- Position Title
- Fish Biologist
- Agency
- Forest Service
- Announcement Number
- 20-R6-10756557-G-RK Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Monday, March 23, 2020 to Friday, March 27, 2020
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans' Preference?
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS CAREFULLY. Your answers will be used to determine your eligibility to apply to this job opportunity announcement. You will be considered under the eligibility option(s) to which you answer YES. Select YES to all eligibility options for which you want to be considered. If you respond NO to meeting the criteria for all the eligibilities, you will not be considered for the position(s) under this announcement.
NOTE: You must submit the required supporting documentation to receive consideration for EACH selected eligibility. Failure to provide the required documents will result in an ineligible rating and your application will be excluded from consideration.
NOTE: You must submit the required supporting documentation to receive consideration for EACH selected eligibility. Failure to provide the required documents will result in an ineligible rating and your application will be excluded from consideration.
2.
Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions (this means an honorable or general discharge) AND you either:
• retired from active military service with a disability rating of 30 percent or more; OR
• rated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) since 1991 or later to include disability determinations from a branch of the Armed Forces at any time, as having a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
• retired from active military service with a disability rating of 30 percent or more; OR
• rated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) since 1991 or later to include disability determinations from a branch of the Armed Forces at any time, as having a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
3.
Are you a current USDA employee who meets the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee, in which received official notice that your job is no longer needed or that you will lose your job by Reduction-in-Force (RIF)? If yes, confirm:
• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
4.
Were you employed overseas as an Appropriated Fund employee AND did you:
• complete 52 weeks of creditable overseas service in an appropriated fund position(s) as a family member during the time you accompanied a sponsor officially assigned to an overseas area; AND,
• receive a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance rating; AND,
• return to the United States to resume residence less than 3 years ago?
For more information, review USAJOBS Former Overseas Employees resources.
• complete 52 weeks of creditable overseas service in an appropriated fund position(s) as a family member during the time you accompanied a sponsor officially assigned to an overseas area; AND,
• receive a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance rating; AND,
• return to the United States to resume residence less than 3 years ago?
For more information, review USAJOBS Former Overseas Employees resources.
5.
Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces on active duty?
-OR-
Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating of 100 percent at the time of retirement or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?
-OR-
Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
-OR-
Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating of 100 percent at the time of retirement or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?
-OR-
Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
6.
Are you a current or former permanent Farm Service Agency County employee?
7.
Are you a current Federal employee who currently holds a career or career conditional appointment?
8.
Are you a Federal employee who currently holds a career or career conditional appointment AND you have held or currently hold a position on a permanent basis in the competitive service with the same or higher promotion potential of the position being advertised?
9.
Have you completed at least 1 year of continuous service immediately before separation from one or more nontemporary Foreign Service appointments; AND, your separation from a Foreign Service career-type appointment occurred in the last 3 years (individuals entitled to veteran's preference do not need to meet this 3-year requirement)?
-OR-
Have you completed at least 3 years of substantially continuous service under one or more nontemporary appointments in the Foreign Service immediately before separation from an unlimited, career-type appointment in that Service?
-OR-
Are you a current or former limited non-career appointee with the Foreign Service and have at least 48 months of continuous service, a performance rating of satisfactory or better, and if a former employee, no more than a one year break in service since your qualifying appointment?
-OR-
Have you completed at least 3 years of substantially continuous service under one or more nontemporary appointments in the Foreign Service immediately before separation from an unlimited, career-type appointment in that Service?
-OR-
Are you a current or former limited non-career appointee with the Foreign Service and have at least 48 months of continuous service, a performance rating of satisfactory or better, and if a former employee, no more than a one year break in service since your qualifying appointment?
10.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a Federal agency other than USDA? If yes, confirm:
• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
11.
