The Illinois Wildlife Services program is recruiting a Wildlife Specialist (Biological Science Technician) for work in managing conflicts with wildlife. The position will be a full-time, term position for 13 months. The appointment may be extended if funding is available. The starting salary will range between $16.77/hour (GS-404-5/1) and $20.78/hour (GS-404-7/1), depending on qualifications. Eligible fringe benefits will be provided for this position. Eligible relocation costs for current Wildlife Services employees may be reimbursed. The starting date is negotiable, but would prefer the incumbent to start in mid-February or earlier if possible.
Duties will include, but not limited to, managing wildlife conflicts at airports, primarily O’Hare International Airport, but travel throughout the state will occur on occasion. Specific duties include dispersal of birds from the airfield, raptor trapping and relocation, and trapping and euthanizing mammals which may pose threats to aviation safety. Additionally, this position will assist with collecting data for several wildlife damage management research projects being conducted at the airport, wildlife hazard assessments, and other duties as assigned. This assignment involves working as part of a team of WS employees conducting wildlife damage management in northern Illinois. The employee will also work closely with cooperating entities while conducting damage management activities. Work shifts change daily and may include working afternoons, evenings, weekends and/or nights. Effective communication skills with other WS employees, partnering agencies/entities, and the public are required.
Candidates applying must meet the following criteria:
• Must be a U.S. Citizen, 18 years old or older; males born after 12/31/59 must show proof of registration with Selective Service System. (See website: http://www.sss.gov)
• Must hold a valid state driver's license at time of hiring.
• Must be able to legally possess and use firearms and obtain a State of Illinois FOID identification card within six months of employment.
• Must have a degree or completed course work in wildlife management or a related field, or have comparable experience.
• Must pass a drug test prior to employment and certify that they have never been convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence crime (Lautenberg Amendment).
Interested individuals need to submit: 1) a resume, 2) transcripts, 3) an OF-306 Application (See website http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of0306.pdf), 4) contact information for three references and 5) a DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and/or VA letter required for Veteran preference if applicable.
To be considered for the position, all application materials needs to be emailed to: Craig.K.Pullins@aphis.usda.gov by close of business December 28, 2015. Any questions pertaining to the position should also be emailed to the aforementioned address.
Craig Pullins
District Supervisor- Northern IL
USDA APHIS Wildlife Services