U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Logo
Position Title
Geneticist
Agency
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Announcement Number
R5-23-12179838-RR-DE Opens in new window
Open Period
Wednesday, October 25, 2023 to Monday, November 27, 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 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.
(limit characters)
3. 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.
(limit characters)
4. Are you a U.S. citizen or national?

 
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Basic Qualification (limit characters)
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. (limit characters)
1. There is a basic requirement for this position, you must possess a degree with a major in genetics; or one of the basic biological sciences that included at least 9 semester hours in genetics.
(limit characters)
Minimum Qualifications GS-07 (limit characters)
2. In addition to the basic requirement, to qualify for GS-07, you must possess one of the following:
(limit characters)
Minimum Qualifications GS-09 (limit characters)
3. In addition to the basic requirement, to qualify for GS-09, you must possess one of the following:
(limit characters)
Knowledge of the concepts, principles, methods, and theories of genetics, including the biochemistry of DNA manipulation, genotyping via microfluidics, capillary DNA sequencing (Sanger sequencing), and sequencing by synthesis (e.g. Illumina) and DNA quantification and preservation. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
4. Perform laboratory tasks associated with molecular studies of fish and wildlife populations to determine their species identity and genetic relationships.
(limit characters)
5. Use various genetic techniques and equipment necessary to extract DNA, conduct PCR, and visualize products to generate genetic data.
(limit characters)
6. Extract DNA from a variety of sources including tissue, scales, hair, filters, gut contents, centrifuged material, or other (limit characters)
Ability to effectively communicate, explain, and present scientific data in writing and orally. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
7. Prepare scientific data reports for oral presentation.
(limit characters)
8. Train lower graded staff in laboratory procedures.
(limit characters)
9. Write and update standard operating procedures, manuals, and/or plans.
(limit characters)
10. Addresses questions from partners regarding interpretation of genetic results.
(limit characters)
Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment such as thermocyclers, automated DNA sequencers, PCR and quantitative PCR machines, electrophoresis gels, centrifuges, and other laboratory equipment. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
11. Perform quality assurance/quality control procedures to ensure genetic data standardization and consistency.
(limit characters)
12. Generate molecular genetic data including methods such as genotyping, sequencing, or quantitative PCR analysis.
(limit characters)
13. Operate thermocyclers, automated DNA sequencers, electrophoresis gels and centrifuges.
(limit characters)
14. Use automated DNA analyzers to collect genetic data on aquatic, terrestrial animal and/or plant species.
(limit characters)
15. Independently analyze and troubleshoot output from qPCR machines or automated sequencers.
(limit characters)
Skill in computer programs necessary for collection, collation, maintenance, and manipulation of DNA genotypic and sequence data for developing population genetic databases and for data analysis. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
16. Develop and maintain organized database of biological and genetic data for samples being analyzed to facilitate tracking of samples, and monitoring progress of data analysis.
(limit characters)
17. Use raw output from next-generation DNA sequencers to build DNA sequence (FASTQ) files.
(limit characters)
18. Perform qPCR analysis to determine if target species DNA is detected.
(limit characters)
19. Develop qPCR primers and complete validation process to assess species specificity and sensitivity of marker.
(limit characters)
Certification Statement for Assessment Questionnaires (limit characters)
20. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in me not being considered for this position.
(limit characters)