This vacancy announcement is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pacific Southwest Regional Hiring Initiative to fill professional biological science/natural resource management positions at the GS-7 and 9 grade levels. One or more positions may be filled at various locations. YOU MUST APPLY FOR ALL OF THE DUTY STATIONS FOR WHICH YOU ARE INTERESTED.
As a Fish Biologist, you'll work at a fish hatchery or in the field to develop hatchery or fishery management plans for species needing conservation, conduct ecological studies on factors such as population distribution, abundance, survival rates, etc. to understand the current situation and develop recommendations for restoration and management.
Pay Advance: Advance payment of up to 4 weeks of basic pay based on employee salary at time of hire is authorized for newly appointed federal employees to the federal Service, or employees returning to Federal Service after a break in service of 90 days or more.
This position is being filled under the Pathways Recent Graduates Program that affords developmental experiences in the Federal Government intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. Recent graduates who have completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. Students may apply within one (1) month of meeting their education requirements.
This position is being filled at the GS-7/9 with a full performance level GS-11. The Recent Graduates Program lasts for one year. During the first year the selectee will perform developmental activities designed to help him/her acquire the competencies of the target position in which the he/she may be placed upon completion of the program. Participants who successfully complete the Recent Graduates Program may be eligible for conversion to the target position on a permanent or term (more than one to four years in duration) basis without further competition.
Preference eligible veterans who were precluded from applying due to their military service obligation begin their two-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty. Eligibility for these veterans cannot exceed six years after degree or certificate completion.
Summary
This vacancy announcement is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pacific Southwest Regional Hiring Initiative to fill professional biological science/natural resource management positions at the GS-7 and 9 grade levels. One or more positions may be filled at various locations. YOU MUST APPLY FOR ALL OF THE DUTY STATIONS FOR WHICH YOU ARE INTERESTED.
As a Fish Biologist, you'll work at a fish hatchery or in the field to develop hatchery or fishery management plans for species needing conservation, conduct ecological studies on factors such as population distribution, abundance, survival rates, etc. to understand the current situation and develop recommendations for restoration and management.
Pay Advance: Advance payment of up to 4 weeks of basic pay based on employee salary at time of hire is authorized for newly appointed federal employees to the federal Service, or employees returning to Federal Service after a break in service of 90 days or more.
This position is being filled under the Pathways Recent Graduates Program that affords developmental experiences in the Federal Government intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. Recent graduates who have completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. Students may apply within one (1) month of meeting their education requirements.
This position is being filled at the GS-7/9 with a full performance level GS-11. The Recent Graduates Program lasts for one year. During the first year the selectee will perform developmental activities designed to help him/her acquire the competencies of the target position in which the he/she may be placed upon completion of the program. Participants who successfully complete the Recent Graduates Program may be eligible for conversion to the target position on a permanent or term (more than one to four years in duration) basis without further competition.
Preference eligible veterans who were precluded from applying due to their military service obligation begin their two-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty. Eligibility for these veterans cannot exceed six years after degree or certificate completion.
Develops and reviews comprehensive hatchery and fishery management plans and coordinates with other fishery programs that effect biological resources including, but not limited to: fish culture, hatchery quality control, fishery management assistance, sampling for exotic species, assessing fish populations, and recommending habitat restoration/management.
Plans and conducts a variety of complex investigations including the design, collection, and analysis of biological data pertaining to species reared and released from National Fish Hatcheries in the assigned area or to assist in implementing hatchery reform initiatives.
Leads the application of techniques for hatchery evaluations and/or ecological interactions between hatchery and wild fish, including stream ecology studies involving population distribution, abundance, survival, age/length composition, behavior, competition and habitat assessments.
Maintains a high level of technical skill and knowledge necessary to ensure that recommendations for the field office/hatchery/fish health center are consistent with current published literature and other professionally endorsed practices.
Prepares reports on progress and completion of activities and formulates recommendations that guide future programs and influences the improvements in fisheries program management/hatchery operations/aquatic habitat restoration and/or fish health practices.
Reviews and analyzes biological implications of environmental assessments or comprehensive resource planning reports to evaluate environmental consequences of proposed actions on Federal projects.