Are you a current or former employee of a land management agency (Forest Service; Bureau of Land Management; National Park Service; Fish and Wildlife Service; Bureau of Indian Affairs; or Bureau of Reclamation) who is claiming eligibility under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act and:
• was originally hired to a time-limited position under a competitive appointment; and,
• served one or more time-limited appointments at a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a single break in service of two or more years; and,
• performed at an acceptable level during each period of service; and,
• if no longer employed by the land management agency, have been separated for no more than two years, and whose most recent separation was for reasons other than misconduct or performance.
Note: Service must be in the competitive service and have been at a successful level of performance or better. Part-time and intermittent service will be credited only for time actually worked. Non-pay status (such as LWOP) is credited for up to six months in a calendar year; anything beyond six months is not credited. Applicants are responsible for providing sufficient information/documentation to determine if the 24 month criteria is met.
• was originally hired to a time-limited position under a competitive appointment; and,
• served one or more time-limited appointments at a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a single break in service of two or more years; and,
• performed at an acceptable level during each period of service; and,
• if no longer employed by the land management agency, have been separated for no more than two years, and whose most recent separation was for reasons other than misconduct or performance.
Note: Service must be in the competitive service and have been at a successful level of performance or better. Part-time and intermittent service will be credited only for time actually worked. Non-pay status (such as LWOP) is credited for up to six months in a calendar year; anything beyond six months is not credited. Applicants are responsible for providing sufficient information/documentation to determine if the 24 month criteria is met.
12.
Are you a current Excepted Service employee of a Federal Agency that has a valid interchange agreement with the Office of Personnel Management?
For more information, review Interchange Agreements with Other Merit Systems.
For more information, review Interchange Agreements with Other Merit Systems.
-OR-
Are you a current:
• Postal Career Service Employee;
• Postal Rate Commission Employee;
• Government Accountability Office (GAO) Employee; or,
• Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Employee?
For more information, review Miscellaneous Authorities Not Regulated By U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
• Postal Career Service Employee;
• Postal Rate Commission Employee;
• Government Accountability Office (GAO) Employee; or,
• Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Employee?
For more information, review Miscellaneous Authorities Not Regulated By U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
13.
Are you a Peace Corps Volunteer or AmeriCorps VISTA Alumni who completed your service within the past 12 months; OR,
Are you a Peace Corps Volunteer or AmeriCorps VISTA Alumni who completed your service within the past 36 months AND you are requesting an extension of your non-competitive appointment eligibility due to your military service; study at a recognized institution of higher learning; or involvement in another activity, which the hiring agency may view warrants extension? OR,
Are you a current or former Peace Corps employee who completed at least 36 months of continuous service without a break in service of 3 days or more AND has been separated from the Peace Corps for less than three years?
Are you a Peace Corps Volunteer or AmeriCorps VISTA Alumni who completed your service within the past 36 months AND you are requesting an extension of your non-competitive appointment eligibility due to your military service; study at a recognized institution of higher learning; or involvement in another activity, which the hiring agency may view warrants extension? OR,
Are you a current or former Peace Corps employee who completed at least 36 months of continuous service without a break in service of 3 days or more AND has been separated from the Peace Corps for less than three years?
14.
Do you have a severe intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability that qualifies you for a Schedule A Disability appointment?
For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
15.
Have you completed a qualifying conservation project(s) with the US Forest Service? If yes, confirm that you meet the following:
- you received a Public Land Corps - Certificate of Eligibility for Noncompetitive Hiring Status
- you were between 16 and 30 years old (inclusive) when the certification of eligibility was signed
- you completed a minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory service on appropriate conservation projects that included at least 120 hours on Public Lands Corps projects; AND,
- you are within the two-year eligibility period from the date the certification was signed.
16.
Have you registered for reemployment consideration AND meet one of the below:
• Are you a current or former competitive service USDA employee who will be or was separated by Reduction-In-Force (RIF) and received a rating of satisfactory or above as your last annual performance rating?
OR
• Are you a former USDA competitive service employee who separated due to a compensable injury or disability?
• Are you a current or former competitive service USDA employee who will be or was separated by Reduction-In-Force (RIF) and received a rating of satisfactory or above as your last annual performance rating?
