Occasional travel - See travel requirements by location for amount of travel in additional information section.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. (Relocation/PCS is only authorized for Lacey, WA.  Discretionary benefits not authorized)
This position will be filled under the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority and is open to all United States citizens and U.S. nationals. Veteran's preference and traditional rating and ranking of applications do not apply. All qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration for this position.
As a Fish and Wildlife Biologist your duties will include but are not limited to the following:
As a Senior Private Lands Biologist, develops partnerships with private landowners and other external
partners; develops habitat restoration projects at a landscape scale; and participates in the development
of State and Regional program-related policy, goals and objectives. Evaluates the effectiveness of
landscape scale private lands initiatives, and recommends modifications to approach to the PFW State
and Regional Coordinators, local supervisor, and more senior Service management. Uses discretion to
identify methods and practices for meeting the Service's State and Regional PFW Program goals, and
employs a high degree of tact and professionalism.
Works with other Service programs to guide and coordinate activities on private lands that will benefit
threatened and endangered species and migratory birds. Works with National Wildlife Refuge Offices to
guide and coordinate activities on private lands that complement activities on Service lands or contribute
to the resolution of problems on refuges that are caused by off-refuge land use activities. Works with
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Offices and other local, State and Federal organizations to guide and
coordinate activities on private lands that will benefit inter-jurisdictional fish species.
Assists the State Coordinator, Regional Coordinator, and Project Leaders in coordinating with state
natural resource agencies and representing the Service in matters involving Service fish and wildlife
management activities on private lands.
With oversight from the State Coordinator, Regional Coordinator, or Project Leaders, as appropriate,
administers field work budget for the geographic area of responsibility with guidance from the supervisor.
Works with National, State and local conservation organizations to develop partnerships that leverage
Service resources for habitat work.
Develops MOUs or Cooperative Agreements with partner organizations for approval by the appropriate
Service official, to implement joint funding efforts and habitat initiatives.
Coordinates with universities or private organizations to adapt existing methods of habitat restoration to
the latest science.
Continually seeks opportunities for the PFW program to complement and support priorities of other
Service programs and ecosystem teams. Provides landscape scale leadership and promotion of the
PFW program with local, state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, other Service
programs, and media. Develops field office and assists with statewide stepdown PFW Strategic Plans,
identifying geographic focus areas and focal species, associated plans and initiatives, habitat strategies
and major partners to accomplish statewide and regional objectives.
With Project Leaders, and State and Regional Coordinators, evaluates the distribution of work areas for
assigned Service staff within the state and recommends changes where necessary to increase work
efficiency and resource prioritization. Prepares budget allocation recommendations to the supervisor for
assigned field stations with PFW or collateral duty staff to ensure that funding is being allocated where
needed to most effectively meet Service priorities for their assigned geographic area and state.
Conducts quality control reviews on accomplishment reporting through the various databases
(i.e.HabITS, etc.) to ensure station(s) is adequately reporting accomplishments and activities and
provides updates to PFW field staff on changes to reporting requirements.
Conducts other private activities and special projects as assigned.
Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.
Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply).
Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by 05/07/2021 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.
Basic Requirement:
1. Successfully completed a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's or higher degree at an accredited college or university that included a major field of study in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a related discipline. OR
2. Combination of education and experience that is equivalent to a major in a biological science. The quality of the combination of education and experience must be sufficient to demonstrate that the applicant possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform work in the occupation, and is comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of a full 4-year course of study with a major in the appropriate field. In addition to courses in the major and related fields, a typical college degree would have included courses that involved analysis, writing, critical thinking, research, etc. These courses would have provided an applicant with skills and abilities sufficient to perform progressively more responsible work in the occupation. Therefore, creditable experience should have demonstrated similarly appropriate skills or abilities needed to perform the work of the occupation.
