This position is part of the R6-Missouri River Coordinator Office as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist.
This announcement is being advertised concurrently under R6-20-10841859-ED-DE and is open to all qualified individuals. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
Summary
This position is part of the R6-Missouri River Coordinator Office as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist.
This announcement is being advertised concurrently under R6-20-10841859-ED-DE and is open to all qualified individuals. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
This position will be located at one of the following duty locations:
Kansas City, Missouri
Omaha, Nebraska
Bismarck, North Dakota
Pierre, South Dakota
Yankton, South Dakota
As a Fish and Wildlife Biologist you will provide Service leadership, continuity, and coordination for the Missouri River management and restoration program within Service Regions 3 and 6 along 2,300 miles of the Missouri River. Duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
Coordinate with other Service offices, other Federal agencies, affected States, the public, and private organizations to formulate strategies for the development and implementation of proper management activities for fish and wildlife resources on the Missouri River.
Serve as primary point of contact for pallid sturgeon and participate in the operation of the stakeholder group for Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (MRRIC); maintain close coordination and communication with Missouri River Coordinator, Pallid Sturgeon Recovery Coordinator, and Regional Director's office regarding MRRIC developments.
Serve as primary point of contact and participant on Fish Workgroup and associated decision support and governance activities pertaining to the Missouri River Recovery Management Plan (MRRMP); maintain close coordination and communication with Missouri River Coordinator and Regional Director's office regarding MRRMP developments.
Cooperate with US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), serving as co-lead in managing the adaptive management program for the MRRMP.
Represent the Missouri River Coordinator and, as require, serve as the Region 6 representative to the Missouri River Basin Interagency Roundtable, river corridor working groups, and other organizations or meetings regarding Missouri River activities.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of the background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination
Time-in-Grade requirements apply to status candidates
New employees who are expected to travel on official business are required to apply for a Government travel charge card within 30 days of their appointment
New employees of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must identify a financial institution for direct deposit of pay prior to appointment
Valid state driver?s license is required
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by 07/10/2020 will be considered.
To qualify for this position, you must meet one of the below Basic Requirements:
Possess 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. (You must submit a copy of your transcripts to support educational claims); OR
Possess 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. (You must submit a copy of your transcripts to support educational claims).
In addition to meeting the Basic Requirement, you must satisfy the below Minimum Requirement to qualify at the GS-12 level:
Possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal Service demonstrated by work as a professional biologist dealing with biological issues of a large river ecosystem including the interaction of species with the river. This would include assisting with the development or implementation of management plans; participating in research of riverine or associated ecosystems; or assisting in writing biological opinions, listing or recovery planning of large river fish species.
In addition to meeting the Basic Requirement, you must satisfy the below Minimum Requirement to qualify at the GS-13 level:
Possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal Service demonstrated by independent work as a professional biologist dealing with biological issues of a large river ecosystem including the interaction of threatened and endangered species with river management strategies. This would include serving as a subject matter expert for river management or restoration project planning/implementation; a principle investigator leading research of riverine or aquatic ecosystems; or experience leading other biologists writing biological opinions, listing packages or recovery plans.
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-13. 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-13. 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.
More than one vacancy may be filled from this announcement.
The LAND MANAGEMENT WORKFORCE FLEXIBILITY ACT (LMWFA), P.L. 114-47 allows certain individuals who currently are or formerly were under time-limited competitive appointments at certain land management agencies to compete under merit promotion procedures.
Current Appointees must have (1) been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time-limited appointment with a land management agency; (2) served under one (or more) time-limited appointments with a land management agency for 24+ months without a break in service of two or more years; and (3) performed at an acceptable level.
Former Appointees must (1) have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time-limited appointment with a land management agency; (2) have served under one (or more) time-limited appointments with a land management agency for 24+ months without a break in service of two or more years; (3) apply for a position within two years after separation; (4) have been separated for reasons other than misconduct or performance; and (5) have performed at an acceptable level.
Note: Applicants must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary or term employment that qualifies for LMWFA.
PUBLIC LAND CORPS (PLC) HIRING AUTHORITY: PLC participants who complete program requirements are eligible for noncompetitive hiring status for federal positions. In order to be eligible, a former member must provide, as part of their application, documentation verifying their eligibility and must:
Have served as a qualified youth on an appropriate conservation project, completing a minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory service that included as least 120 hours through the PLC;
Apply to a vacancy announcement for which applications are being accepted from individuals with non-competitive status;
Meet the OPM minimum qualification standards stated in the vacancy announcement for the position for which the applicant is applying; and
Have competed his/her most recent Corps service, which provided him/her with a total of 640 hours including 120 hours on a PLC project as defined in 16 USC 1723(d) within the last two years.
