Duties

Summary

This position is part of the R9-Assistant Director-Migratory Birds. As a Wildlife Biologist (Airplane Pilot) you will be responsible for design, coordination, conduct and analysis of migratory bird population and habitat surveys.

This announcement is being advertised concurrently under R9-19-10529906 is open to all qualified individuals. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods for the national migratory bird management program..
Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

Serves as a recognized scientific expert in migratory bird management and for particular species of migratory birds; includes planning, designing, and conducting significant surveys, inventories, and other types of monitoring and assessment activities.

Provides scientific leadership in specialized studies of significant biological problems and issues; designs significant waterfowl improvement projects.

Provides supporting role and contributes to many aspects of Department of the Interior (Department) and Service efforts to manage natural resources adaptively, including adaptive harvest management (AHM) for waterfowl, and strategic habitat conservation (SHC), among other initiatives.

Serves on waterfowl Flyway Technical/Study Committees, which require his/her experience, expertise, and species skills as needed.

Provides expert advice regarding environmental contaminants, migratory bird die-offs, habitat alteration/impact and/or enhancement, and reports on various migratory bird law violations when encountered during field activities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Conducts and oversees survey data analysis to ensure that survey data meet the highest scientific standards. Emphasis is on the development of sound population and productivity data on indicator species that provide a basis for assessing the overall conservation status of trust species.

Analyzes survey and banding data, prepares manuscripts and technical reports and scientific papers for distribution within the Fish and Wildlife Service, to other agencies, Non-government Organizations (NGOs), the public; and for other non-peer reviewed publication outlets as appropriate.

The incumbent contributes to the formulation and administration of the Service's collaborative bird survey and management policies through participation in the Flyway Council System, which is the North American process of managing many bird populations. Attends Flyway Council and Technical Committee meetings to discuss, plan, and refine annual survey and banding programs, and other monitoring and assessment objectives and strategies.

Contributes to the development of conceptual plans, strategic conservation plans, habitat protection priorities, and decision documents for migratory bird issues. Develops overall strategies and plans, and coordinates with other cooperators those surveys designed to track migratory bird population trends and habitat changes throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico, ensuring that projects meet regional and Service goals and objectives.

Prepares annual work plans, budgets, and justifications for projects, and effectively manages each project budget to achieve work plan objectives.

Serves as Principal Investigator for various migratory bird surveys. Responsibility includes coordinating, directing, conducting, and evaluating annual aerial surveys of nesting, molting, staging, migrating and wintering waterfowl and other migratory birds in the continental United States, Alaska, Canada, and/or Mexico.

Serves as an airplane pilot, operating fixed-wing aircraft from land and water for the primary purpose of conducting special-use flight missions. Conducts aerial bird surveys at minimum airspeeds, often within 1500 feet of the terrain while simultaneously navigating precisely, using paper maps and/or specialized electronic navigational equipment, and making and recording bird and mammal observations, usually by species. These flights are often conducted at maximum gross weight over remote areas, where weather reporting stations, radio aids to navigation, and communication facilities are limited. A major proportion of takeoffs and landings are accomplished from "off airport" locations and often flying duties must be accomplished under marginal weather conditions. All survey flights require above-average pilot skills and judgment.

Travel Required

50% or less - Travel required. Frequent and extended travel is required for this position

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
13

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
• Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
• Time-in-Grade requirements apply to status candidates
• Drug Testing position

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/wildlife-biology-series-0486/

BASIC EDUCATIONS REQUIREMENTS: You must meet A or B below to qualify for the position.
A. 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, physicology, 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
B. 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.

FOR DEPRTMENT OF THE INTERIOR POSITIONS WITH PILOT DUTIES:
Applicants must:
Possess a current FAA Commercial Airman Certificate with ratings appropriate for the duties performed;
Possess an instrument rating;
Have completed a minimum of 500 hours of flight time as Pilot-in-Command and 25 hours of flight time as Pilot-in-Command at night; and
Possess a current Class II Medical Certificate.

NOTE: Prospective pilots may be administered pre-employment flight evaluations that assess general skill and knowledge rather than specific make/model knowledge prior to final employment decisions

You may qualify at the GS-12 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates your ability to serving as pilot-in-command of single-or multi-engine, fixed-wing aircraft; participating in aerial surveys for the primary purpose of monitoring wildlife or their habitats; developing logistical and operational plans for conducting aerial wildlife surveys; authoring or co-authors peer-reviewed publications or technical reports; and presenting one or more oral talks or poster at a scientific meeting, symposium, or conference.

