Outreach Announcement
Ecologist/Soil Scientist, GS-0408/0470-11
USDA Forest Service, Southern Region
National Forests in Alabama
Supervisor’s Office or Other Forest Service Unit
National Forests in Alabama
www.fs.usda.gov/alabama
The National Forests in Alabama will soon be advertising a GS-0408/0470-11 Ecologist/Soil Scientist position. The incumbent serves as member of the Natural Resources Planning Team and is responsible for providing a variety of responsibilities associated with ecological and soil science programs and management. The position will be located at the Supervisor’s Office (or possibly on another Forest Service Unit) in Alabama. Depending on the responses to this outreach, the position may be advertised on the OPM’s USAJobs website at: www.usajobs.gov. Additional information about the National Forests in Alabama can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/alabama.
Duties: The incumbent of this interdisciplinary position performs work associated with the Ecology or Soil Science series. Typical ecological duties include monitoring and evaluation of the effects of Forest Service management activities, coordination of projects and research needs, analysis of ecosystem components and processes, and providing input for short- and long-term planning for budgetary and compliance requirements. Soil duties include investigation and analysis of soil and water management problem areas, providing recommendations regarding mitigation practices for soil and water issues, advising land managers of capabilities and limitations of soils for a variety of uses and activities, and providing soil related information to develop and maintain Forest Plan and project level proposals and environmental analyses.
Type of Appointment: Permanent
Duty Station: Montgomery, Alabama
Telework Eligibility: Yes
Position Covered by the Nation Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) Bargaining Unit: No
Work Schedule: Full-time
Qualification Requirements:
You must possess the Basic Requirements identified below to be considered for all positions at the GS-5 grade level and above. Transcripts must be provided with the application to validate that coursework requirements are met.
For the GS-0408 series: 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 biology, or a related field of science underlying ecological research that included at least 30 semester hours in basic and applied biological sciences. These hours must have included at least 9 semester hours in ecology, and 12 semester hours in physical and mathematical sciences.
For the GS-0470 series: 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 soil science or a closely related discipline that included 30 semester hours or equivalent in biological, physical, or earth science, with a minimum of 15 semester hours in such subjects as soil genesis, pedology, soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil fertility.
OR
Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in soil science or a related discipline that included at least 30 semester hours in the biological, physical, or earth sciences. At least 15 of these semester hours must have been in the areas specified above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to the basic requirements, the following additional education and/or experience are qualifying. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Your application or resume must clearly show that you possess the specialized experience requirements. Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled and has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. 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.
GS-11: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (coursework directly related to position being filled); one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 level; or an appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education (beyond what is required for a master's degree, i.e., more than 36 semester hours leading to a Ph.D.)
The OPM Qualification Standards Handbook Manual is available at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/group-stds/GS-PROF.asp. Applicant must have one year of specialized experience at the next lower level. Specialized experience is that which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.
Relocation Allowance: Authorization of relocation allowances will be made according to the federal travel regulations (FTR) 302-1.l(b) and 302-2.6. The vacancy announcement will state if relocation expenses, relocation bonus, recruitment bonus or other incentive(s) are authorized for the position
The Community: This position will likely be located in MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA. With close to 200,000 people living in the City of Montgomery, and an additional 300,000 living in surrounding counties, Montgomery is not only a center of commerce but a leading cultural, medical, educational and recreational center.
Montgomery lies in the coastal plain region of central Alabama. Terrain is moderate to rolling and the city’s historic section lies on the banks of the Alabama River. A network of reservoirs and waterways surround the city, and the availability of water-based recreation adds to the charm of the community. Montgomery’s central location also provides easy access to other areas of interest. Major metropolitan cities such as Birmingham, Mobile, the Gulf Coast and Atlanta are within 200 miles.
The climate is warm but pleasant with an average annual temperature of 65.6 degrees. Montgomery has four seasons, although the winters are extremely mild, with the average annual snowfall at 0.3 inches. Cool, comfortable clothing is appropriate year-round, with sweaters and jackets worn during the cooler months. A wide variety of educational opportunities are available. Montgomery is home to Alabama State University, Auburn University at Montgomery, Faulkner University, Huntingdon College, Southern Christian University, and Troy State University at Montgomery. There are two technical colleges and 58 public schools in the county, in addition to numerous private schools and academies.
Cultural opportunities include the historic State Capital and an opportunity to view government activities. Montgomery is home to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Faulkner University and Auburn University at Montgomery also offer public theater. The historic Rosa Parks Museum is one of a variety of museums and cultural sites throughout the city.
Montgomery serves as the medical center for central Alabama and is home to three community hospitals, a Veterans Administration hospital, a mental hospital, a U.S. Air Force Regional hospital, and a rehabilitation center. In addition, there are several walk-in clinics throughout the city.
Montgomery is an especially attractive large city for those who enjoy sports and the outdoors. The City has more than 80 parks that offer a variety of leisure time facilities and sporting activities for youth and adults. Those activities include golf, tennis, softball, baseball, and soccer. The city is called home by the Montgomery Biscuits, a minor league baseball team, and the State of Alabama Park system has established two “Robert Trent Jones Golf Tour” courses within the general metropolitan area. Nearby lakes, rivers, State wildlife management areas and the Tuskegee National Forest offer boating, fishing, and hunting opportunities. Both the Gulf coast and the mountains on north Alabama are within easy travel distance and complete the range of recreational opportunities.
There are numerous churches in the area representing a wide range of religions. Plenty of nice homes are available with high quality three to four bedroom houses. The price of the houses in Montgomery and surrounding counties could range from $90,000 to $300,000 or more, depending on the location. Rental houses and apartments are available.
Contact Information: Anyone interested in further information or in receiving a copy of the vacancy announcement when it opens is advised to complete the attached Outreach Response Form by 4/25/2016. Indicate your interest in the ECOLOGIST/SOIL SCIENTIST and send to Ryan Shurette, 2946 Chestnut Street, Montgomery AL, 36107, gshurette@fs.fed.us.
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