This position is a Fish Biologist, GS- 0482-9 working in Essex Junction, Vermont, for the R5-Lake Champlain F and W Conservation Office. This is a term position expected to last 13 months but may be extended up to a total of 4 years at management's discretion.

Duties

As a Fish Biologist your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following: Assists in coordinating and conducting interagency cooperative projects on restoring landlocked Atlantic salmon, and other native fish species to Lake Champlain. Responsible for fishery technical assistance on areas under the jurisdiction of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies and cooperators. Assists in planning and conducting studies of factors affecting fish populations involving several phases of experimentation, e.g., sampling design, collecting data for management evaluation, computing and recording data observing and reporting results of tests, etc. Assists with all facets of sampling fish and other aquatic biota in the field. Frequently collaborate with station staff of partner agencies and universities. This work requires the individual to walk multiple miles and snorkel in salmon rivers throughout the field season. Identifies, sorts, measures, and collects samples accurately. Records data on appropriate field sheets or in appropriate databases accurately. Collects, processes, and reliably determines ages of a wide variety of fishes from various bony structures. Uses computer programs including but not limited to geographic information software (GIS), modeling programs (Visual Basic, R), and database programs (Oracle, SQL, Microsoft Access) to maintain and analyze data for assessment and data management. Applies statistical concepts and innovative techniques to the evaluation and resolution of aquatic resource problems. Leads field crews and makes effective decisions with safety and end project goals in mind. Also, the individual instructs and trains temporary and/or seasonal employees in proper scientific collection techniques as well as informing and instructing cooperating agencies on techniques developed under protocol when interagency cooperative work is required.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Resume (See "Required Documents"). Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is provided on resume.
• Eligibility and Supporting documents - You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to AND submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section.
• Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
• Driver's License: Selectees MAY be required to possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure.
• Uniform: Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform may required.
• Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. To verify registration, visit SSS.gov.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 03/05/2024 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification. Basic Requirement: Possess a Bachelor's Degree with a major in a biological science that includes the following course work: 1) 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 2) at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences subjects such as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, cellular biology, parasitology, entomology, or research courses in such subjects. OR Have a combination of education and experience that is equivalent to a major in a 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 described in "A" above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Minimum Qualification [GS-09] One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-07 in the Federal service. Examples of qualifying specialized experience may include: identifying freshwater lake fish and performing sampling and survey tasks in a river associated with management and restoration of salmonid populations; identifying salmonid redds (spawning sites) and documenting occupancy and abundance of juvenile fish; use of gear routinely used for sampling and an understanding of the processes used for recording, entering, and managing data including use of a GPS and GIS mapping software; writing technically for the purpose of assisting in the editing process and in drafting technical reports and professional journal articles; and, training others in proper scientific collection techniques. OR Have successfully completed at least two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited college or university in a field which clearly provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. OR A combination of education (beyond the first year of graduate level education) and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement 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: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)

Contacts

• Address Division of Human Resources Division of Human Resources 300 Westgate Center Drive Hadley, MA 01035 US
• Name: Human Resources Staffing Division
• Email: [email protected]