- Position Title
- Ecologist
- Agency
- Interior, US Fish and Wildlife Service
- Announcement Number
- R9-2--10892209-2-IS-MP Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Monday, August 17, 2020 to Monday, August 31, 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?
2.
Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions AND you:
• have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more; OR,
• are retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. You must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
• have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more; OR,
• are retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. You must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
3.
(1) The husband or wife of a member of the Armed Forces who, as determined by the Secretary of Defense, is performing active duty pursuant to orders that authorize a permanent change of station move, if such husband or wife relocates to the member's new permanent duty station;
-OR-
(2) The husband or wife of a totally disabled retired or separated member of the Armed Forces?
-OR-
(3) Are you the unremarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while performing active duty? For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
-OR-
(2) The husband or wife of a totally disabled retired or separated member of the Armed Forces?
-OR-
(3) Are you the unremarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while performing active duty? For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
the husband or wife of a totally disabled retired or separated member of the Armed Forces; or
To verify your eligibility for options 2 and 3 identified above, you must submit the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15 and all supporting documentation identified on that document (e.g., Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service; death certificate and documentation identifying marital status at the time of death; disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service, etc..
4.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position?
If yes, confirm:
• you are located in the same local commuting area of 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.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
If yes, confirm:
• you are located in the same local commuting area of 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.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
5.
Do you meet one of the following Competitive Merit Promotion eligibilities:
- Current or Former Federal Employee who has held or currently holds a career or career conditional appointment in the competitive service and has never held the full performance level of the position being announced.
- Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA)
- Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA)
6.
Are you a former Public Land Corps (PLC) Member who served as a qualified youth, ages 16 to 30 years, on an appropriate conservation project completing a minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory service that included at least 120 hours on Federal public lands within the last two (2) years?
For more information go to: https://www.blm.gov/careers/students-and-grads/public-lands-corps
To verify your eligibility, you must provide: a copy of your "Certificate of Eligibility for Noncompetitive Hiring" along with a copy of your "PLC Participant Verification Work Hours Sheet."
For more information go to: https://www.blm.gov/careers/students-and-grads/public-lands-corps
To verify your eligibility, you must provide: a copy of your "Certificate of Eligibility for Noncompetitive Hiring" along with a copy of your "PLC Participant Verification Work Hours Sheet."
7.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a Federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
• you are located in the same local commuting area of 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.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
• you are located in the same local commuting area of 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.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
8.
Are you a current or former employee of a Land Management Agency and are serving or served under a time-limited competitive service appointment? You may be eligible to compete under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act, P.L. 114-47.
Current land management agency appointees must have initially been hired under competitive procedures for a time-limited appointment; must have served under one or more time-limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two or more years; and must have performed at an acceptable level during each period of service.
Former land management agency employees must have initially been hired under competitive procedures for a time-limited appointment; must have served under one or more time-limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two or more years; and must have performed at an acceptable level during each period of service; must have been separated (with respect to their most recent separation) for reasons other than misconduct or performance, and must apply for a position covered by these provisions within two years of their most recent date of separation.
You must provide documentation showing all required periods of service (generally SF-50s) and acceptable performance (generally performance appraisal ratings or references from supervisors if employed for periods of time too short to require an appraisal.)
Current land management agency appointees must have initially been hired under competitive procedures for a time-limited appointment; must have served under one or more time-limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two or more years; and must have performed at an acceptable level during each period of service.
Former land management agency employees must have initially been hired under competitive procedures for a time-limited appointment; must have served under one or more time-limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two or more years; and must have performed at an acceptable level during each period of service; must have been separated (with respect to their most recent separation) for reasons other than misconduct or performance, and must apply for a position covered by these provisions within two years of their most recent date of separation.
You must provide documentation showing all required periods of service (generally SF-50s) and acceptable performance (generally performance appraisal ratings or references from supervisors if employed for periods of time too short to require an appraisal.)
9.
Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past twelve months?
-OR
Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past 36 months and are requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility due to your military service, status as a full-time student or other experience related to this position?
-OR
Are you a current or former Peace Corps employee who has completed at least 36 months of continuous service and has been separated from the Peace Corps for less than three years?
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your description of service or other proof of non-competitive eligibility. If you are a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility, please also provide the necessary documentation to support your request.
-OR
Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past 36 months and are requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility due to your military service, status as a full-time student or other experience related to this position?
-OR
Are you a current or former Peace Corps employee who has completed at least 36 months of continuous service and has been separated from the Peace Corps for less than three years?
