Wildlife Biologist (Assistant District Supervisor)

Summary You will serve as a District Supervisor within the USDA, APHIS, WS. Primary duties involve assisting in the planning, developing, organizing, and administering of complex operational and technical assistance programs designed to efficiently, effectively, and safely reduce wildlife damage that adversely impacts agricultural interests. Responsibilities The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Directs and oversees the work unit's Federal and, where applicable, cooperative employees (collaborators), possibly including a subordinate supervisor, administrative staff, and wildlife biologists Plans work to be accomplished by subordinates, establishes and adjusts short-term and long-term priorities, and prepares schedules for completion of work. In consultation with the supervisor, determines required staffing levels and organizational structure in relation to budgets and project needs. Participates in required training sessions, on-the-job developmental activities, and temporary details. May be designated as Acting for higher level supervisor/manager (i.e., Assistant State Director, State Director), and temporarily assume administrative and supervisory responsibility. Assists with the development and implementation of conventional strategic plans based on WS Directives and program needs. Modifies or revises standard techniques for WDM operations in the work unit. Recommends, through supervisor, areas for potential research or developmental study. Within the work unit, ensures compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), parallel State environmental laws, and other applicable Federal and State laws and regulations. Within the work unit, negotiates, establishes, maintains, monitors, and reports on conventional and standard reimbursable agreements such as Cooperative Service, Field, and Interagency Agreements. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including 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 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to the basic requirement applicants must also possess: FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience in leading a team in cooperative wildlife damage management projects. Experience negotiating, developing, and implementing Cooperative Service Agreements. Experience communicating safe and effective damage management techniques through outreach and other channels to the general public. Providing technical assistance to a variety of cooperators or conducting site visits or assessments to identify wildlife damage issues. OR 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in one of the following degree fields: Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, or Wildlife Management. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. 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: Experience in communicating orally and in writing to coordinate and promote District and State activities with interested and/or affected groups and organizations. Experience in working with NEPA requirements, State wildlife regulations, Endangered Species Act, and FAA regulations. Experience in preparing reports, travel requests, MIS Validations, budgets, and other documentation of WS-State activities. Experience in working with federal, state, and local laws, regulations and procedures affecting wildlife damage management service delivery, including but not limited to permits. Experience coordinating a multitude of interest groups encompassing a diverse set of directives to implement vast damage control program using numerous wildlife damage tools and personnel. OR 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in one of the following degree fields: Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, or Wildlife Management. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required: 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-9/11 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. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. Worksite Information: This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Additional information regarding ad hoc, occasional, or reoccurring telework may be obtained at a later time from the hiring manager or program during the hiring process.