Fish and Wildlife Biologist - Interior, US Fish and Wildlife Service (Guam)
* Duties
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## Duties
### Summary
You too can make a difference in our world. The work of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is meaningful and varied. Want to know more about what it is like to work for us? Click here to watch short podcasts entitled Meet Your New Boss and Diversity is our Strength.
This position is part of the Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office. As a Fish and Wildlife Biologist you will be responsible for providing biological support on a variety of issues relating to recovery, restoration, preservation and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats.
* Promotion Potential: The position will remain at the grade 07 level until the employee meets the necessary requirements and the incumbent's supervisor certifies that the incumbent has reached the described level of proficiency and effectiveness contemplated at the GS-09 level. Upon meeting all requirements, incumbent may be promoted non-competitively to the next performance level of GS-09 with continued growth to the GS-11 level.
* Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA) of 13.01 of basic salary is authorized
* Post Differential 11.99% is authorized for this position for any employee that has maintained his or her actual place(s) of residence outside the post differential area for one (1) year.
* Home Leave is authorized for this position for those currently not residing in Guam. You must complete 24 continuous months in a foreign location to be eligible to use home leave.
This position is also being announced under merit promotion procedures under announcement, open to current and former federal employees. See vacancy R1-18-10116400-RR-MP if you want to be considered under merit promotion procedures. Learn more about this agency
### Responsibilities
As a Fish and Wildlife Biologist, major duties include:
* Plans, evaluates, conducts a wide variety of complex ecological investigations or inspections involving complex land and water resource development projects, proposals and/or license applications/renewals to determine their impact upon fish and/or wildlife resources and habitats and to ensure that legal standards and other requirements are met and implemented in a manner most beneficial to fish and/or wildlife resources.
* Reviews and/or prepares biological portions of environment assessment/impact statements or comprehensive resource planning reports to evaluate environmental consequences of proposed actions on Federal fish and wildlife resources of concern. Conducts private land wetland impact restorations including landowner contacts, mapping, surveying, staking, construction monitoring, seeding, etc., and prepares management plans for restored areas.
* Evaluates biological data and Federal program or project operational data to determine the effects of those programs or actions on threatened or endangered species through formal and informal consultation procedures.
* Assesses 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) Amendments for supervisor's review. Recommends ways to minimize or eliminate impacts to listed species, as well as alternatives that will avoid jeopardizing the continued existence of a species or avoid destroying or adversely modifying critical habitat.
* Maintains contact and communication with biologists throughout the assigned Region and with other agencies (Federal, Tribal, and state) that have endangered species programs. Provides technical biological guidance to requestors implementing programs for the conservation and recovery of threatened and endangered species.
### Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
##### Supervisory status
No
##### Promotion Potential
11
### Who May Apply
#### This job is open to…
Questions? This job is open to 1 group.
* #### Job family (Series)
0401 General Natural Resources Management And Biological Sciences
* Requirements
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## Requirements
### Conditions of Employment
* Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
* Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
* Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
* Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation
* May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
* Ability to obtain and maintain driver's license and passport
* * See additional conditions of employment below
* Only experience and education obtained by 01/29/2018 will be considered.
* Challenges of working at this duty station include remoteness, date and time differences (20 hours ahead of Hawaii), year round tropical humid weather, cost of living in a remote location, earthquake, tsunami, and typhoon prone location. The employee will be exposed to tropical hot and humid temperatures, rough terrain, and moderately strenuous exercise when conducting field work. Associated challenges such as a period of lack of water and power during and after storm events. Also, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is not approved for this position. Movement household items and other associate cost to move to a remote island are considerable.
* Employees assigned to operate watercraft are required to possess knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate watercraft; familiarity with state-of-the-art watercraft safety equipment and other gear; and adequate grasp of motorboat handling techniques and knowledge to safely operate a motorboat.
### Qualifications
**This General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences Job Series, 0401, has a basic requirement. You must possess one of the following to be considered for this series:**
A. A full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. NOTE: To be found qualified under this option, you must submit transcripts (official or unofficial) to verify your education.
B. A combination of education and experience that consisted of courses equivalent to a major (24 semester hours) in fields such as those shown in response A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. The quality of the combination of education and experience is sufficient to demonstrate that I possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform work in the occupation, and is comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in the appropriate field. NOTE: To qualify under this option you must submit transcripts to verify your education and include proof of your experience in the text of your resume.
**In addition to meeting at least one of the Basic Qualification Requirements for the 0401 series, you must also meet at least one of the following Qualification Requirements to qualify for this position at the GS-7 grade level:**
A. One year of full-time equivalent specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal service (GS-05). To meet this requirement, you must have experience performing the following as primary duties: 1) collecting data to carry out less complex studies or portions of larger investigations to assist higher grade biologists in order to determine the impact of various land and water development projects on the fish and wildlife resources of an area; 2) collecting, analyzing, and assessing biological and ecological data; AND 3) assisting in implementing laws (Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, National Environmental Policy Act), regulations, and policies involving natural resource issues. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in ALL areas to be found qualified.
