- Position Title
- Fish and Wildlife Biologist
- Agency
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Announcement Number
- R2-25-12635032-SJ-MP Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Thursday, December 12, 2024 to Thursday, December 26, 2024
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Career Transition Assistance Plan:
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.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in the agency posting this job announcement with CTAP eligibility?
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.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in the agency posting this job announcement with CTAP eligibility?
2.
Competitive - Current, Permanent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Employee:
Please select YES to this eligibility if you meet the criteria below:
Are you a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Employee who currently holds a career or career conditional appointment (tenure 1 or 2 in block 24 of the SF-50) in the competitive service (position occupied is 1 in block 34 of the SF-50) and has never held the full performance level of the position being announced on a permanent basis?
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 with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Your latest SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
• Career or Career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2 in block 24 of the SF-50); AND,
• your status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1 in block 34 of the SF-50).
Do you wish to be considered for appointment as a Competitive, Current, Permanent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee?
Please select YES to this eligibility if you meet the criteria below:
Are you a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Employee who currently holds a career or career conditional appointment (tenure 1 or 2 in block 24 of the SF-50) in the competitive service (position occupied is 1 in block 34 of the SF-50) and has never held the full performance level of the position being announced on a permanent basis?
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 with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Your latest SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
• Career or Career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2 in block 24 of the SF-50); AND,
• your status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1 in block 34 of the SF-50).
Do you wish to be considered for appointment as a Competitive, Current, Permanent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee?
3.
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA)
Are you a current or former employee of a Land Management Agency and are serving or served under a time-limited competitive service appointment (Term, Temporary)? 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 which includes ALL Appointment AND Termination SF-50s for EACH appointment as well as ALL performance evaluations or references from supervisors (if employed for periods of time too short to require an appraisal) for each qualifying period of temporary employment claimed.
Are you a current or former employee of a Land Management Agency with LMWFA eligibility?
Are you a current or former employee of a Land Management Agency and are serving or served under a time-limited competitive service appointment (Term, Temporary)? 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 which includes ALL Appointment AND Termination SF-50s for EACH appointment as well as ALL performance evaluations or references from supervisors (if employed for periods of time too short to require an appraisal) for each qualifying period of temporary employment claimed.
Are you a current or former employee of a Land Management Agency with LMWFA eligibility?
4.
Non-Competitive - Current, Permanent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Employee
Please select YES to this Eligibility if you meet the criteria below:
Are you a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee who currently holds a career or career conditional appointment in the competitive service AND has held a permanent (non-temporary) position at the same or higher full performance level as the position being announced?
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 with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Your latest SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
• Career or Career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2 in block 24); AND,
• your status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1 in block 34)
Do you wish to be considered as a non-competitive, current, permanent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee?
Please select YES to this Eligibility if you meet the criteria below:
Are you a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee who currently holds a career or career conditional appointment in the competitive service AND has held a permanent (non-temporary) position at the same or higher full performance level as the position being announced?
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 with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Your latest SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
• Career or Career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2 in block 24); AND,
• your status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1 in block 34)
Do you wish to be considered as a non-competitive, current, permanent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee?
Preferences
1.
Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position.
Assessment 1
Basic Requirement 0401 series
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.
Please select the response below that best describes how you meet the basic requirement for the GS-0401 occupational series.
Minimum Qualifications GS-07
2.
Choose the response that best describes how your education and/or experience meets the requirements for the GS-07 grade-level.
Minimum Qualifications GS-09
3.
Choose the response that best describes how your education and/or experience meets the requirements for the GS-09 grade-level.
Minimum qualification GS-11
4.
Choose the response that best describes how your education and/or experience meets the requirements for the GS-11 grade-level.
Performance Rating of Record
5.
Do you have a finalized Employee Performance Appraisal Plan (EPAP) dated within the past 18 months, at the fully successfully level or higher?
6.
If you answered No to question #5 please provide an explanation.
7.
If you do not have a current rating of record available, you must certify that your performance is acceptable, and you have not been advised that your performance is currently at an unacceptable level. "I certify that my performance is acceptable, and I have not been advised that my performance is currently unacceptable."