You may qualify at the GS-11 level, if you fulfill one of the following qualification requirements:
1. 1 year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) in Federal service performing biological and/or ecological investigations related to fish and/or aquatic species. Examples of specialized experience may include: 1) Conducting investigations to determine the life history, growth, and reproductive requirements for fish and/or wildlife resources of an area; 2) Assisting in the development of comprehensive fish and/or wildlife study plans or proposals, including proper application of experimental design and statistical methods used in scientific investigations; 3) Assisting in the preparation and review of biological proposals, reports and manuscripts, including interpreting and explaining statistical results, to evaluate consequences of proposed management actions; OR 4) Collaborating with non-profit organizations, universities, state agencies, and/or federal agencies to develop and execute a natural resource research program. OR
2. Three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree, or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree at an accredited college or university with a major area of study in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a closely-related field which provided me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position. OR
3. Combination of specialized experience and graduate-level education as described in A and B above that, when combined, equals 100% of the qualification requirement. (To compute, first, determine your experience as a percentage of the experience required; then determine your graduate education as a percentage of the education required. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100%.)
You may qualify at the GS-12 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirements:
1 year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) in Federal service performing biological and/or ecological investigations related to fish and/or aquatic species. Examples of specialized experience may include: 1) Conducting investigations to determine the life history, growth, and reproductive requirements for fish and/or wildlife resources of an area; 2) Determining alternative actions or mitigation measures for fish and/or wildlife resources in unique situations where standard methods and procedures do not apply; 3) Developing and conducting projects that result in statistically-sound recommendations for natural resource conservation and/or hatchery management; 4) Serving as a subject matter expert for fish and/or wildlife resources and communicating research-based conservation actions to non-profit organizations, universities, and state and federal agencies; OR 5) Composing and reviewing biological reports or peer-reviewed scientific journals.
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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Additional information
Travel requirements per location:
Auburn, CA 75% or less travel
Lafayette, LA 50% or less travel
East Orland, ME Occasional travel
Austin, TX 255 or less travel
Lacey, WA Occasional travel
Relocation/PCS is only authorized for Lacey, WA. Discretionary benefits not 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 or ICTAP applicants must be determined to be well-qualified for this position in order to receive special selection priority. To be well-qualified, a CTAP or ICTAP applicant must meet the following: OPM qualification requirements for the position, all selective factors, where applicable; special OPM approved qualifying conditions for the position; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate, to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and receives a rating of at least 85 on the questionnaire. For more information visit: OPM's Employee Guide to Career Transition
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.
All applicants who submit a complete and legible application by the closing date of this vacancy announcement {or cut-off} will have their qualifications reviewed to determine if they possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the work of this position.
1. Skill in oral communication in order to express evaluations and conclusions, report status of progress or problems, document needs, discuss coordination of activities.
2. Skill to develop, train, and support all staff and mentor other private lands staff in the state.
3. Knowledge of theory, principles and methods of fish and wildlife biology and a working familiarity with related disciplines such as forestry, range, agriculture, etc., in order to act as an expert and central point of contact for conservation projects and partnerships in the assigned geographic area.
4. Knowledge of conservation social science concepts, principles, and practices as applied to natural resources management sufficient to identify and engage with landowners and local communities.
5. Professional knowledge and understanding of biological processes in order to recognize the validity of reported achievements, to evaluate policy and programs, and to undertake and evaluate complex biological studies and projects.
Applicants eligible for priority consideration under DOI's Career Transition Assistance Program/Plan, employees eligible under the Interagency Career Transition Plan (ICTAP). Eligible candidates on the Reemployment Placement List (RPL). A qualified and eligible permanent DOI employee may be selected before an ICTAP eligible.
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.
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, annual salary, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number. Additional information on what to include can be found here. Your experience needs to address every required qualification.
2. College Transcripts: 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. CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 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.
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:
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 Application Package. See required documents section.
Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
Applications must be received by 05/07/2021, 11:59pm ET to receive consideration.
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: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Division of Human Resources
5275 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041
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 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.
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, annual salary, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number. Additional information on what to include can be found here. Your experience needs to address every required qualification.
2. College Transcripts: 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. CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 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.
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:
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 Application Package. See required documents section.
Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
Applications must be received by 05/07/2021, 11:59pm ET to receive consideration.
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: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Division of Human Resources
5275 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041
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 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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
