Supervisory Fish Biologist

Summary

This position is a Supervisory Fish Biologist, GS- 0482-12, working in Arcata, CA, for the R8-Arcata Fish and Wildlife Office (AFWO).

This job is open to

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
  
  Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
• The public
  
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

This position will be filled under the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority and is open to all United States citizens and U.S. nationals. Veteran's preference and traditional rating and ranking of applications do not apply. All qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration for this position.

Duties

As a Supervisory Fish Biologist your duties will include but are not limited to the following:

• Manages operations, and supervises staff within AFWO's Population Assessment Branch. Works collaboratively with the Office's Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program Lead and Habitat Assessment Branch Lead in developing annual work plans and associated budgets and in the execution of activities conducted by the Population Assessment Branch.
• Represents the Service as an expert in applied fish population dynamics modeling and aquatic resource studies of local, regional, and national consequence. Provides expert technical support to Service managers in representing Service interests at interagency technical and public meetings relating to Federal and private water projects.
• Reviews and edits investigation plans, scientific reports, publications, and oral presentations produced by the AFWO, Tribal, and other partner scientists to ensure scientific validity, merit, and value from an applied management perspective.
• Develops experimental designs and study plans for population surveys and instream flow assessments targeting anadromous salmonids and freshwater fishes, incorporating methods such as structured population surveys, aerial imagery-based surveys, and mark-recapture studies to estimate population size.
• Prepares written peer-reviewed reports and scientific journal publications on fish population investigations and presents the findings and management implications of those studies at public, agency and professional meetings and conferences.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Resume (See "Required Documents"). Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is provided on resume.
• Eligibility and Supporting documents - You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to AND submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section.
• Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
• Driver's License: Selectees must possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure.
• Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• Supervisory Probationary Period: Selectees who have not previously completed a supervisory probationary period, will be required to serve a one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period for this position.
• Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 08/23/2024 will be considered.

In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.

Basic Requirement:

1. Degree with a major in biological science that included (a) at least 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in aquatic subjects such as limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology; and (b) at least 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in the animal sciences in such subjects as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or research in these fields. (Excess course work in aquatic subjects may be used to meet this requirement when appropriate.). OR
2. Combination of education and experience that includes courses equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours), of which a minimum of 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) were in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) were in the animal sciences, as shown in (1) above, PLUS appropriate experience or additional education. The quality of this combination is comparable to successful completion of a full 4-year course of study as described in (1) above.

Minimum Qualification [GS-12]

1. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service performing work in or directly related to the position to be filled. Qualifying experience must include at least three of the following: (1) conducting biological or ecological investigations into the status of fish species and their habitats; (2) providing input on fish and wildlife resource management issues, including habitat protection and enhancement; (3) training and leading work crews in conducting field studies or projects designed to monitor naturally-reproducing or hatchery-sustained populations; (4) providing technical expertise and assistance regarding aquatic habitat needs of fish to multi-agency conservation partnerships and fisheries resource agencies; (5) preparing biological reports to inform representatives of other agencies (Federal, State), Tribes, private interest groups, and the public; (6) project management of anadromous or other fish monitoring effects, riverine habitat restoration, and/or fish passage.

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: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)

Additional information

PCS INFORMATION: No PCS entitlements authorized

Telework: This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.

Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. CTAP or ICTAP applicants must be determined to be well-qualified for this position in order to receive special selection priority. To be well-qualified, a CTAP or ICTAP applicant must meet the following: OPM qualification requirements for the position, all selective factors, where applicable; special OPM approved qualifying conditions for the position; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate, to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and receives a rating of at least 85 on the questionnaire. For more information visit: OPM's Employee Guide to Career Transition

Reasonable Accommodation: The USFWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.

• 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  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 You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

All applicants who submit a complete and legible application by the closing date of this vacancy announcement or when 100 applications have been received, whichever occurs first, will have their qualifications reviewed to determine if they possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the work of this position.

• Ability to plan and conduct fish surveys targeting anadromous salmonids and freshwater fishes.
• Ability to communicate findings and management significance of aquatic resource studies.
• Ability to work collaboratively to resolve technical issues related to native fish resource conservation.
• Skill in administrative program management (e.g., supervising personnel, developing work plans, budgeting, overseeing study implementation, etc.).

Applicants eligible for priority consideration under DOI's Career Transition Assistance Program/Plan, employees eligible under the Interagency Career Transition Plan (ICTAP). Eligible candidates on the Reemployment Placement List (RPL). A qualified and eligible permanent DOI employee may be selected before an ICTAP eligible.

• 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  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.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.
  
  Required Documents:
  
  1. Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written format you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications for each job listed INCLUDING (a) job title (to include job series and grade level, if federal); (b) beginning and ending dates of employment (month and year) for paid and non-paid work experience; (c) hours worked per week; and (d) description of job duties performed. You should also include your employer name and address, and supervisor name and telephone number.
  
  
  • What should I include in my resume?
  • What should I leave out of my resume?
  
  
  NOTE: Your resume must include ALL required information. Failure to provide all required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
  
  2. College Transcripts: Official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable; a copy of your official transcripts is required if you are selected. Official and unofficial transcripts MUST INCLUDE student name, institution name (or identifying information such as an acronym or URL web address), degree conferral date, major, grades, credit hours earned, grade point average or class ranking. Please refer to the education section above for additional information.
  
  Additional Documentation (if / as applicable):
  
  1. Cover Letter
  
  2. CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
  
  3.Current and former federal employees: It is recommended that you submit a copy of your SF-50(s) (Notification of Personnel Action) to support your experience. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include appointments/separations, promotions, within-grade increases.
  
  Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
  
  
  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.
• How to Apply
  
  Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below: The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text.
  
  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents section.
  
  Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
  
  
  1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents. To preview the assessment questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12508366.
  2. Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
  3. Applications must be received by 08/23/2024, 11:59pm ET to receive consideration.
  4. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, in Applications tab, click the position title you applied to for the status. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
  
  
  If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact the Human Resources Office via email at fwshiring@fws.gov.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Human Resources Staffing Division
  
  Email
  
  fwshiring@fws.gov
  
  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 by the hiring official.
  
  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 as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.

Required Documents:

1. Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written format you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications for each job listed INCLUDING (a) job title (to include job series and grade level, if federal); (b) beginning and ending dates of employment (month and year) for paid and non-paid work experience; (c) hours worked per week; and (d) description of job duties performed. You should also include your employer name and address, and supervisor name and telephone number.

• What should I include in my resume?
• What should I leave out of my resume?

NOTE: Your resume must include ALL required information. Failure to provide all required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.

2. College Transcripts: Official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable; a copy of your official transcripts is required if you are selected. Official and unofficial transcripts MUST INCLUDE student name, institution name (or identifying information such as an acronym or URL web address), degree conferral date, major, grades, credit hours earned, grade point average or class ranking. Please refer to the education section above for additional information.

Additional Documentation (if / as applicable):

1. Cover Letter

2. CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.

3.Current and former federal employees: It is recommended that you submit a copy of your SF-50(s) (Notification of Personnel Action) to support your experience. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include appointments/separations, promotions, within-grade increases.

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.


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.

How to Apply

Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below: The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents section.

Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.

1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents. To preview the assessment questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12508366.
2. Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
3. Applications must be received by 08/23/2024, 11:59pm ET to receive consideration.
4. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, in Applications tab, click the position title you applied to for the status. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact the Human Resources Office via email at fwshiring@fws.gov.

Agency contact information

Human Resources Staffing Division

Email

fwshiring@fws.gov

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 by the hiring official.

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 as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request