Responsible for the final collation, preparation and editing of contract reports, annual reports and scientific documents (potentially to be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals) produced as a result of the fishery activity as well as preparing for and conducting briefings (for example, to regional office personnel).
Presents project results at public and scientific meetings and conferences.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation
Must meet Pathways eligibility requirements
Selectee will be required to sign a Pathways Agreement form
Must meet the eligibility requirements for the Recent Graduate Program. Recent Graduates will enter a formal training program with a mentor and execute an Individual Development Plan outlining training requirements and program expectations.
Recent Graduates must receive at least 40 hours of formal training directly linked to their employment field.
Recent Graduates serve a trial period for the duration of their excepted service appointment.
Recent Graduates will be required to sign a Pathways Recent Graduate Participant Agreement.
Applicants must provide documentation of completion within the previous 2 years of a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution.
Incumbent at Gardnerville, NV location required to live in Government furnished housing/quarter on federal premises
Relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the responsibility of the selected employee
Qualifications
Students who will complete the requirements for their degree by June 30, 2018 may apply.
BASIC QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT: In order to meet the basic qualification requirement for the GS-0482 series as a Fish Biologist, your application materials must demonstrate that you meet either A or B below. You must submit copies of transcripts that reflect all of your course work, grades, and hours earned semester and/or quarter and that your degree has been confirmed, in order to receive consideration for this position. You will be required to submit an official transcript if selected for the position.
A. You must have a Bachelor's or higher degree with a major in biological science that includes the following:
At least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects such as limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fish biology; AND
At least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences in such subjects as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or research in these fields. (Excess course work in aquatic subjects may be used to meet this requirement when appropriate.)
B. You must have a combination of education in an accredited college or university, and experience equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours) of which have at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects such as limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fish biology; AND at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences in such subjects as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or research in these fields, PLUS appropriate experience or additional education. (Excess course work in aquatic subjects may be used to meet this requirement when appropriate.). The quality of the combination demonstrates that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work of the position, and is comparable to that normally acquired through the completion of a full four-year course of study with a major as described above.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT: In addition to meeting the Basic Qualification Requirement outlined above, you must also meet the additional qualifications for each grade level you wish to be considered.
To be found qualified at the GS-7 grade level, your application materials must demonstrate either A, B, C or D below:
A. Possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal Service. You must have direct and/or related experience in the examples listed below to meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Examples of specialized experience are: assisting with biological initiatives related to the management of fish and aquatic resources; collecting data and biological information concerning fish populations and fish culture techniques; and assisting with the preparation and presentation of data relative to fishery resources. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified.
B. Completed one year (18 semester hours) of graduate education in fisheries biology or a closely related field which provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully complete the work of the position. NOTE: You must submit transcripts that clearly reflect this education.
C. Possess a Bachelor's degree AND Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.) S.A.A. is based on (1) Class Standing, (2) Grade-Point Average, or (3) Honor Society Membership. (1) Class Standing: Upper one-third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision based on completed courses. (2) Grade-Point Average: A grade point average of (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 (B or better) as recorded on the official transcript or as computed based on four years of education, or computed based on courses completed during the final two years of the curriculum; -or- (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 0 (B+ or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final two years of the curriculum. (3) Election to Membership in a National Scholastic Honor Society: Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies. Freshman scholastic honor societies cannot be used to meet the requirements of this position. NOTE: You must submit transcripts that clearly reflect this education.
D. Possess a combination of qualifying specialized experience as described in response A and qualifying graduate education as described in response B that equals 100 percent of the GS-07 requirement when computed as percentages and combined. NOTE: To qualify under this option you must submit transcripts to verify your education and include proof of your experience in the text of your resume.
To be found qualified at the GS-9 grade level, your application materials must demonstrate either A, B, or C below:
A. Possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal Service. You must have direct and/or related experience in the examples listed below to meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Examples of specialized experience are: assisting a variety of investigations including the design, collection, and analysis of biological data; participate in stream ecology studies and habitat assessments; collect and analyze scientific data to prepare technical fishery manuscripts; and orally presenting data to the public. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified.