You may qualify at the GS-13 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates your to serving as pilot-in-command of single-or multi-engine, fixed winged aircraft in the amphibious, float, or well-configured in both high-density airspace and remote areas; documenting substantive (i.e.,>200 pilot-in-command flight hours) as pilot-in-command during aerial wildlife surveys conducted near minimum airspeeds and

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.

Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-12/13. At lower grade levels, 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-12/13. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds.The selectee may be promoted without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.

The Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA),P.L. 114-47, allows certain individuals who currently or formerly were under time-limited competitive appointments at certain land management agencies to compete under merit promotion procedures:
Current appointees:
Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment that qualifies for LMWFA.
·Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency.
·Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years; AND
·Must have performed at an acceptable level.
Former appointees:
·Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency,
·Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years;
·Must apply for position within 2 years after separation,
·Must have been separated for reasons other than misconduct or performance; AND
·Must have performed at an acceptable level

Public Land Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority:
Note: You must provide a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Compliance Hiring Based for Public Land Corps Service.
(1) In order to be eligible for PLC non-competitive status, a former member of the PLC must provide documentation, as part of their application, verifying their eligibility and meet the following criteria:
(a) Served as a qualified youth on an appropriate conservation project completing a minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory service that included at least 120 hours through the PLC;
(b) Applied to a vacancy announcement for which applications are being accepted from individuals with non-competitive status;
(c) Meet the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) minimum qualification standards stated in the vacancy announcement for the position which you are applying; and
(d) Completed his/her most recent Corps service, which provided him/her with a total of 640 hours, inclusive of 120 hours on a PLC project as defined in 16 USC 1723(d), within the last two (2) years.
(2) Appointments must be effected within the two years requirement.
(3) The two year time-frame cannot be extended.
(4) Selectees will be subject to a probationary period.
(5) This authority may be used for General Schedule and Federal Wage System positions.

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) and grade point average or class ranking. 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

To register or verify your registration go to the Selective Service System at https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx

TELEWORK: FWS has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.

We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of 07/19/2019; OR More than one position may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area.

RELOCATIONS EXPENSES: A PCS Move is authorized as follows: travel and relocation expenses including reimbursable real estate expenses will be authorized in accordance with the Federal travel regulations excluding contractor-provided home sale. All moving expenses are taxable.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
CERTIFICATIONS: Employee must hold and maintain a FAA commercial pilot certificate for single engine aircraft under 250,000 GVW and a FAA Second or First Class Airman's Medical Certificate.
Skill: Skill in the operation of aircraft while conducting specialized aerial surveys for wildlife under special use conditions in rigorous flying environments. This includes operating aircraft often at or near maximum gross weight; from unfamiliar, confined or isolated lakes, rivers, and unimproved airstrips; at minimum controllable airspeeds and low altitudes while exercising sound judgment and maintaining situational awareness.

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 .

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

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

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 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must attach an SF-15," Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" in addition to the proof required by that form.

Career Transition Assistance Program Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) : These programs apply to employees who have been or may be involuntarily separated (e.g. reduction in force, declining to relocate/transfer outside their local commuting area) from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet ICTAP or CTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP or CTAP eligibility (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal or Removal Notice; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; or Removal and most recent performance appraisal.). For more information visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Other

Drug test required
Yes

Position sensitivity and risk
Moderate Risk (MR)

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk

Other supporting documents:

• Cover Letter, optional
• Official or unofficial College Transcript(s), if the position has education requirements, or if you are using your education to qualify. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A copy of your official transcripts will be required if you are selected. 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 programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
• SF-50 (non-award), or equivalent Notification of Personnel Action if you are a current or former Federal employee. Your SF-50 (non-award) must show tenure code 1 or 2 in block 24, and position occupied code 1 (competitive service) in block 34. Note: Federal employee who has reinstatement eligibility, you MUST submit a copy of your latest non-award SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action," that shows you are serving under a permanent career or career-conditional appointment (code 1 or 2 in block 24) in the Competitive Service (code 1 in block 34). The SF-50 must show the position title, series, grade, and step of your position. If you are claiming reinstatement eligibility, you must submit an SF-50 showing your separation (resignation, termination, etc.). If you have previously held a higher grade than the grade/position you currently occupy, you must submit a copy of the last non-award SF-50 you received for that position. If you have any questions regarding which SF-50's to submit, it is highly recommended that you contact the person listed on this vacancy announcement before the closing date.
• Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment if you are requesting to be considered Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act eligibility. For Public Land Corp eligibility, a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Compliance Hiring Based for Public Land Corps Service is required for verification of eligibility.
• Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
• If applicable, documentation/proof that you are eligible Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
• Please submit a copy of your most recent, signed and completed annual performance appraisal which includes the final rating. If it is not dated within the last 18 months or if you have not received a performance appraisal, please explain why in your application." Please include incentive awards with your application.

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.