Biologist (Wetland Scientist), Natural Resources Conservation Service
Summary
This position is located in Champaign, Illinois of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The incumbent performs duties which assist in carrying out a coordinated natural resources conservation program tailored to customers' needs. The incumbent serves under the supervisor of a designated Wetland Agency Expert, providing direct assistance to Field Offices and works with District, Area and State Office staff.
Duties
- Provides assistance to producers and field offices on wetland conservation activities associated with the Swampbuster provisions of the Food. Security Act, as amended.
- Primary tasks involve gathering information for and issuing wetland determinations, completing scope? and effect evaluations, and other related activities.
- Gathers the necessary data and works in the field with producers and other NRCS personnel to conduct on-site investigations for wetland determinations.
- Independently services requests for reconsideration of determinations the employee has issued.
- Maintains liaison with other NRCS specialists regarding wetland related activities.
- Develops and maintain effective working relationships with partners such as Conservation Districts, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
- Enters data into the wetland tracker tool.
- Works individually and as a member of a tean1 to develop and implement ways to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of the products and services provided to internal and external customers.
- Assists with the safety program of the field or area office as assigned. Complies with safety requirements as outlined in national and state policies,
Requirements
- You must be a US Citizen or US National.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
- Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. If selected you will be sent instructions on obtaining fingerprints. Please note we are not able to reimburse any fees incurred for fingerprints.
- Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
- Direct Deposit: 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 at https://www.e-verify.gov/.
- Must possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license for the type of vehicle(s) operated to perform the duties of this position.
- This position requires field work in areas where bears and other dangerous wildlife are common. Passing a course in bear safety and firearms handling skills on an annual basis, and legal ability to carry a firearm, are required for this position.
- Drug Testing: ? This position is designated for random drug testing under Departmental?Regulation DR 4430-7922-2 dated April 2011. This position must complete and pass Pre-Employment Drug Testing before entrance on duty (EOD).
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 Education Requirement:
Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR;
Combination of Education and Experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as described above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Note: For a degree in a related discipline to be acceptable for consideration, it must include 24 semester hours in subject areas described above.
In addition to meeting one of the Basic Requirements listed above, applicants must meet the following Minimum Qualifications Requirement in order to be considered:
Specialized Experience to qualify for the GS-07 level: You must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level or higher in the Federal service or comparable experience not gained through federal service that has equipped you with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position. For this position, specialized experience is defined as: Assisting with field determinations, including observing the describing of soils, and observing the collection of vegetation data; OR working with others issuing wetland determinations. OR;
Superior Academic Achievement in a bachelor's degree curriculum directly related to the work of the position. To qualify for superior academic achievement, you must have ONE of the following: (1) standing in the upper third of your college class or major subdivision at the time you apply; (2) grade point average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent for all courses completed, either (a) at the time of application or (b) during the last 2 years of your undergraduate curriculum; (3) B+ (3.5 on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent for all courses completed in a related discipline, either (a) at the time of application or (b) during the last 2 years of your undergraduate curriculum; OR (4) election to membership in one of the national honorary scholastic societies that meets the requirements of the Association of College Honor Society. OR;
Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience for the GS-07 level: Possess one (1) year of progressively higher level graduate education in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR;
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above, may be used to qualify for this position. This combination must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and/or experience to successfully perform the duties of this position. Combinations of experience and education must total at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy.
Specialized Experience to qualify for the GS-09 level: You must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level or higher in the Federal service or comparable experience not gained through federal service that has equipped you with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position. For this position, specialized experience is defined as: Conducting on-site wetland investigations to provide reconsideration of previous technical decisions; Reviewing plans and/or proposals for environmental conservation to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of various products and services; and entering research and/or operational data into an automated system. OR;
Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience for the GS-09 level: Possess (two) 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR;
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above, may be used to qualify for this position. This combination must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and/or experience to successfully perform the duties of this position. Combinations of experience and education must total at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy.
For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-PROF
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.