B. Successful completion of at least one full year of graduate level education (18 semester/27 quarter hours or school equivalent) in a discipline directly related to fish and wildlife biology from an accredited college or university. The quality of the education must demonstrate that the applicant possesses the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work of the position to be filled. NOTE: Your must submit transcripts that clearly reflect this education
C. An equivalent combination of appropriate level work experience (as described in "A" above, Additional Qualifications Requirements) and graduate education (as described in "B" above) that when combined meet the qualification requirements. The quality of the combination of education and experience must demonstrate that the applicant possesses the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work of the position to be filled. NOTE: Your resume and transcripts must support this experience and education.
D. Successful completion of all requirements for a bachelor's degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a discipline closely related to fish and wildlife biology, AND meets one of the following under the Superior Academic Achievement provisions:
* A grade point average of B (a GPA of 3.0 or higher) for all completed undergraduate courses, or those completed in the last 2 full years of undergraduate study; or
* A grade point average of B+ (a GPA of 3.5 or higher) for all courses in your major field of study, or those courses in your major completed in the last two years of undergraduate study; or
* Rank in the upper one-third of your class in the college, university, or major subdivision; or
* Membership in a national honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
### Education
**PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name.** If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.
**PASS/FAIL COURSES:**If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
**GRADUATE EDUCATION:**One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
**FOREIGN EDUCATION:**If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
### Additional information
**Career Transition Assistance (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs (ICTAP):**These programs apply to employees who have been or may be involuntarily separated (e.g. reduction in force, declining to relocate/transfer outside their local commuting area**)** from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal or Removal Notice; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; or Removal and most recent performance appraisal.). For more information visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/
To register or verify your registration go to the Selective Service System at https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx
We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of 01/29/2018.
Relocation expenses are not authorized.
**If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=AlternateApplicationInformation.**
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### How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the basic qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If you meet the basic qualifications your resume and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience which resulted in you being listed in the highest quality category, you may lose consideration, or be assigned to a lower quality category for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
* General knowledge of the various policies, procedures, regulations, and statutes of State, local, tribal, and other Federal organizations which pertain to endangered species issues and concerns.
* Knowledge of the theory, principles and methods of fish and wildlife biology, fishery biology, and/or wildlife biology and a working familiarity with related disciplines.
* Ability to coordinate work and work within established timeframes.
* Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully orally with a wide range of individuals (i.e., management, other Service employees, other Federal/Tribal/state/local agencies, educators, and the general public).
* Ability to research literature (including familiarity with appropriate scientific journals and computer searching processes), analyze data, and apply scientific methods as related to the formulation of mitigation or management plans and recovery packages and related documents.
All qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position. The category ratings for this position are:
* Qualified: Meets minimum qualifications established for the position, but fails to meet the benchmark definition for the Well Qualified category.
* Well Qualified: Demonstrates overall competency in the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position.
* Best Qualified: Demonstrates high proficiency and comprehensive level of knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position.
The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of Veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the basic qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher).
If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must attach an SF-15," Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" in addition to the proof required by that form.
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### Background checks and security clearance
##### Security clearance
Q - Nonsensitive
* Required Documents
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## Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. **Resume or Application.** At a minimum, **your resume MUST contain** job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk
2. Other **supporting documents:**
* Cover Letter, optional
* Official or unofficial College Transcript(s), if the position has education requirements, or if you are using your education to qualify. A copy of your official transcripts will be required if you are selected.
* Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
* If applicable, documentation/proof that you are eligible Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
#### If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
* Benefits
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## Benefits
A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
* Benefits for federal employees
* Healthcare insurance
* Pay and leave
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
* How to Apply
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## How to Apply
1. **Review the Appointment Eligibility Criteria:** The eligibility section of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will **ONLY** be considered for the appointment eligibilities that you selected. You must provide proof of your eligibility as required by appointment eligibility to be considered.
2. **Resume or Application**. At a minimum, **your resume MUST contain** job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month/day/year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume.
3. You must also complete the online application and assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
**DEADLINE DATE:** A complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/29/2018 to receive consideration.
* To begin, click **Apply**to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
* Follow the prompts to **select your resume and/or other supporting documents**to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
* After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and **click to continue with the application process**.
* You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
* When completing the eligibility portion of the application process, please note that only items you answer "yes" to will be used for consideration. You may choose more than one eligibility and you must submit the appropriate documentation specified in the vacancy to support your claim.
* This eligibility section of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this announcement. You must provide proof of your eligibility (as described below) and will only be considered for the questions that you indicated "yes".
* Please note, your eligibility will be based solely on the selections you have indicated in this section. You must provide the supporting documentation to support your claim to be considered. You may choose more than one eligibility in this section.
* To view the assessment questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10109172
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
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### Agency contact information
### Richard Rosko
##### Phone
503-736-4767
richardrosko@fws.gov
##### Address
Division of Human Resources
Division of Human Resources
Eastside Federal Complex
Portland, OR
US
Learn more about this agency
### Next steps
Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.
You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJobs Account.
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* Fair & Transparent
## Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
### Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
* Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants
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### Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.
Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:
* An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
* An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
* An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.
You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Learn more about disability employment and reasonable accommodations or how to contact an agency.
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#### Legal and regulatory guidance
* Financial suitability
* Social security number request
* Privacy Act
* Signature and false statements
* Selective Service
* New employee probationary period
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/488530500. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
*Open & closing dates:* 01/16/2018 to 01/29/2018
*Salary:* $41,365 to $79,586 per year
*Pay scale & grade:* GS 7
*Work schedule:* Full-Time
*Appointment type:* Permanent