OR
• Are you a former USDA competitive service employee who separated due to a compensable injury or disability?
17.
Are you a former Federal career or career-conditional employee AND
• has reinstatement eligibility; AND
• has not held a position on a permanent basis in the competitive service with the same or higher promotion potential of the position being advertised?
• has reinstatement eligibility; AND
• has not held a position on a permanent basis in the competitive service with the same or higher promotion potential of the position being advertised?
18.
Are you a former Federal career or career-conditional employee AND
• has reinstatement eligibility; AND
• has held a position on a permanent basis in the competitive service with the same or higher promotion potential of the position being advertised?
• has reinstatement eligibility; AND
• has held a position on a permanent basis in the competitive service with the same or higher promotion potential of the position being advertised?
19.
Are you a former Resource Assistant with the US Forest Service? If yes, confirm that you meet the following:
- you received a Certificate of Eligibility for Noncompetitive Hiring Status Based on Resource Assistants Program
- you successfully completed a minimum of 960 hours of full- or part-time work, not to exceed 3,500 hours over a two-year period
- you earned an undergraduate (associate or bachelor) or graduate degree from an accredited institution of higher education; AND,
- you are within the two-year eligibility period from the date the certification was signed.
20.
Are you:
• a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions AND you served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (Note: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility); OR,
• eligible for veterans' preference?
Note: If you are currently on active duty you may be considered under the two provisions above provided you submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
• a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions AND you served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (Note: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility); OR,
• eligible for veterans' preference?
Note: If you are currently on active duty you may be considered under the two provisions above provided you submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
21.
Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions AND you:
• recently separated (within the past 3 years); OR,
• are a disabled veteran; OR,
• served on active duty during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized; OR,
• received an Armed Forces Service Medal (includes the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal)for participation in a military operation?
Note: If you are currently on active duty you may be considered under the two provisions above provided you submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
• recently separated (within the past 3 years); OR,
• are a disabled veteran; OR,
• served on active duty during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized; OR,
• received an Armed Forces Service Medal (includes the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal)for participation in a military operation?
Note: If you are currently on active duty you may be considered under the two provisions above provided you submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
Preferences
1.
Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position.
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in this Fish Biologist position with the USDA Forest Service. Your resume and the responses you provide to this assessment questionnaire will be used to determine if you are among the best qualified for this position.
This section will be used to determine if you possess the education needed to meet the basic education eligibility to qualify for this position, Fish Biologist GS-0482. PLEASE PROVIDE A COPY OF YOUR TRANSCRIPTS.
1.
From the description below, select the response that best describes how you meet the basic education requirements for a Fish Biologist position. If you do not meet the basic education requirements, you will not receive consideration for this position. NOTE: You must document your course work and/or degree completed in your resume or other application materials you submit. You must submit a copy of your transcripts that identifies for each course the college or university, semester or quarter hours earned, grade received, and date completed. If you are qualifying based on education and you do not submit specific course work information described below, your application will be rated not qualified for consideration. Please select only one response:
Specialized Qualifications
This section will be used to determine if you possess the education and/or experience that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Fish Biologist GS-0482-09-11. Mark only response for each question. Please note that your answers will be verified against the information you provide in your resume or application and information provided by your references. FAILURE TO RESPOND TO THESE QUESTIONS WILL RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING. PLEASE PROVIDE A COPY OF YOUR TRANSCRIPTS.
2.
Select the statement below that reflects your education and/or experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a GS-09 Fish Biologist. Please select only one response.
3.
Select the statement below that reflects your education and/or experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a GS-11 Fish Biologist. Please select only one response.
For each of the following tasks, choose the statement from the list below that best describe your experience and/or training. Do not overstate or understate your level of experience and demonstrated capability. Your ratings are subject to evaluation and verification based on the resume, and other relevant documents you submit.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
4.
Work with and assist senior members of the staff in the performance of analytical/scientific assignments.