B. Successful completion of at least two full years (36 semester hours) of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree in fisheries biology or a directly related discipline from an accredited college or university. NOTE: You must submit transcripts that clearly reflect this education.
C. Possess a combination of education and experience that has equipped me with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of this position. I have graduate level education beyond the 1st year that I am using to qualify in combination with my experience. NOTE: You must submit transcripts that clearly reflect this 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 training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-11. At lower grade levels, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-11. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds.The selectee may be promoted without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
FWS has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.
The following conditions of employment may apply to the advertised positions:
- Drug testing
- Motorboat certification
- Required to wear US Fish and Wildlife Service uniform
- State pesticide license
- Work schedule may include weekends/holidays/evenings
- Extensive travel may be required
- Swift water Safety Certification
- Occupy government furnished housing/quarter on federal premises
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.
Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the basic qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If you meet the basic qualifications your resume and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience 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):
Knowledge of the biology, ecology and habitat requirements of aquatic species native to North America (e.g., Pacific salmon and steelhead trout) in both the stream and hatchery environments, and Service trust species (e.g., bull trout, cutthroat trout, and Pacific lamprey) sufficient to plan and conduct inspections and evaluations; to review and analyze biological date; and to provide technical assistance and advise to others.
Ability to analyze, design, and conduct aquatic research, modeling, and monitoring projects to plan and conduct a wide variety of complex investigations including the design, collection, and analysis of biological data.
Skill in applying biometric principles, theories, practices and concepts to develop statistically valid study proposals and evaluation of study results.
Ability to communicate orally to present data and its analyses.
Ability to communicate in writing to compose reports requiring a minimum of reviewing and editing, prepare technical fishery manuscripts, and review other professional work for technical accuracy.
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:
Qualified: Meets minimum qualifications established for the position, but fails to meet the benchmark definition for the Well Qualified category.
Well Qualified: Demonstrates overall competency in the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position.
Best Qualified: Demonstrates high proficiency and comprehensive level of knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position.
The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of Veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the basic 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).
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 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must attach an SF-15," Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" in addition to the proof required by that form.
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.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk
Other supporting documents:
Cover Letter, optional
Official or unofficial College Transcript(s) is required. Transcripts must indicate degree completion date. A copy of your official transcripts will be required if you are selected.
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, 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.
Review the Appointment Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility section of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the appointment eligibilities that you selected. You must provide proof of your eligibility as required by appointment eligibility to be considered.
Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month/day/year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume.
You must also complete the online application and assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
DEADLINE DATE: A complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on 05/31/2018 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is received. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
You will be considered for all eligibilities for which you select "yes" and submit the required documents and supporting documentation (e.g. DD 214, Schedule A letter, etc.). The supporting documentation you submit will be used to determine your eligibility. Please review the list of documentation provided in the eligibilities language to ensure you provide the appropriate information.
Please note, your eligibility will be based solely on the selections you have indicated "yes" in this section. You must provide the supporting documentation to support your claim to be considered. You may choose more than one eligibilities in this section.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Division of Human Resources
Division of Human Resources
2800 Cottage Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
US
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.
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk
Other supporting documents:
Cover Letter, optional
Official or unofficial College Transcript(s) is required. Transcripts must indicate degree completion date. A copy of your official transcripts will be required if you are selected.
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, 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.
Review the Appointment Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility section of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the appointment eligibilities that you selected. You must provide proof of your eligibility as required by appointment eligibility to be considered.
Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month/day/year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume.
You must also complete the online application and assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
DEADLINE DATE: A complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on 05/31/2018 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is received. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
You will be considered for all eligibilities for which you select "yes" and submit the required documents and supporting documentation (e.g. DD 214, Schedule A letter, etc.). The supporting documentation you submit will be used to determine your eligibility. Please review the list of documentation provided in the eligibilities language to ensure you provide the appropriate information.
Please note, your eligibility will be based solely on the selections you have indicated "yes" in this section. You must provide the supporting documentation to support your claim to be considered. You may choose more than one eligibilities in this section.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Division of Human Resources
Division of Human Resources
2800 Cottage Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
US
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.
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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
