USDA Forest Service Wildlife Biologist, GS-0486-07/09 ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER:
11-02060009-1764D-MAS APPLICATION DEADLINE: 03/01/2011 JOB LOCATION: DOUGLAS, WY WORK SCHEDULE: Seasonal SALARY RANGE: $38,790.00-$61,678.00 OPEN DATE: 02/16/2011 TIME LIMIT: Term, not to exceed 24 Months WHO MAY APPLY: US citizens NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 1 PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 09 ________________________________ NOTES: This term position is located in Region 2 on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest and Thunder Basin National Grassland, as part of the Douglas Ranger District in Douglas, Wyoming. For additional information about the duties of the position, please contact Misty Hays at 307-358-4690 or e-mail at [email protected]. This is a full-time Seasonal, TERM appointment. The incumbent will be guaranteed up to 36 pay periods of full-time work within the first two-year initial TERM appointment. You may be placed in an intermittent non-pay / non-duty status during the remaining 16 pay periods within the initial TERM appointment. However, there may be a possibility to work more. Individuals hired under a Term appointment are eligible to elect health and life insurance benefits, and to receive within-grade increases (periodic pay raises). Term employees must satisfactorily complete a one-year trial period. Term employment does not confer competitive (permanent) status, nor entitle the term employee to noncompetitive appointment to permanent jobs. The duration of a term appointment will be determined by the length of the project, work load, and available funding. The initial TERM appointment is for 24 months. Extensions beyond this period may be authorized in one year increments, but not to exceed four years. This position has a positive education requirement; therefore, a legible copy of your college transcripts is required. Transcripts must be attached to your Avue application or faxed to 253-573-9869 prior to the closing date of the announcement; please include your name and the announcement number on all documents. Applicants who fail to submit their transcripts with their application will not be given credit for their education. If you are claiming 10-point preference as a widow/widower of a certain deceased veteran, spouse of a veteran unable to work because of a service connected disability, or the mother of a deceased or disabled veteran, you must submit an SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) and all supporting documentation listed on the second page of the SF-15. If you fail to submit the supporting documentation with your application, you will not be granted veterans preference. If you are not able to attach the forms to your application, you may fax to 253-573-9869, please include your name and the announcement number on all documents. We expect to make a final job offer within 30-60 days after the deadline for applications. Please read the vacancy announcement thoroughly and follow all instructions to ensure proper consideration. If you are unable to apply on-line or have questions about the meaning of items in the vacancy announcement, please contact Human Resources Management at 1-877-372-7248. Applications may be reviewed to verify qualifications and eligibility prior to issuing lists to a selecting official. The USDA Forest Service has legislative authority to recruit and fill Permanent (Career/Career-Conditional), Temporary, and Term Appointments under the USDA Demonstration Project. Under this authority, any U.S. citizen may apply. DUTIES:(The duties described reflect the full performance level of this position) Manages, coordinates, or provides technical support to wildlife, vegetation and biological resource programs and projects. Develops or participates in the development of policy and planning for the organization. Directs or participates in the inspection and evaluation of wildlife programs and projects. Administers or supports the ongoing monitoring of wildlife studies, surveys, and activities to ensure program quality, effectiveness, technical adequacy, and compliance. Prepares reports of findings or contributes information to reporting documents. Provides technical advice and assistance in the implementation and evaluation of wildlife resource management programs and projects. Consultations involve assessment of wildlife resources, species, habitats, environmental impacts, biological evaluations, and related regulatory requirements and compliance guidelines. Participates in the conduct of scientific studies and projects, in management investigations, and/or in wildlife resource surveys. MINIMUM FEDERAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Grade 07: BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESEARCH POSITIONS A. Applicants must show successful completion of a full four-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in biological science that included at least 9 semester/13 quarter hours in such wildlife subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, or research courses in the field of wildlife biology; and at least 12 semester/18 quarter hours in zoology in such subjects as general zoology, invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, cellular biology, parasitology, entomology, or research courses in such subjects (Excess courses in wildlife biology may be used to meet the zoology requirements where appropriate.); and at least 9 semester/13 quarter hours in botany or the related plant sciences. OR B. Combination of education and experience----equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester/45 quarter hours), which at least 9 semester/13 quarter hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester/18 quarter hours in zoology, and 9 semester/13 quarter hours in botany or related plant science, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR RESEARCH POSITIONS Bachelor's degree with major in wildlife biology, zoology, or botany that included at least 30 semester/45 quarter hours of course work in biological science and 15 semester/22 quarter hours in the physical, mathematical, and earth sciences. This course work must have included: --At least 9 semester/13 quarter hours of training applicable to wildlife biology in such subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, principles of population dynamics, or related course work in the field of wildlife biology; and --At least 12 semester/18 quarter hours in zoological subjects such as invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy of the vertebrates, embryology, animal physiology, entomology, herpetology, parasitology, and genetics; and at least 9 semester/13 quarter hours in the field of botany and related plant science; and at least 15 semester/22 quarter hours of training in any combination of two or more of the following: chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, soils, and/or geology. ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have had either specialized experience and/or directly related education in the amounts shown below. Education and experience may be combined to meet the total experience requirements. 1. The applicant must have completed one (1) year of graduate level education OR be eligible for the superior academic achievement provision when it provided the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. OR 2. One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-5. Specialized experience is experience which is in or related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Grade 09: BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESEARCH POSITIONS A. Applicants must show successful completion of a full four-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in biological science that included at least 9 semester/13 quarter hours in such wildlife subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, or research courses in the field of wildlife biology; and at least 12 semester/18 quarter hours in zoology in such subjects as general zoology, invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, cellular biology, parasitology, entomology, or research courses in such subjects (Excess courses in wildlife biology may be used to meet the zoology requirements where appropriate.); and at least 9 semester/13 quarter hours in botany or the related plant sciences. OR B. Combination of education and experience----equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester/45 quarter hours), which at least 9 semester/13 quarter hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester/18 quarter hours in zoology, and 9 semester/13 quarter hours in botany or related plant science, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR RESEARCH POSITIONS Bachelor's degree with major in wildlife biology, zoology, or botany that included at least 30 semester/45 quarter hours of course work in biological science and 15 semester/22 quarter hours in the physical, mathematical, and earth sciences. This course work must have included: --At least 9 semester/13 quarter hours of training applicable to wildlife biology in such subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, principles of population dynamics, or related course work in the field of wildlife biology; and --At least 12 semester/18 quarter hours in zoological subjects such as invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy of the vertebrates, embryology, animal physiology, entomology, herpetology, parasitology, and genetics; and at least 9 semester/13 quarter hours in the field of botany and related plant science; and at least 15 semester/22 quarter hours of training in any combination of two or more of the following: chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, soils, and/or geology. ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have had either specialized experience and/or directly related education in the amounts shown below. Education and experience may be combined to meet the total experience requirements. 1. The applicant must have completed two (2) years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree when it provided the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. OR 2. One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-7. Specialized experience is experience which is in or related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION Specialized experience directly related to this position should be documented in the Work History section of the online application. Applicants are encouraged to provide a narrative in the Work History section that describes the duties performed relative to the specialized experience defined for this position. Show percentage of time performing these duties if work involved a variety of different duties, i.e., where only a portion of the work experience would be creditable for this position. Specialized experience for this position is defined as one or more of the following: GS-07: Gathering information and research data in a biological science specialty area, using a variety of established methods, procedures, and techniques; preparing or assisting in the preparation of documents and visual aids such as data tables, slides, posters, brochures, progress reports, summaries of field or laboratory work, or draft portions of manuscripts; and assisting in the routine observation, measurement, and recording of scientific phenomena that affected conditions in a biological science specialty area. GS-09: Under close supervision, gathering and compiling data to assist the supervisor in determining wildlife management program needs; according to the direction of the supervisor, analyzing standard data on selected wildlife resources functionality issues; and as a trainee, participating in wildlife monitoring program activities by completing simple reports based on observations. OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS: Please check Job Posting Information, Summary, for the area of consideration (i.e., Who May Apply), and time limit information. Bargaining Unit Status: Eligible - Not Covered. BASIS OF RATING: The category rating procedure is used to rank and select eligible candidates. Under category rating, applicants who meet basic minimum qualification requirements established for the position and whose job related competencies have been assessed are ranked by being placed in one of the following categories: Quality, Well Qualified, and Eligible. Candidates placed in the Quality category will be assessed based on Education, High Ability, or Experience. Well Qualified candidates are those who clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements but do not necessarily meet the criteria for the Quality category. Candidates in the eligible category meet basic minimum qualification requirements but do not meet the criteria for the Well Qualified category. Preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Drug testing is a requirement for certain positions. See "Other Significant Facts" portion of this announcement for information specific to position being filled. To receive consideration for this position, you must meet all qualification requirements as of the closing date of the announcement or on the date a referral list is generated from an Open Continuous announcement. Applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure the work history portion thoroughly documents the duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments that are directly related to this position in order to verify specialized experience. If selection is made at a lower grade level, promotion to the target grade will be non-competitive upon completion of training, performance, and specialized experience requirements. To ensure that you receive consideration, the scannable application package must be postmarked on or before the closing date stated in the announcement and must be received at the correct address within 7 days. Applications submitted in postage-paid Government envelopes will not be accepted. Applications received become the property of the USDA Forest Service and will not be returned. