National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Logo
Position Title
Ecologist
Agency
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Announcement Number
OAR-GLERL-23-12159055-DE Opens in new window
Open Period
Friday, October 13, 2023 to Monday, October 30, 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? (limit characters)
2. Are you a current Department of Commerce employee who meets the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service that makes you eligible under the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)?  If yes, please confirm that you meet all the following eligibility requirements:
  • This position is in the same local commuting area as the position of record from which you will be separated; and
  • This position is at a grade level no higher than the grade of the position of record from which you will be separated; and
  • This position has no greater promotion potential than the position of record from which you will be separated; and
  • You have a current performance rating of record of at least fully successful or the equivalent; and 
  • You have not yet been separated. 
(limit characters)
3. Are you a current or former employee of a Federal agency (other than the Department of Commerce) who meets the definition of displaced from a position in the competitive service that makes you eligible under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)?  If yes, please confirm that you meet all the following eligibility requirements: 
  • This position is in the same local commuting area as the position of record from which you were separated; and
  • This position is at a grade level no higher than the grade of the position of record from which you were separated; and 
  • This position has no greater promotion potential than the position of record from which you were separated; and
  • Your last performance rating of record was at least fully successful or the equivalent; and
  • You were separated from your position of record less than one year ago.    
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Please select the responses to the questions below that best describes your experience as it relates to this position. (limit characters)
1. I meet the Individual Occupational Requirement for the 0408, Ecology Series, because I have:
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2. ZP-2: Select the one statement that best describes the education and/or experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of an Ecologist, ZP-0408-2 or equivalent grade level (GS-07) in the Federal service.
(limit characters)
3. ZP-3: Select the one statement that best describes the education and/or experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of an Ecologist, ZP-0408-3 or equivalent grade level (GS-11) in the Federal service. (limit characters)
4. I have experience in the following areas of collection and analysis of computer model generated, field or laboratory data regarding the state of the environment or status of natural resources living therein (Please check all that apply):
(limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
5. Do you have experience in assisting the development of ecological models related to freshwater, estuarine or coastal research, monitoring, and/or assessment programs?
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6. This position requires the ability to conceive and design research projects, assist in the development of ecological models, analyze data to address a central hypotheses, analyze data for model parameterization and calibration, visualize and interpret the data, and publish results. The incumbent must have experience carrying out research projects from start to finish, including project conception, developing appropriate experimental design, and assisting in model development, providing robust data to answer a specific research question, and publishing results in peer-reviewed journals. What best describes your experience doing this?
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7. What statistical and data visualization packages do you have experience using? (Select all that apply)
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Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
8. Do you have knowledge of, or experience with assisting in statistical analysis and visualization of environmental data?
(limit characters)
9. Do you have knowledge of, or experience with preparing technical reports or portions of reports on work accomplished, stating clearly and concisely the nature of the problem, steps taken in its solution, and results achieved, and submitting them to be reviewed by more senior personnel?
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10. Do you have experience developing, or checking for accuracy, necessary tables, graphs and other exhibits to be included in reports?
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11. Do you have experience managing and maintaining databases necessary to report out data from all instrumentation?
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12. Do you have experience with participating in research studies and developmental projects designed to capitalize on or incorporate the benefits of new science/technology?
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13. Describe your experience with applying ecological model and analysis techniques and experience to solve complex operational challenges.
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14. Do you have experience in application of quality control/quality assurance procedures for the collection and maintenance of modeled or field data related to fish habitats, species/community/food web observations, or ecosystems?
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15. Do you have work experience with the ecology, conservation, or management of freshwater, coastal, estuarine or oceanic habitats, and the organisms that live in those habitats?
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16. Have you had exposure or experience with any ecological modeling packages (e.g. Ecopath with Ecosim, fish bioenergetics, Atlantis, population dynamics?
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17. What is your experience conducting statistical and graphical analysis of ecological data to support research studies?
(limit characters)
18. Do you have experience examining the interaction of food web organisms (e.g. phytoplankton, zooplankton, mussels, fish) with biological, chemical or physical variables?
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19. Do you have experience using databases to perform literature searches for reports and assist in the development of scientific and technical reports, publications and presentations?
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20. Have you reviewed routine documents and applied a sound understanding of the science, but rely upon more senior, experienced personnel to identify more sensitive issues?
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21. Have you published findings of statistical or simulation model analysis, ecological field surveys or laboratory experiments in science journals?
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22. Do you have experience making presentations on research designed to address a variety of different venues and audiences and ensuring that written and graphical products are concise, appropriate and easily understood by the audience, and that they follow prescribed formats and quality standards?
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23. Do you have experience working on projects related to climate change and/or other anthropogenic stressors (e.g. invasive species, eutrophication, fishery harvest) and its effects on fisheries and/or food webs?
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24. Do you have experience working with a multidisciplinary research team or project (e.g. physical scientists, biological scientists, nutrient chemists, climate scientists)?
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Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
25. I certify, to the best of my knowledge, that all the information in my application is true, and that I have truthfully and accurately represented my work experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education. I understand that providing false or fraudulent information may be grounds for not hiring me or for firing me after I begin work. I also certify that I have read the entire vacancy announcement; that I have reviewed my answers to the eligibility questions for accuracy; and that I understand what supporting documentation, if any, is required for submission and when it's due.
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