5.
Collect field data on aquatic habitats and species using all types of sampling equipment.
6.
Lead fish habitat improvement projects, habitat inventory, and monitoring programs.
7.
Analyze data to recommend solutions to special issues or problems involving aquatic species resources.
8.
Develop plans related to the protection and management of aquatic resources, including fish passage, stream inventory, stream productivity, stream utilization, physical and biological characteristics, endangered or sensitive species, and habitat improvements or rehabilitation programs.
9.
Provide recommendations relating to fishery resource/fish habitat requirements, other management activities, including streamside/riparian area and watershed protection.
10.
Lead the design of fish habitat and population monitoring studies and strategies to collect new data required for ensuring habitat and population maintenance.
11.
Participate in management investigations and surveys necessary for protection, restoration and enhancement of fish habitat.
12.
Review proposed land management projects and make specific recommendations through the environmental analysis process for fisheries habitat protection and enhancement.
13.
Recognize problems that may develop and recommend preventative or mitigative actions.
14.
Coordinate and work with staff in monitoring fish habitat and fish populations.
15.
Provide assistance in preparing and reviewing environmental assessments and environmental impact statements affecting fishery resources.
16.
Participate in the formulation and evaluation of alternatives and in the development of final recommendations.
17.
Work cooperatively with State, Tribal, and Federal fish, aquatic species, and water quality management agencies to manage aquatic species and habitats.
18.
Participate on interdisciplinary teams for district or forest or equivalent level to prepare environmental analysis reports.
19.
Prepare well-researched and organized presentations related to work assignment which include speaking at meetings and participation in field trips.
20.
Manage data sets using biological software programs.
21.
Assemble biological data from records to document the results of past fishery and aquatic resources activities.
22.
Participate in studies and plans proposed for resource management activities to ensure they are implemented according to resource management plans.
23.
Prepare a variety of written reports or limited environmental analyses regarding fishery habitat and related resources.
24.
Provide aquatic ecosystem and fishery input during the planning phases of road construction projects, timber sales, micro-hydro projects, and livestock grazing allotment management plans, threatened, endangered or sensitive species. etc., on the land.
25.
Participate on or lead interdisciplinary teams, studies and plans proposed management activities, and coordinates and/or implements approved resource management plans that pertain to Fisheries Management and Aquatic Resource protection and enhancement.
26.
Prepare environmental assessments, biological evaluations and environmental impact statements include technical progress and final reports, present results of administrative studies, surveys.
27.
Promote understanding and cooperation between the Forest Service, other Federal agencies, Tribal, and State wildlife agencies, and special interest groups with respect to the fisheries resource and other resource activities.
28.
Report on program accomplishments for annual reports to integrate program goals with other resource programs.
29.
Monitors stream flow and fish habitat conditions as needed to determine compliance with Forest Plan Standards and guidelines or equivalent.
30.
Develop project plans related to aquatic species or habitat improvement for inclusion in a Natural Resources program of work.
31.
Coordinate limited studies of fishery/aquatic species populations.
32.
Analyze and interpret project and study data and results, and provide information for use in fish habitat management and project proposal reviews and decisions.
33.
Plan, conduct and execute administrative studies including cost/benefit analyses, methods to be used, timing, coordination to obtain information on the effects of forest management on fish habitat populations and correlates fish management with other resource uses such as timber, recreation, and watershed management.
34.
Prepare and work with cooperators and partners on grant proposals to implement fisheries and aquatic program objectives.
35.
Conduct fishery monitoring program activities for assigned projects through evaluations and written reports as required.
36.
I certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all the information submitted by me with my application for employment is true, complete, and made in good faith, and that I have truthfully and accurately represented my work experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education (degrees, accomplishments, etc.). I understand that the information provided may be investigated. I understand that misrepresenting my experience or education, or providing false or fraudulent information in or with my application may be grounds for not hiring me or for terminating me after I begin work. I also understand that false or fraudulent statements may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (18 U.S.C. 1001).