National Park Service Logo
Position Title
Biologist
Agency
National Park Service
Announcement Number
PW-1547-JOTR-25-12621226-ST Opens in new window
Open Period
Monday, December 2, 2024 to Monday, December 23, 2024
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. Do you meet one of the following Competitive Merit Promotion Eligibilities:
  • Current Federal or former employees with career or career- conditional appointments in the competitive service that hold, or have held a career or career-conditional position at a lower grade level as the position being announced; or,
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) eligibles
 
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation.  For example, a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your competitive status or 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.  All required documentation will be outlined in the Job Opportunity Announcement.
(limit characters)
4. Are you a former member of the Public Lands Corps (PLC) who has served the time required for completing a PLC project carried out on Federal land within the preceding 2 years (an individuals eligibility for NCE under this authority shall not exceed 2 years after completion of his/her last PLC project), and:

• Served as a qualified youth on an appropriate conservation project completing a minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory service that included at least 120 hours through the PLC (individuals must provide a copy of the "Certificate of Eligibility for NCE Hiring Based on PLC Service" and the complete PLC Participant Work Hours Verification Form with your application package in order to be considered under this hiring authority), and

• Meet OPM qualification standards and any other qualification requirement(s) stated in this vacancy announcement for the position in which you are applying.
(limit characters)
5. 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)
6. 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:
  • 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 break in service of two or more years; and,
  • performed at an acceptable level of service 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 departed that position in good standing.
 
To verify your eligibility, you must provide documentation for the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) eligibility, which includes ALL Appointment AND Termination SF-50s for EACH appointment as well as ALL performance evaluations, for each qualifying period of temporary employment claimed.
For more information, review Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA).
(limit characters)
7. 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.
(limit characters)
8. Do you meet one of the following Non-Competitive Merit Promotion Eligibilities:
  • Disabled veteran receiving 30% or more disability compensation from the VA;
  • Transfer, reassignment or reinstatement eligible:  current Federal or former employee with career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service that hold, or have previously held a career or career-conditional position at the same or higher grade level with the same or higher promotion potential as the position being announced; or,
  • Individual eligible under other non-competitive appointment authorities such as: Veterans Recruitment Authority; Military spouses under E.O. 13473; Certain former overseas employees; Present and former Peace Corps, Vista or Action volunteers; Former White House staff; Present and former Foreign Service officers and employees; Certain National Guard technicians; Schedule A; OPM Interchange Agreement and Other Miscellaneous Authorities.
 
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation.  For example, 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; a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50); etc.  All required documentation will be outlined in the Job Opportunity Announcement.
(limit characters)
9. 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.
(limit characters)
10. Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions and you:
  • recently separated (within the past 3 years)
  • are a disabled veteran
  • served on active duty during a war, campaign or expedition OR
  • received an Armed Forces Service Medal
If eligible, 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. If claiming disability preference, provide the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. My performance is at an acceptable level and I am not serving under a formal Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Basic Requirements for Biologist, GS-0401 Series. (limit characters)
1. This position has basic requirements required by the Office of Personnel Management. Candidates who do not meet this requirement by close of this announcement will receive no further consideration for this position. It is recommended to upload any and all transcripts you have to justify this requirement (under grad, grad, etc.). Applicants must meet one of the following before the close of the announcement.
(limit characters)
2. From the descriptions below, select one response that best describes how your background meets the specialized experience or education requirements for a Biologist, GS-0401-11 position. Read all responses before making your selection. MARK ONLY ONE RESPONSE. If you select more than one response, or leave this question blank, you will be rated ineligible. If you do not meet these specialized experience requirements, you will be considered not qualified and will not receive consideration for this position.
(limit characters)
PLANNING AND EVALUATING (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
3. Direct a program of natural resource management activities, including planning, scheduling and oversight, which involve native and non-native vegetation. (limit characters)
4. Prepare technical and scientific reports regarding the results of vegetation restoration activities, inventories, plant monitoring efforts and research activities.
(limit characters)
5. Coordinate and schedule the work of staff and partners to complete tasks, objectives and deadlines.
(limit characters)
6. Develop successful funding proposals and partnerships to support complex, multi-year projects.
(limit characters)
7. Develop, implement and manage financial assistance agreements needed to effectively carry out resource stewardship goals.
(limit characters)
8. Develop annual budgets, administer project funds and provide fiscal oversight for all vegetation management activities.
(limit characters)
PROJECT MANAGEMENT (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
9. Lead field crews in the collection and management of vegetation data.
(limit characters)
10. Demonstrate experience in vegetation management methodologies and principles.
(limit characters)
11. Use database management programs to manage and ensure quality control of vegetation resource data.
(limit characters)
12. Use of natural resource data to inform and direct vegetation management actions, strategies, and policies.
(limit characters)
13. Perform mapping using GPS/GIS methods.
(limit characters)
14. Use principles of operational leadership, or other safety programs, to safely conduct fieldwork.
(limit characters)
MANAGES HUMAN RESOURCES (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
15. Assign, direct and review the work and performance of subordinate employees involved in resource management.
(limit characters)
16. Facilitate communication between employees, supervisors, and managers.
(limit characters)
17. Develop, implement, and evaluate budgets and operating programs involving personnel needs, materials, equipment needs, work projects and yearly work schedule.
(limit characters)
18. Work collaboratively with all park divisions on environmental documentation for park projects (categorical exclusion, environmental assessments, and environmental impact statements).
(limit characters)
19. Correct conduct, inappropriate behavior or poor performance following established policies and procedures.
(limit characters)
ORGANIZATIONAL AWARENESS (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
20. Develop mitigation guidelines for the protection and management of natural and cultural resources.
(limit characters)
21. Participate as a subject matter expert on interdisciplinary teams tasked with reviewing projects and proposals.
(limit characters)
22. Provide professional and programmatic advice to park management on vegetation related resources law, regulation, and policies.
(limit characters)
23. Apply Federal and State environmental laws and regulations to planning efforts to ensure compliance in natural resource management project designs and processes.
(limit characters)
ORAL COMMUNICATION (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
24. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with fellow NPS staff, partners, and stakeholders.
(limit characters)
25. Participate in and represent the NPS in meetings with Federal, State, Tribal and other stakeholders regarding natural resource issues.
(limit characters)
26. Work closely with universities or other groups to identify research needs and solicit collaborative research efforts.
(limit characters)
27. Work collaboratively with other park divisions and personnel on the development of science communication and natural resource products such as social media posts, video, and infographics.
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28. Represent natural resource interests at the network and regional level.
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29. Maintain regular contact with professional subject-matter experts within the agency, other Federal agencies, universities, private foundations, and professional societies.
(limit characters)