• Job Description

  Req#: 722810700
  This is an open and continuous announcement. See Additional Information section for more information. Applications will expire every 90 days. To remain active for consideration, applicants must resubmit their application. Positions may be filled at one or more of the duty locations.
  
  The incumbent serves as a fishery biologist in the administration of the fishery habitat and related coordination with other resources.
  
  For additional information contact:SM.FS.AKPermHire@usda.gov.
  
  
  Duties
  
  
  • Responsibilities are listed at the minimum full performance level, GS-09
  • Classify habitat and determine stream conditions of fisheries.
  • Gather and compile aquatic habitat and species data using all types of sampling equipment to determine fish habitat needs.
  • Provide biological input into the fish habitat management program to assist in development of fishery management plans.
  • Analyze data to recommend solutions to special issues or problems involving fishery resources and determine the need for fish habitat improvement projects.
  • Map key fish habitat for suitability and determining the need for fish habitat enhancement or restoration.
  • Work cooperatively with State, Tribal, and Federal fish, aquatic species, and water quality management agencies to manage aquatic species and habitats.
  • Develop environmental analysis reports and biological evaluations of threatened, endangered and sensitive species for review by journey level biologists.
  • Participate on interdisciplinary teams for district or forest or equivalent level to discuss environmental issues
  
  
  Requirements
  
  
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
  • Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
  
  
  Qualifications
  
  
  In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
  
  Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
  
  
  Basic Requirement:
  
  GS-0482:
  Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in biological science that included at least 6 semester 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 at least 12 semester 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
  Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), of which a minimum of 6 semester hours were in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours were in the animal sciences, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
  
  In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below.
  
  Specialized Experience Requirement:
  For the GS-07: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level; Examples of specialized experience include meeting one or more of the following:
  As a trainee,
  • Collected field data on streams, lakes, or aquatic ecosystems using standard industry methodologies;
  • Prepared raw field data for use in final reporting documents; summarized/conveyed survey findings for management use;
  • Worked in collaborative settings to achieve natural resource goals; or
  • Maintained accountability and performed operator-level maintenance of field gear and fleet equipment.
  OR
  One full year of graduate level education; The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
  OR
  An appropriate combination of graduate level education and specialized experience;
  OR
  Superior Academic Achievement (to determine if you are eligible, go to: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp). The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
  
  For the GS-09 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include meeting one or more of the following:
  • Collected field data on fish habitat and other aquatic resources for preparation of reports, maps, and/or management plans using industry-appropriate field procedures;
  • Classified habitat and determined condition/suitability for native cold-water aquatic species;
  • Developed and organized field sampling plans to meet natural resource objectives within budget/logistical constraints; or
  • Collaborated with inter/intra-organization personnel to achieve multiple resource goals.
  OR
  A master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related;
  OR
  An appropriate combination of specialized experience and education (only graduate education in excess of 18 semester hours may be used to qualify applicants for this grade level). The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
  
  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.

• About the company

  The United States Department of Agriculture, also known as the Agriculture Department, is the federal executive department responsible for developing and executing federal laws related to farming, forestry, rural economic development, and food. It aims to meet the needs of commercial farming and livestock food production, promotes agricultural trade and production, works to assure food safety, protects natural resources, fosters rural communities and works to end hunger in the United States and internationally.

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