Supervisory Biologist

Summary

This position is a Supervisory Biologist, GS- 0401-13 working at the following:

• Arizona Ecological Services Field Office, Phoenix, Tucson, or Flagstaff, AZ
• New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office, Albuquerque, NM

See "Duties" section for further information on each location.

Pay Tables: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2022/general-schedule/
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Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates
  
  07/20/2022 to 08/02/2022
  
• Salary
  
  $95,136 - $127,582 per year
  
• Pay scale & grade
  
  GS 13
  
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  Locations
  
  2 vacancies in the following locations:
  
  • Flagstaff, AZ
    
  • Phoenix, AZ
    
  • Tucson, AZ
    
  • Albuquerque, NM
    
• Remote job
  
  No
  
• Telework eligible
  
  Yes-as determined by the agency policy.
  
• Travel Required
  
  25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
  
• Relocation expenses reimbursed
  
  Yes-You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. See "additional information" section.
  
• Appointment type
  
  Permanent
  
• Work schedule
  
  Full-time
  
• Service
  
  Competitive
  
• Promotion potential
  
  None
  
• Job family (Series)
  
  0401 General Natural Resources Management And Biological Sciences
  
• Supervisory status
  
  Yes
  
• Security clearance
  
  Not Required
  
• Drug test
  
  No
  
• Position sensitivity and risk
  
  Moderate Risk (MR)
  
• Trust determination process
  
  Suitability/Fitness
  
• Announcement number
  
  R2-22-11561149-RR-SDHA
  
• Control number
  
  666190500
  

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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.

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Duties

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

• Serve as a supervisor, exercising the full range of supervisory and managerial duties for the staff
• Provide administrative and technical guidance to subordinate staff and gives advice and support to other Service units in the region in carrying out the Service's responsibilities
• Provide scientific review and recommendations on actions involving listed species and critical habitat and to protect and enhance fish and wildlife resources and their habitat
• Provide technical and financial support to private landowners and other nonfederal landowners in the office's area of responsibility who want to improve fish and wildlife habitat on their properties
• Conduct field studies, prepare/review species and habitat plans, and develop and implement management and recovery plans to protect fish, wildlife or plants and their habitat

Further information on the specific locations:

• Arizona Ecological Services Field Office - The incumbent is a branch supervisor in the Arizona Ecological Services Field office focused on Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) large scale habitat restoration, fuels reduction, and infrastructure improvements for grazing in the State of Arizona. These projects are funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The position directly supervises at least five biologists engaged in consultation on Forest Service and BLM projects, and possibly additional subordinates as needed. Additional duties may include serving as species listing and recovery lead for one or more species, developing office-wide policies related to endangered species management, representing the Service at professional meetings related to assigned duties, and helping draft responses for Congressional inquiries and litigation cases. This position manages highly complex and controversial issues requiring extensive interaction with numerous Federal, state, and local agencies, Tribes, non-governmental organizations, industry, and the public. This position is a Supervisory Fish and Wildlife Biologist responsible for providing Endangered Species Act services and supervising staff and resources. This position reports to the Deputy Field Supervisor. The office is primarily responsible for activities including threatened and endangered species management and recovery, habitat conservation planning, energy development, permits and licenses, hazardous waste and oil spill cleanup, natural resource damage assessment and restoration, wetland and riparian habitat assessments, and the partners (private lands) program.
• New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office - The incumbent is a branch supervisor in the New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office focused on Forest Service large scale habitat restoration, fuels reduction, and infrastructure improvements for grazing in the State of New Mexico. These projects are funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The position directly supervises at least four biologists engaged in consultation on Forest Service projects, and possibly additional subordinates as needed. Additional duties may include serving as a listing or recovery lead for one or more species, developing office-wide policies related to endangered species management, representing the Service at professional meetings related to assigned duties, and helping draft responses for Congressional inquiries and litigation cases. This position manages highly complex and controversial issues requiring extensive interaction with numerous Federal, state, and local agencies, Tribes, non-governmental organizations, industry, and the public. This position is a Supervisory Fish and Wildlife Biologist responsible for providing Endangered Species Act services and supervising staff and resources. This position reports directly to the Field Supervisor of the New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office. The office is primarily responsible for activities including threatened and endangered species management and recovery, habitat conservation planning, energy development, permits and licenses, hazardous waste and oil spill cleanup, natural resource damage assessment and restoration, wetland and riparian habitat assessments, and the partners (private lands) program.

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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 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.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 08/02/2022 will be considered.

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

Basic Requirement: 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. OR 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. Minimum Qualification: Possess 1 year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience may include: (1) leading, planning, developing, coordinating, and implementing biological or natural resource landscape-level projects or programs; (2) providing administrative, scientific, and technical leadership for a scientific program or landscape-level project, including supervising or managing a staff or team of biological or natural resource professionals; (3) managing multiple short- and long-term projects and assignments, including development of project timelines, management of priorities, and implementation of projects according to schedules; (4) demonstrating expert knowledge of appropriate Federal statutes and regulations applied to fish and wildlife conservation; or (5) leading or managing activities with multiple internal and external stakeholders to achieve fish and wildlife conservation objectives.

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

Relocation Expenses Reimbursed:

• Arizona Ecological Services Field Office - 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. In addition, relocation discretionary entitlements May be authorized for this position excluding contractor-provided home sale.
• New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office - 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 and may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval. For teleworkers, their official duty station is the agency worksite (e.g., Main Interior Building) as they are expected to report to the regular worksite at least twice a pay period.

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

Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.

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  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 announcementwill 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 effectively supervise the work of others, including assigning work and managing workloads; providing guidance and mentoring; identifying opportunities for employee development; and evaluating work products.
• Ability to provide technical assistance and regulatory information to other Service divisions, as well as to other Federal, State and local agencies, private individuals, organizations, and institutions to satisfy the requirements of the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act and other environmental laws and regulations.
• Skill to represent the Service on committees and at professional meetings, hearings, and conferences pertaining to assigned areas. Ability to prepare and present talks and reports, both technical and non technical in nature, to the general public, professional organizations, other agencies, and Service personnel. Prepares responses to inquiries from the Service directorate, other Service personnel, Federal and State agencies, Congressional representatives, and the general public.
• Ability to conduct and review Section 7 consultations, Section 10 permits, review species' status, prepare listing actions, develop and implement recovery plans, and provide scientific review and recommendations on actions involving listed species and critical habitat to individuals both within and outside the Service.

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.

• Help
  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.
  
  
• 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: 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. 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. SF-50: (non-award), or equivalent Notification of Personnel Action if you are a current or former Federal employee.
  
  4. Performance Appraisal: Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.
  
  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.