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's Target Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: The USDA Forest Service provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the point of contact listed on the vacancy announcement. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Forest Service affiliated child/day care facilities are not available. Government housing is not available. BENEFITS: A variety of health insurance plans; retirement system with investment options; paid holiday; paid sick and annual (vacation) leave; life insurance; incentive systems; subsidized transportation, flexible work schedule, training and development opportunities, family/worklife program, etc. Transfer of Station/Relocation expenses will not be paid. This is a term, time-limited appointment with an initial duration no less than 13 months and can be extended up to a total of 4 years. As a condition of employment, all male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must have registered for the selective service. If selected for this position, the applicant must sign a statement certifying his registration, or the applicant must demonstrate exempt status under the Selective Service Law. DIRECT DEPOSIT: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals. VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Generally, preference is granted to veterans who entered the military service prior to October 14, 1976; or served on active duty during the period from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992, and who are otherwise eligible; or who served on active duty during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom; or who have served in a military action for which they received a Campaign Badge or Expeditionary Medal. This includes the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) awarded to those who participated in Operation Joint Endeavor or Operation Joint Guard. Also, you may be entitled to veterans' preference if you are a disabled veteran; you have received a Purple Heart; you are the spouse or mother of a disabled veteran; or you are the widow, widower, or mother of a deceased veteran. Applicants will be required to provide documents with their application to validate their claim for preference. More detailed information is available on the Main Menu screen under the selection entitled, "Veteran Information." Completion of a probationary or trial period may be required, depending on the type of appointment. During this time period, employee's conduct and performance will be monitored in order to determine if employee will be retained. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Check our website at: http://www.fs.fed.us/fsjobs for general information on the Forest Service. Applications must be certified online by 11:59 PM Eastern time on the closing date indicated on the Vacancy Announcement. Applicants are encouraged to submit completed applications early in the opening period. The Forest Service is not responsible for nonreceipt of online applications. You will be notified of successful receipt of your application via the e-mail indicated on your application. HOW TO APPLY: In order to determine if you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for this position, please submit the following information: 1. Experience/Employment Information: a. Apply On-Line at www.avuedigitalservices.com/usfs/applicant.html. This online application process allows applicants to submit employment information that can be printed for personal use and saved and/or edited on the website for future use. The application process contains all the data elements that are required for resumes submitted for federal employment and may be submitted electronically. OR b. Apply by Scannable Questionnaire: This Questionnaire requires completion of a scannable form. You must request the instructions and form and submit the scannable application form and supporting documentation by mail. Locations and their codes will be listed in the application package. A facsimile of the scannable form cannot be accepted. 2. Eligibility Information: The following documents must be electronically attached to your application to verify your eligibility and basic qualifications. Failure to provide this documentation may result in disqualification. a. If you are claiming 5-point veteran's preference, you must submit a DD-214, Member 4 copy. If you are claiming 10-point preference you must submit a DD214, Member 4 copy, an SF-15 (Application for 10-Point preference) and a letter (dated 1991 to present) from the VA or military department indicating your disability rating. Applicants claiming preference based on service performed after October 14, 1976, must specify on the application the Campaign Badge upon which they are basing their claim. If you are still on active duty and claim veteran's preference, then you must submit documentation such as a: (1) official orders or citation entitling you to a campaign badge; (2) statement of service from a commanding officer or someone else in authority attesting to your active duty which identifies dates of entry and anticipated separation; rank at time of discharge; and anticipated character of discharge; or (3) in the case of someone claiming service during the first Gulf War or since 9/11/01, any official document attesting to your presence on active duty during the appropriate calendar periods. Veterans who fail to submit the supporting documentation with their application will not be granted veterans preference. If you are not able to attach the forms to your application, you may fax to 253-573-9869, please include name on all documents. b. Transcripts (official or unofficial) are required if education is used to meet basic qualifications requirements or meet education criteria in the quality category. Transcripts should be attached to the Avue profile or faxed to 253-573-9869; please include name on all documents. 3. CURRENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES: Notice of Expected Separation, performance appraisal information for current Federal employees or other proof documents are required if requesting priority placement consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). CTAP and ICTAP candidates must be well qualified. Submit SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action or equivalent document to verify current or former federal employment status should also be submitted. TO REQUEST A SCANNABLE FORM: Please refer to the contact name and phone number listed in this vacancy announcement. Contact Information: ASC HRM Staffing 877-372-7248 [email protected]