Driver's License
8.
The duties of this position require the incumbent to hold and maintain a valid state driver's license throughout their employment. If selected, prior to entering on duty you will need to provide a copy of your valid driver's license before your appointment. Do you currently have a valid state driver's license?
Skill in evaluating and interpreting biological reports, research papers, environment assessment/impact statements (i.e., NEPA and ESA), and comprehensive resource planning reports to evaluate environmental consequences of proposed actions on Federal fish and wildlife resources of concern; and to apply findings to solve current management problems and accomplish organizational objectives.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
9.
Apply biological principles, theories, and practices to solve complex natural resource problems.
10.
Evaluate and interpret biological reports, research papers, environment assessment/impact statements (i.e., National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Endangered Species Act (ESA).
11.
Review and/or prepare biological portions of environment assessment/impact statements or comprehensive resource planning reports.
12.
Conduct formal and informal consultation under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act on listed species, or develop or implement Habitat Conservation Plans, Candidate Conservation Agreements or Safe Harbor Agreements under section 10 of the Act.
Knowledge of applicable Federal environmental laws and Executive Orders, (i.e., Endangered Species Act, National Environment Policy Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Acts, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, and Natural Resources Damage Assessment); of other Federal regulations; and various policies or guidelines in order to ensure that legal standards are met in the review of proposed land and water resource development projects.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
13.
Assess impacts of proposed Federal actions on threatened and endangered species and develops draft biological opinions required under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
14.
Provide technical assistance in the interpretation and implementation of laws, regulations, and policies in the area of
fish, wildlife, and botanical and trust resources to personnel of Federal, State, and/or County agencies.
fish, wildlife, and botanical and trust resources to personnel of Federal, State, and/or County agencies.
15.
Apply the requirements of Federal laws, regulations and policies designed to conserve, protect or enhance fish, wildlife and their habitat (i.e., Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Environment Policy Act (NEPA) , Sikes Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Acts (BGEPA), and a wide range of Federal, State and local environmental laws and regulations) to analyze proposed land & water developments.
Knowledge of basic types of permits for native endangered and threatened species under Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) permits (incidental take permits, enhancement of survival permits, and recovery and interstate commerce permits) sufficient to provide technical assistance in the preparation of requests, to review and process applications, and to ensure regulatory compliance.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
16.
Maintain and update files on permits issued for activities associated with endangered, threatened, proposed, and candidate species and their habitats.
17.
Lead efforts in the development of review and processing of research/recovery permits and other recovery/ESA-related documents in coordination with Federal, Tribal, and state agencies.
18.
Review permits and/or license applications for a regulatory agency and for development projects for potential environmental impacts to fish, wildlife and trust resources.
19.
Review safe harbor agreements or candidate conservation agreements for compliance with federal regulations and policies and prepare appropriate Section 10 permit documents.
20.
Advise federal and/or non-Federal entities on the policies and regulations related to the Section 7 consultation and Section 10 permit processes.
Knowledge of the principles, concepts and theories in fish and/or wildlife biology and a working familiarity with related disciplines to determine the effect of land and water development projects on the fish and/or wildlife resources of an area.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
21.
Make recommendations or implement programs to protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and botanical resources under the authorities of a land management organization, environmental organizations, their state or local equivalent, or a private non-profit conservation organization.
22.
Apply knowledge of fish and wildlife biology principles, theories, and practices to complex natural resource problems.
23.
Provide guidance to biologists, stakeholders, and management pertaining to Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act.
Skill in communication to include presenting data and its analyses, and to write objective reports requiring a minimum of reviewing and editing.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
24.
Draft written communications concerning controversial and complex issues.
25.
Apply the necessary verbal communication skills including presenting data, analysis, and management recommendations to a wide variety of audiences.
26.
Write objective reports of investigations conducted, with alternatives if appropriate, and recommendations for resource protection and enhancement.
27.
Prepare or oversee preparation of correspondence pertaining to technical aspects of work.
Self-Certification
28.
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.