Wildlife Refuge Specialist

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Remote
wildlife education wildlife management qualification transcripts veterans biology zoology wildlife management conservation vacancy assessment
December 5, 2022
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Ajo, Arizona
FULL_TIME

Duties


As a Wildlife Refuge Specialist your duties will include but are not limited to the following:


  • Collects, enters into various data bases, and analyzes data from assigned habitat management projects to verify content validity and ensure no errors on input.

  • Assists with the review of land and aquatic conservation activities, habitat development, cleanup, contaminant and restoration projects, research studies, population studies, wildlife inventory, and monitoring activities to include species lifecycle requirements and management.

  • Assists senior staff with the preparation of interagency cooperative agreements and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and subsequent modifications and assists in the administration of these agreements.

  • Participates in the development of required National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation (or portions thereof) including environmental Assessments (EAs), Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 consultations, archeological clearances, and similar actions.

  • Participates in the planning and implementation of the Refuge's comprehensive public relations/public use program, including off-refuge programs, interpretive and educational programs, wildlife dependent recreation (hunting, fishing, wildlife observation), and other recreational management activities, to maximize use of the Refuge.

  • Participates in the development of short and long-range plans, annual work plans, and budgets with Refuge Manager and other senior management. Develops timetables for completion of work for assigned projects.

  • Develops various work plans and works closely with staff to develop projects covering the construction, repair and maintenance of equipment, buildings, roads, trails, fences, dikes and other infrastructure.

Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the duties at the GS-9 grade level. At lower grade levelGS-7, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-11.


Requirements


Conditions of Employment


  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.

  • Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.

  • Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply).

  • Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.

  • Driver's License: Selectees MAY be required to possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure.

  • Uniform: Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform may be required.

  • Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.

  • Requires training and up-to-date certification in the operation of small boats, snowmobiles, four-wheel all-terrain vehicles, motor vehicles, and/or other light and heavy equipment for official purposes.

Qualifications


Only experience and education obtained by 11/22/2022 will be considered.



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



Basic Requirement:

A. I possess a bachelor's degree with a major in zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology that includes at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in wildlife courses such as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; 3 semester hours in botany; and 3 semester hours in conservation biology.

or

B. I have completed courses in an accredited college or university equivalent to a major in zoology, wildlife management, or appropriate field of biology that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology PLUS appropriate experience and/or additional education comparable to the completion of a 4-year course of study. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient detail of this level of experience to meet this standard.



Minimum Qualification [GS-7]

A. I have one (1) year of full-time equivalent specialized experience comparable to at least the GS-5 level in the federal service. Examples of specialized experience include 1) independently collecting and evaluating biological data; 2) preparing reports with biological findings, 3) assisting with development of biological study proposals, survey designs, and/or scopes-of-work. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient detail, e.g., begin/end dates, work schedule, duties performed, etc. for each time period for consideration.

or

B. I have one (1) year (18 semesters or equivalent) of graduate-level education in zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate related field of biology.

or

C. I have a combination of specialized experience and graduate education as described above, that when prorated, combine to meet the qualification requirements of this position. Experience and education are each computed as percentages of their requirements and must equal at least 100 percent when combined. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient detail, e.g., begin/end dates, work schedule, duties performed, etc., at this level of experience for consideration.

or

D. I have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in zoology, wildlife management or an appropriate field of biology for this position AND meet Superior Academic Achievement. Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.) S.A.A. is based on (1) Class Standing, (2) Grade-Point Average, or (3) Honor Society Membership. (1) Class Standing: Upper one-third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision based on completed courses. (2) Grade-Point Average (G.P.A.): A grade point average of (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 (B or better) as recorded on the official transcript or as computed based on four years of education, or computed based on courses completed during the final two years of the curriculum; -or- (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 0 (B+ or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final two years of the curriculum. (3) Election to Membership in a National Scholastic Honor Society: Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies. Freshman scholastic honor societies cannot be used to meet the requirements of this position.



