Voyageurs National Park is a unique water-based park, comprised of 218,000 gorgeous acres of water and glacier carved, pine studded islands. The park is a four season destination, accessible by motorboats, kayaks, canoes, houseboats, snowshoes, cross country skis and snow machines. There are numerous hiking trails for beginners and for the most adventurous of hikers! Have you ever driven your vehicle on "hard water"? You can in Voyageurs, as winter ice roads are plowed and maintained on some of the lake surfaces within the park. It's just another way to experience one of America's most treasured national parks.
The park is nestled in the Minnesota Arrowhead Region, adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area and Quetico. There are four lake gateways into Voyageurs, including Rainy Lake, Lake Kabetogama, Ash River Trail and Crane Lake. International Falls is the full service gateway community at the north entrance, offering a hospital, two medical clinics, shopping, school district, community college, movie theater, bowling alley, community center and a variety of churches. International Falls also serves as the gateway to Canada, so those who are visiting Voyageurs may also include a day trip of sightseeing in our sister city, Fort Frances, Ontario. Voyageurs National Park These positions are located in Voyageurs National Park. Please visit find a park for additional park information.
Temp 1039:These positions Full-Time temporary positions not-to-exceed 1039 regular hours (about 6 months) in a service year. Positions may be terminated sooner or extended depending on management needs. Individuals selected under this vacancy announcement are eligible for rehire in subsequent service years.
The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for Voyageurs National Park is April - October, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April
Relocation:Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. All travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the sole responsibility of the selected employee.
Summary
Voyageurs National Park is a unique water-based park, comprised of 218,000 gorgeous acres of water and glacier carved, pine studded islands. The park is a four season destination, accessible by motorboats, kayaks, canoes, houseboats, snowshoes, cross country skis and snow machines. There are numerous hiking trails for beginners and for the most adventurous of hikers! Have you ever driven your vehicle on "hard water"? You can in Voyageurs, as winter ice roads are plowed and maintained on some of the lake surfaces within the park. It's just another way to experience one of America's most treasured national parks.
The park is nestled in the Minnesota Arrowhead Region, adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area and Quetico. There are four lake gateways into Voyageurs, including Rainy Lake, Lake Kabetogama, Ash River Trail and Crane Lake. International Falls is the full service gateway community at the north entrance, offering a hospital, two medical clinics, shopping, school district, community college, movie theater, bowling alley, community center and a variety of churches. International Falls also serves as the gateway to Canada, so those who are visiting Voyageurs may also include a day trip of sightseeing in our sister city, Fort Frances, Ontario. Voyageurs National Park These positions are located in Voyageurs National Park. Please visit find a park for additional park information.
Temp 1039:These positions Full-Time temporary positions not-to-exceed 1039 regular hours (about 6 months) in a service year. Positions may be terminated sooner or extended depending on management needs. Individuals selected under this vacancy announcement are eligible for rehire in subsequent service years.
The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for Voyageurs National Park is April - October, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April
Relocation:Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. All travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the sole responsibility of the selected employee.
The employee selected will assist biologists with fieldwork in one of these four areas: Aquatic ecosystem research and monitoring; wildlife research and monitoring; exotic plant control/vegetation studies; and cattail control/wetland restoration. The most common duties include a variety of field tasks such as water quality monitoring, biological sampling, wildlife handling, laboratory work, greenhouse operation, vegetation/habitat surveys, data collection, data entry/data management (including use of ArcGIS), and general resource management tasks.
Voyageurs National Park is a water-based park, and travel by motorboat is required to conduct fieldwork. The employee must be physically able to hike distances of up to six miles (one-way) over rough terrain, carrying loads of up to 50 pounds. Data recording and management will also be integral to this position. The employee may have the opportunity to participate on field trips involving a wide variety of research.
The employee will need to work in a variety of weather conditions; weather can vary from near freezing temperatures with rain and snow in May to hot and humid weather in late summer. Pests including black flies, deer flies, mosquitoes, and ticks are common in this region.
Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
Must posses or be able to complete (MOCC).
Direct Deposit: Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
Drug Testing: You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
Motorboat Operation/Instructor Certification: Motorboat Operation/Instructor Certification: Applicant must possess or be able to obtain a current Motorboat Operator Certification (MOCC) or Motorboat Operator Instructor Certification (MOICC). If you do not possess this certification, you must be willing and able to participate in the necessary training needed to obtain a Motorboat Operator Certification (MOCC). Motorboat Operator Certification (MOCC) training will be provided for you. Include a copy of your MOCC certification with your resume.
Drivers License: You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
Uniform: You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
Work Schedule: You may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime.
Must be able to work as part of a team and provide others with assistance to complete resource management projects.
Government House: May be available. Contact park.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level, you must possess at least one or all of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
EXPERIENCE: Have 12 months of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 level in the federal service.Specialized experience for Bio-Tech GS-05 is that experience which demonstrates that you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position Examples of qualifying specialized experience include resource management or research activities; conducting plant or animal surveys and assembling the information gathered. Follow standardized procedures to collect and analyzing biological data. Use statistical methods and procedures to perform testing of field data collected. Installs, operates, and maintains resource management equipment (tools, sampling and monitoring, photographic, and laboratory equipment) prepares graphs, charts, and illustrations for reports and technical publications relating to plant management activities. or other related work. You must include hours per week worked.
