and manipulates and analyzes data from these systems.
    • As directed, conducts program analyses, and reviews results of studies or investigations. Drafts sections of reports that include recommendation for changes, elimination, or improvement of operations and program plans.
    • Gathers, organizes, and interprets a wide variety of biological, ecological, pathological, public use data or other information pertinent to scientific studies. Analyzes and synthesizes quantitative and qualitative data using a wide variety of methods and software in ways that support project needs.
    • Develops and maintains computer databases; conducts geospatial analysis; and gathers, analyzes, tabulates and summarizes scientific, programmatic, and/or budgetary data. Utilizes a wide variety of data visualization methods and techniques to accurately and effectively communicate data and data analysis findings to various audiences including FWS management and staff, stakeholders, and partners.
    Requirements

    Conditions of Employment
    • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
    • Resume (See "Required Documents"). Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is provided on resume.
    • Eligibility and Supporting documents - You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to AND submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section.
    • Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
    • Driver's License: Selectees will be required to possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure.
    • Uniform: Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform may required.
    • Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
    • Individuals assigned male at birth after must be registered for Selective Service. To verify registration, visit
    Qualifications

    Only experience and education obtained by 05/31/2024 will be considered.

    In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.

    Basic Requirement:
    1. A bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited college or university in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR
    2. A combination of education and experience which includes courses equivalent to a major in the biological sciences (i.e. at least 24 semester hours) as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education that is comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in the biological sciences, agriculture, or natural resources management or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
    Minimum Qualification [GS-9]
    1. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-7 in the Federal service in the field of, or directly related to fish and/or other aquatic species biological science. Examples of qualifying experience may include: 1) leading the development of field based projects related to fish and other aquatic species biology; 2) leading teams to collect data in the field which is related to fish and other aquatic species biology and entering that data into computer based databases; 3) independently analyzing data, drafting, and finalizing reports on fish and other aquatic species biology; and 4) independently maintaining and using fish capture equipment or carrying out captive rearing and fish health assessments. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified. OR
    2. Have completed two years of progressively higher level graduate education at an accredited college or university leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or a directly related field appropriate to this position. OR
    3. Have an equivalent combination of professional experience and graduate level education beyond the first year which together equals 100% of the requirements. (When combining education with experience, first determine the total qualifying education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; then determine the experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; finally, add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant 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, 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. For further information, visit:

    Additional information

    PCS INFORMATION:
    -No PCS entitlements authorized

    Telework:
    -This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.

    Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area.
    Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), score at least 85 on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry.
    For information on CTAP and ICTAP visit: "

    Reasonable Accommodation: The USFWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.
    • A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. .

      Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
    How You Will Be Evaluated

    You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

    You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications outlined above.

    Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If you meet the qualifications your resume and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. Note: If, after reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications which resulted in you being listed in the highest quality category, you may lose consideration, or be assigned to a lower quality category for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

    Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
    • Skill in applying theories, principles, and concepts of biology to perform scientific studies and assessments.
    • Skill in utilizing field and laboratory techniques to collect and analyze samples and statistical procedures for the interpretation of study results.
    • Skill in effectively communicating information and presenting findings.
    • Knowledge of database management including, concepts, principles, and methods.
    All qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position. The category ratings for this position are: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, and Qualified

    The category rating process protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher).
    • A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. .

      Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
    • As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

      You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.

      Required Documents:

      1. Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe:
      • Your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience.
      • Hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, and description of job duties. Note: Current and former Federal employees should include the grade level of their federal positions.
      • Include name and address of employer, supervisor name and telephone number.
      Additional information on what to include can be found . Your experience needs to address every required qualification. Note: Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.

      2. College Transcripts: Please refer to the education section above for additional information. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.

      Additional Documentation, if applicable:
      1. Cover Letter

      2. Veterans' Preference Documentation:
      If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference in addition to the proof required by that form (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.

      3. CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR a) for CTAP and 5 CFR for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.

      4. Current and former federal employees - It is recommended that you submit a copy of your SF-50(s) (Notification of Personnel Action) to support your experience. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include appointments/separations, promotions, within-grade increases.

      Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

      If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

      Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from .

      Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
    • Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below. The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text.

      To apply for this position, you must provide a complete . See required documents section.

      Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
      1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents. To preview the assessment questionnaire, click .
      2. Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
      3. Applications must be received by 05/31/2024 ,11:59pm ET to receive consideration.
      4. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, in Applications tab, click the position title you applied to for the status. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: .
      If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact the Human Resources Office via email at

      Agency contact information

      Human Resources Staffing Division

      Email

      Next steps

      Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, 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 by the hiring official.

      You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.

      You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.
    • The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
    Required Documents

    You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.

    Required Documents:

    1. Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe:
    • Your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience.
    • Hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, and description of job duties. Note: Current and former Federal employees should include the grade level of their federal positions.
    • Include name and address of employer, supervisor name and telephone number.
    Additional information on what to include can be found . Your experience needs to address every required qualification. Note: Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.

    2. College Transcripts: Please refer to the education section above for additional information. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.

    Additional Documentation, if applicable:
    1. Cover Letter

    2. Veterans' Preference Documentation:
    If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference in addition to the proof required by that form (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.

    3. CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR a) for CTAP and 5 CFR for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.

    4. Current and former federal employees - It is recommended that you submit a copy of your SF-50(s) (Notification of Personnel Action) to support your experience. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include appointments/separations, promotions, within-grade increases.

    Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

    If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

    Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from .

    Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.