You will serve as a Field Wildlife Biologist within the USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services and performs assignments involving project and program delivery, management, and administration with minimal supervision. The work is primarily concerned with wildlife damage management (WDM) operations relating to the assessment, reduction, and/or elimination of problems associated with wild and/or feral animal species in urban, suburban, and rural environments.
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: biological science that included: At least 9 semester hours in such wildlife subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, or research courses in the field of wildlife biology; and At least 12 semester hours in zoology in such subjects as general zoology, invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, cellular biology, parasitology, entomology, or research courses in such subjects (Excess courses in wildlife biology may be used to meet the zoology requirements where appropriate.); and At least 9 semester hours in botany or the related plant sciences. OR Combination of education and experience: equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), with at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zoology, and 9 semester hours in botany or related plant science, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to the basic requirement applicants must also possess: FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Professional knowledge of and experience with the research process and the scientific method as well as of collecting, recording, tabulating, analyzing, and reporting biological data. Advanced data interpretation and technical writing skills. Advanced understanding of statistics and experimental design. Ability and experience in planning, organizing, and executing field, computer modeling, experimental, and laboratory studies. Proven ability to publish peer reviewed articles as a first author. OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in one of the following degree fields: Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, or Wildlife Management. OR Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The duties may include, but are not limited to:
Independently manages, plans, develops, and conducts integrated WDM projects statewide, regionally, or nationally to prevent or reduce losses to property, agriculture, and natural resources.
Implements new or revised WS policies and protocols in response to annual levels of appropriations or changes in national policy or legislation.
Conducts large scale WDM activities to accomplish objectives as assigned by the supervisor.
Tracks budgets and funds provided for WDM operations of the work unit. Determines personnel, fleet, equipment and supplies, and other needs.
Gathers, compiles, evaluates, and presents data on damage or hazards caused by various wildlife species to cooperators, stakeholders, and colleagues.
Develops, plans, and administratively provides biological guidance designed to efficiently and effectively reduce wildlife damage.
Modifies or revises standard techniques for WDM operations in the work unit.
Represents the WS program at meetings, conferences, workshops, and other similar events.
Manages and summarizes data and/or inventories for the purposes of reporting permitted activities.