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your description of service or other proof of non-competitive eligibility. If you are a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility, please also provide the necessary documentation to support your request.
10.
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.
-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.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form (SF-50) reflecting your status.
-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.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form (SF-50) reflecting your status.
11.
Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for a Schedule A Disability appointment? For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
To verify your eligibility, you must provide appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.
To verify your eligibility, you must provide appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.
12.
Are you currently employed as a Federal civilian employee in the Competitive Service and have never held the grade or full performance level of this position?
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your latest SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
• career or career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2); AND,
• your status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1).
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your latest SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
• career or career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2); AND,
• your status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1).
13.
Were you formerly employed as a Federal civilian employee on a permanent competitive appointment or did you obtain career-conditional status (and are within 3 years of the date of separation or are a preference eligible) and have you never held the full performance level of this position?
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your separation SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
• career or career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2); AND,
• your status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1).
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your separation SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
• career or career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2); AND,
• your status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1).
14.
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,
• are entitled to veterans' preference?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service.
• 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,
• are entitled to veterans' preference?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service.
Preferences
1.
Select the locations you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location.
2.
Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position.
Assessment 1
Basic Education Requirement
For each question, choose the response that best describes your experience and training. Mark only one response for each question. Please note that your answers will be verified against the information you provided in your resume or application and information provided by your references.
1.
From the descriptions below, select the letter corresponding to the statement that most clearly and accurately describes how you meet the basic education requirements for the Ecologist, GS-0408-13. Select only one letter.
Minimum Qualification
2.
From the descriptions below, select the letter corresponding to the statement that most clearly and accurately describes how you meet the minimum requirements for the Ecologist, G-0408-13. Select only one letter.
Mastery of and skill in applying advanced theories, principles, concepts, and practices of population ecology and wildlife biology and policy related to management of migratory bird populations, sufficient to integrate information in databases, analyze data, and prepare reports on the effects of current and proposed actions for migratory bird management.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
3.
Develop and apply population and habitat models to understand population dynamics of migratory bird or other fish and wildlife species and identify potential limiting factors.
4.
Apply contemporary quantitative methods in the analysis of marked individuals to estimate demographic rates including survival and transition probabilities.
5.
Apply contemporary quantitative methods to estimate abundance or occupancy of migratory bird or other fish and wildlife species using count data or other indices of abundance or presence.
6.
Application of density-dependent growth theory to the development of population growth models and or the estimation and analysis of population demographics.
Mastery of and skill in applying the principles of statistical analysis, including survey and biological sampling techniques, contemporary statistical analytical methodology, and interpretation of model outputs to perform sound scientific assessments.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
7.
Design statistically sound sampling programs to estimate distribution, abundance, and other demographic parameters of migratory birds or fish and wildlife species.
8.
Conduct surveys and or monitoring programs to determine the status and trends of migratory bird or other fish and wildlife populations.
9.
Analyze data to draw sound conclusions to provide expert technical advise to resource professionals on matters pertaining to the conservation and management of migratory birds or other fish and wildlife species.
10.
Integrating multiple data sets using hierarchical and or Baysian techniques to understand system dynamics and responses to management actions.
Knowledge of relational database creation and management and data warehousing techniques, and organizational skills sufficient to coordinate the collection and management of national migratory bird survey data.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
11.
Demonstrated ability to work with and manage large data sets in multiple formats.
Ability to communicate in writing to convey complex socio-biological issues, concepts, terms, and procedures to professional scientists and wildlife managers as well as the general public.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
12.
Demonstrated ability to author reports, peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts and other documents detailing the purpose, methods, and implications of scientific analyses and decision analyses for multiple audiences.
13.
Interact with the media, stakeholders, and affected publics on complex and controversial natural resources issues related to the conservation and management of migratory birds or other fish and wildlife species.
14.
Demonstrated ability to deliver oral presentations to a diversity of audiences detailing the purpose, methods, and management implications of scientific analyses and decision analyses.
Mastery of and skill in applying the principles of decision analysis, including facilitation, problem identification and definition, modeling and analysis of trade-offs and optimal decisions, and ability to communicate process and results to decision makers.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
15.
Application of facilitation and elicitation tools and methods to build common understanding of management decisions, identify management objectives and alternatives.
16.
Application of analytical tools to predict the consequences of management actions relative to stated objectives and identification of preferred or optimal alternatives.
17.
