- Position Title
- Biological Scientist
- Agency
- Forest Service
- Announcement Number
- 23-RESGVA-12081308-DP-KB Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Monday, August 21, 2023 to Tuesday, September 5, 2023
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 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.
3.
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.
4.
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?
Preferences
1.
Select the location(s) 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.
3.
Are you a current or former Political appointee, Presidential appointee, and/or non-career Senior Executive Service (SES) appointee?
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in this GS-0401-5/7/9 Biological Scientist 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. Read all responses before making your selection. Education is required to qualify; document your course work and/or degree completed in your resume or other application materials you submit. 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. Your responses are subject to verification.
Basic Requirements for the Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences series (0401) and minimum qualifications for the GS-05.
1.
From the descriptions below, select the response that best describes how your background meets the basic requirements for a Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences position, GS-0401.
Minimum Qualifications Requirements for GS-7 level.
2.
From the descriptions below, select one response that best describes how your background meets the minimum qualification requirements for the GS-7 level of this position.
Minimum Qualifications Requirements for GS-9 level.
3.
From the descriptions below, select one response that best describes how your background meets the minimum qualification requirements for the GS-9 level of this position.
For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Please select only one letter for each item.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
4.
Use botanical keys to identify plants to assist in the collection and preservation of specimens.
5.
Record all measurements utilizing a personal data recorder in order to upload and edit data, and complete accurate and concise plot summaries of all field visits.
6.
Determine plot location accuracy and accessibility to remote field sites using aerial photographs, topographic maps, compass and Global Positioning System (GPS).
7.
Determine species composition such as count and measurement of the number, species, size, quality, cull and other characteristics of sample trees
8.
Manage crews in measuring plot data and collecting samples for analyses.
9.
Establish and communicate guidelines and performance requirements to employees.
10.
Identify and provide for the developmental and training needs of employees.
11.
Perform project planning activities including scheduling, organizing, and executing field data collection projects related to natural resource inventory.
12.
Develop work plans that include time and cost estimates, and the materials, supplies, and equipment to accomplish a study.
13.
Assemble and prepare material for field research work including selection of aerial photos, maps, and equipment.
14.
Maintain professional knowledge of forestry, botany, and ecology in order to collect data and to be able to train others.
15.
Ability to work in isolation on a small team, and follow safety and health procedures.
16.
Organize, verify, and refine natural resource data collected.
17.
Determine the classified ownership, forest type, stand size, stocking, cover class, natural and anthropogenic treatments and disturbances, forest insects and disease, and other items as specified in the Forest Inventory and Analysis national/regional field guide procedures.
18.
Study and evaluate the data to write up methods, findings, recommendations and other conclusions for approval.
19.
Make technical interpretations of the Forest Inventory and Analysis national/regional field guide procedures to apply under unusual conditions with consultation with supervisor.
20.
Read topographic maps and use GPS equipment, aerial photographs, and a compass to locate field study areas and plots.
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
21.
I certify that I currently possess and can maintain a valid state driver's license.
22.
Please select the statement(s) that reflect your educational achievement(s). Transcripts, certificates, or other appropriate documentation must be included with this application to verify GPA, coursework, and degree.
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
23.
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).