Appointments must be effected within the two-year requirement period and this two-year time frame cannot be extended. Selectees will be subject to a probationary period and this authority may be used for both General Schedule and Federal Wage System positions.
Note: Applicants must provide a copy of their Certificate of Eligibility for Noncompetitive Hiring Status (PLC).
The CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN (CTAP) & INTERAGENCY CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN (ICTAP) apply to employees who have been or may be involuntarily separated (e.g., reduction in force, declining to relocate or transfer outside the local commuting area, etc.) from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, an applicant must: (1) meet CTAP/ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support eligibility (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal or Removal Notice; SF-50 that documents the reduction-in-force separation action or removal; and most recent performance appraisal). For more information, visit https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
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) and grade point average or class ranking. 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
Telework:FWS has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for situational only telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.
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 and ecology of large river systems, including the interaction of species, habitats, life history, food habits, habitat utilization, movements, behavior, population dynamics, and a wide command of the scientific literature.
Knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, and techniques of natural resource management, fish and wildlife management, water management, western water law, tribal law, and other environmental laws and regulations needed to resolve complex and controversial problems.
Ability to provide technical assistance and guidance to States along the Missouri River, including the ability to provide direction in determining the conservation needs associates with threatened and endangered species found along the river.
Skill in developing and coordinating diverse biological and functional resource and program plans, to identify necessary objectives, to assess the effectiveness of numerous alternative resource plans in reach goals and objectives, and to effectively recommend the particular set of action plans that best meet overall resource needs and goals.
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), if the position has education requirements, or if you are using your education to qualify. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A copy of your official transcripts will be required if you are selected. 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 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. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
SF-50 (non-award), or equivalent Notification of Personnel Action if you are a current or former Federal employee. Your SF-50 (non-award) must show tenure code 1 or 2 in block 24, and position occupied code 1 (competitive service) in block 34. Note: Federal employee who has reinstatement eligibility, you MUST submit a copy of your latest non-award SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action," that shows you are serving under a permanent career or career-conditional appointment (code 1 or 2 in block 24) in the Competitive Service (code 1 in block 34). The SF-50 must show the position title, series, grade, and step of your position. If you are claiming reinstatement eligibility, you must submit an SF-50 showing your separation (resignation, termination, etc.). If you have previously held a higher grade than the grade/position you currently occupy, you must submit a copy of the last non-award SF-50 you received for that position. If you have any questions regarding which SF-50's to submit, it is highly recommended that you contact the person listed on this vacancy announcement before the closing date.
Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment if you are requesting to be considered Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act eligibility. For Public Land Corp eligibility, a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Compliance Hiring Based for Public Land Corps Service is required for verification of eligibility.
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.)
Documentation/proof that you are eligible Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
Please submit a copy of your most recent, signed and completed annual performance appraisal which includes the final rating. If it is not dated within the last 18 months or if you have not received a performance appraisal, please explain why in your application." Please include incentive awards with your application.
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 07/10/2020 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 view the assessment questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10841860
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
134 Union Blvd Suite 220
Lakewood, CO 80228
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 by the customer office.
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.
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), if the position has education requirements, or if you are using your education to qualify. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A copy of your official transcripts will be required if you are selected. 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 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. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
SF-50 (non-award), or equivalent Notification of Personnel Action if you are a current or former Federal employee. Your SF-50 (non-award) must show tenure code 1 or 2 in block 24, and position occupied code 1 (competitive service) in block 34. Note: Federal employee who has reinstatement eligibility, you MUST submit a copy of your latest non-award SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action," that shows you are serving under a permanent career or career-conditional appointment (code 1 or 2 in block 24) in the Competitive Service (code 1 in block 34). The SF-50 must show the position title, series, grade, and step of your position. If you are claiming reinstatement eligibility, you must submit an SF-50 showing your separation (resignation, termination, etc.). If you have previously held a higher grade than the grade/position you currently occupy, you must submit a copy of the last non-award SF-50 you received for that position. If you have any questions regarding which SF-50's to submit, it is highly recommended that you contact the person listed on this vacancy announcement before the closing date.
Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment if you are requesting to be considered Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act eligibility. For Public Land Corp eligibility, a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Compliance Hiring Based for Public Land Corps Service is required for verification of eligibility.
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.)
Documentation/proof that you are eligible Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
Please submit a copy of your most recent, signed and completed annual performance appraisal which includes the final rating. If it is not dated within the last 18 months or if you have not received a performance appraisal, please explain why in your application." Please include incentive awards with your application.
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 07/10/2020 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 view the assessment questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10841860
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
134 Union Blvd Suite 220
Lakewood, CO 80228
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 by the customer office.
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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