-OR- EDUCATION: Have successfully completed a full four year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture or mathematics.At least 6 semester hours must be directly related to the position such botany, forest ecology, aquatic ecology, wildlife biology, zoology, fisheries, ornithology, etc. IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE: If you are using education to qualify you must document your coursework and/or degree completed in your resume or other application materials you submit. You must submit a copy of your transcripts or a complete list of college courses taken that identifies for each course the college or university, semester or quarter hours earned, grade received, and date completed. If you are qualifying based on education and you do not submit specific coursework information as described previously, your application may be rated not qualified for consideration. (A copy of your official transcripts will be required before entrance on duty, if selected).
-OR- Combination: Have a combination of specialized experience as described above and education as described above which total 100 percent.Only education beyond the 60 semester hours above high school is considered qualifying when combined with specialized experience.Thirty semester hours beyond the first 60 is equivalent to 6 months of specialized experience.For example, 6 month of specialized experience (50% of the specialized experience requirement) and 90 semester hours with at least 12 semester hours related to the position and 3 hours directly related to the position (50 % of the education requirement) would be considered qualifying.NOTE: If you are qualifying based in part, upon education, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts.
Volunteer Experience: 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.
You must include months, years and hours per week worked to receive credit for your work and/or volunteer experience. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that does not indicate exact hours per week or is listed as "varies".
Education
To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your 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.
Additional information
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
Individuals selected under this vacancy announcement are eligible for the possibility of extensions or rehire in subsequent service years. Physical Demands: Work outdoors conducting physical labor, and collecting data, for extended periods in extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, windy, rainy, etc.).The work may be partially sedentary with prolonged standing, walking and bending often required. Heavy items (e.g. packs and equipment up to 50 pounds) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis. Must be able to hike off trail sometimes long distances for extended periods carrying heavy packs. Evaluates and mitigates risk prior to conducting operations.
Working Conditions: The work is performed in an office, laboratory and in the field. Field work includes exposure to the extreme weather conditions and terrain, pesticides, poisonous plants, biting insects and wild animals. Laboratory work may involve exposure to hazardous chemicals.
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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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.
A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Occupational Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions may affect your rating.
Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into one of three categories:
Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position
Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job
Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job.
You will be evaluated on the following competencies:
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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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.
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/26/2018:
Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, with dates specified in month and year format, and, indicate hours worked per week. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.
A complete Occupational Questionnaire
Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, orMother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.
Applicants who are eligible to be considered based on a Noncompetitive or Special Hiring Authority (i.e. Schedule A, VRA, Peace Corps, Americorp Vista, former PLC member, certain Military Spouses, 30% or More Disabled Veterans, Pathways Interns who have met the eligibility requirements for noncompetitive conversion, etc.) must submit appropriate documentation to verify your eligibility.
Documentation that you meet Selective Factors.
College transcripts, if qualifying based on education.
Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above 85 on the rating criteria for this position.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
To apply for this position: You must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/26/2018. WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.
Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to login or create an account.
Prompted to Start the Application Process by selecting "Start Application."
Select documents you want included in this application.
Review package to acknowledge your documents were reviewed.
Select if you want to include your demographic information.
After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select "Continue to Agency Site."
Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application.
Add the supporting documents by indexing your documents with the dropdown.
Upload any missing required documents or optional documents.
Review and Submit Application.
While logged in, you can check the status of your application by selecting "+" next to the job title for this position.
You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.
To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select "+" next to the job title for this position. Select "Update Application" for this job.
Note: When you click Update Application, you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So it is important that you select all documents you want to use in the re-application.
Voyageurs National Park
360 Highway 11 East
International Falls, MN 56649
US
Next steps
Once the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful. If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/26/2018:
Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, with dates specified in month and year format, and, indicate hours worked per week. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.
A complete Occupational Questionnaire
Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, orMother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.
Applicants who are eligible to be considered based on a Noncompetitive or Special Hiring Authority (i.e. Schedule A, VRA, Peace Corps, Americorp Vista, former PLC member, certain Military Spouses, 30% or More Disabled Veterans, Pathways Interns who have met the eligibility requirements for noncompetitive conversion, etc.) must submit appropriate documentation to verify your eligibility.
Documentation that you meet Selective Factors.
College transcripts, if qualifying based on education.
Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above 85 on the rating criteria for this position.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
To apply for this position: You must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/26/2018. WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.
Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to login or create an account.
Prompted to Start the Application Process by selecting "Start Application."
Select documents you want included in this application.
Review package to acknowledge your documents were reviewed.
Select if you want to include your demographic information.
After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select "Continue to Agency Site."
Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application.
Add the supporting documents by indexing your documents with the dropdown.
Upload any missing required documents or optional documents.
Review and Submit Application.
While logged in, you can check the status of your application by selecting "+" next to the job title for this position.
You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.
To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select "+" next to the job title for this position. Select "Update Application" for this job.
Note: When you click Update Application, you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So it is important that you select all documents you want to use in the re-application.
Voyageurs National Park
360 Highway 11 East
International Falls, MN 56649
US
Next steps
Once the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful. If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