Minimum Qualification [GS-9]

A. I have one year of full-time equivalent specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level (GS-7) in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include working with wildlife habitat management programs, public use programs and maintenance programs; determining remedial actions to wildlife issues; working with other agencies, contractors, or the public on conservation of natural resources; preparing written correspondence and making oral presentations related to natural resources. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient detail, e.g., begin/end dates, work schedule, duties performed, etc. for each time period for consideration.

or

B. I possess two (2) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's equivalent graduate degree from an accredited college or university in zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology.

or

C. I possess a combination of qualifying specialized experience and more than one year of graduate education (both as described above) that, when computed as percentages of their respective requirements, equals at least 100% when combined. Only graduate education beyond the first full year (18 semesters) is creditable using this method. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient detail, e.g., begin/end dates, work schedule, duties performed, etc. for each time period for consideration.



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


Annual Salary: 2022 GS Locality Pay Tables

GS-7: $45,345 - $58,944

GS-9: $55,466 - $72,107



PCS INFORMATION: Yes, entitlements for payment of basic moving expenses, as required and to the extent allowed by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 302-3.101, are authorized for eligible applicants changing duty station when the change meets the distance tests as provided in FTR 302-1.1 and 302-2.6. All moving expenses are taxable. -Discretionary entitlements are not authorized for this position



Telework: This position is suitable for telework on in an emergency or natural disaster.



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/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), score at least 85 on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP and ICTAP click here




  • 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.


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



Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If you meet the qualifications your resume and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. Note: If, after reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications 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):


  • Knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, and techniques of population and wildlife biology to include species lifecycle requirements (conservation biology, landscape ecology) sufficient to independently perform a variety of natural resource assignments.

  • Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of land management assets and equipment to ensure accountability and functionality.

  • Skill in oral communication sufficient to address a variety of individuals/groups.

  • Skill in written communication sufficient to draft correspondence, scientific and administrative reports, etc.




This vacancy will utilize a multiple hurdle assessment process to determine the qualifications of applicants. The first hurdle will consist of applicants completing an occupational questionnaire related to the major duties and competencies of the position. The second hurdle will consist of applicant resumes being reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) panel for related position competencies against a pre-determined rating schedule. This process will determine the final rating of the applicant for possible referral to the hiring official for hiring consideration.



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: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, and Qualified



The category rating process protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the 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).

  • 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 form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, annual salary, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number. Additional information on what to include can be found here. Your experience needs to address every required qualification.




    2. College Transcripts: Please refer to the education section above for additional information. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.



    Additional Documentation, if applicable:

    1. Cover Letter




    2. Veterans' Preference Documentation: 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 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference in addition to the proof required by that form (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.




    3. 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.



    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


    Note on Expanded Telework Posture: Due to COVID-19, the USFWS is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement in accordance with the Department's reentry procedures provided by your Servicing Human Resources Office. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework one or more days per pay period depending upon the terms of the Department of the Interior's telework policy.

    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.


    • Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents. To preview the assessment questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11716817.

    • Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.

    • Applications must be received by 11/22/2022 ,11:59pm ET to receive consideration.

    • 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 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=Alternate_Application_Information


    Agency contact information


    Human Resources Staffing Division

    Phone

    833-512-0482

    Email

    [email protected]

    Address

    Division of Human Resources

    Division of Human Resources

    500 Gold Avenue, SW Room 5222


    Albuquerque, NM 87103

    US

    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.

    • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
    • Reasonable accommodation policy
    • Financial suitability
    • Selective Service
    • New employee probationary period
    • Signature and false statements
    • Privacy Act
    • 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 form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, annual salary, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number. Additional information on what to include can be found here. Your experience needs to address every required qualification.




2. College Transcripts: Please refer to the education section above for additional information. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.



Additional Documentation, if applicable:

1. Cover Letter




2. Veterans' Preference Documentation: 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 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference in addition to the proof required by that form (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.




3. 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.



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.



Help

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


Open to all U.S. Citizens. ICTAP/CTAP eligibles.


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