Develop conceptual, qualitative or quantitative models to predict future system dynamics to evaluate management actions and external disturbances (i.e., system changes).
Represents the Division of Migratory Bird Management as a senior staff biologist at flyway meetings, Service Regulations Committee meetings, scientific conferences, symposia, working groups, and public meetings.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
18.
Cooperate with colleagues in federal, state, and provincial agencies, research institutions, and non-government organizations to develop, prioritize and evaluate management and research projects in support of the conservation and management of migratory bird or other fish and wildlife species.
19.
Coordinate work assignments relative to cooperative research and management projects with partner organizations including federal, state, and provincial agencies, non-government organizations, and research institutions.
20.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and meet deadlines.
21.
Engage in discussions and meetings among stakeholders and agencies with divergent views, values, and objectives relative to the conservation and management of migratory birds or other species of fish and wildlife.
Minimum Qualification
22.
From the descriptions below, select the letter corresponding to the statement that most clearly and accurately describes how you meet minimum requirements for the Ecologist, GS-0408-12. Select only letter.
Knowledge of relational database creation and management and data warehousing techniques, and organizational skills sufficient to coordinate the collection and management of national migratory bird survey data.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
23.
Demonstrated ability to work with and manage large data sets in multiple formats.
Ability to communicate in writing to convey complex socio-biological issues, concepts, terms, and procedures to professional scientists and wildlife managers as well as the general public.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
24.
Interact with the media, stakeholders, and affected publics on complex and controversial natural resources issues related to the conservation and management of migratory birds or other fish and wildlife species.
25.
Demonstrated ability to deliver verbal presentations to a diversity of audiences detailing the purpose, methods, and management implications of scientific analyses and decision analyses.
26.
Demonstrated ability to author reports, peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts and other documents detailing the purpose, methods and implications of scientific analyses and decision analyses for multiple audiences.
Knowledge of the principles of decision analysis, including facilitation, problem identification and definition, modeling and analysis of trade-offs and optimal decisions, and ability to communicate process and results to decision makers.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
27.
Application of facilitation and elicitation tools and methods to build common understanding of management decisions, identify management objectives and alternatives.
28.
Application of analytical tools to predict the consequences of management actions relative to stated objectives and identification of preferred or optimal alternatives.
29.
Develop conceptual, qualitative or quantitative models to predict future system dynamics to evaluate management actions and external disturbances (i.e., system changes).
Represents the Division of Migratory Bird Management as a senior staff biologist at flyway meetings, Service Regulations Committee meetings, scientific conferences, symposia, working groups, and public meetings.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
30.
Cooperate with colleagues in federal, state, and provincial agencies, research institutions, and non-government organizations to develop, prioritize, and evaluate management and research projects in support of the conservation and management of migratory bird or other fish and wildlife species.
31.
Coordinate work assignments relative to cooperative research and management projects with partner organizations including federal, state, and provincial agencies, non-government organizations, and research institutions.
32.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and meet deadlines.
33.
Engage in discussions and meetings among stakeholders and agencies with divergent views, values, and objectives relative to the conservation and management of migratory birds or other fish and wildlife species.
Knowledge of the principles of statistical analysis, including survey and biological sampling techniques, contemporary statistical analytical methodology, and interpretation of model outputs to perform sound scientific assessments.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
34.
Integrating multiple data sets into hierarchical and or Baysian models to understand system dynamics and responses to management actions.
35.
Design statistically sound sampling programs to estimate distribution, abundance, and other demographic parameters of migratory birds or fish and wildlife species.
36.
Conduct surveys and or monitoring programs to determine the status and trends of migratory bird or other fish and wildlife populations.
37.
Analyze data to draw sound conclusions to provide expert technical advise to resource professionals on matters pertaining to the conservation and management of migratory bird or other fish and wildlife species.
Knowledge of advanced theories, principles, concepts, and practices of population ecology and wildlife biology and policy related to management of migratory bird populations, sufficient to integrate information in databases, analyze data, and prepare reports on the effects of current and proposed actions for migratory bird management.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
38.
Develop and apply population and habitat models to understand population dynamics of migratory bird or other fish and wildlife species and identify potential limiting factors.
39.
Apply contemporary quantitative methods in the analysis of marked individuals to estimate demographic rates including survival and transition probabilities.
40.
Apply contemporary quantitative methods to estimate abundance or occupancy of migratory bird or other fish and wildlife species using count data or other indices of abundance or presence.
41.
Application of density-dependent growth theory to the development of population models and or the estimation and analysis of population demographics.