Biological Scientist (Environmental)

Air Force Civilian Career Training • Beale AFB, CA

2d

About The Position

The PALACE Acquire Program offers a permanent position upon completion of a formal three-year training plan. Interns gain professional experience while working through environmental assignments, with yearly salary increases. Promotions and salary increases depend on successful performance and supervisory approval. The position may be filled at the GS-07 or GS-09 level as a Biological Scientist (Environmental); the announcement also lists an Environmental Engineer occupational series.

At GS-07, the employee performs prescribed, limited assignments that are typically minor phases of broader environmental work. Assignments familiarize the employee with executing projects in-house and by contract, and with applicable Federal, State, and local environmental laws and policies. The employee assists with training coordination and provides basic advisory services in assigned program areas.

At GS-09, the employee performs moderately difficult and complex assignments, including phases of broader environmental work, and executes assigned projects in-house and by contract to comply with applicable environmental laws and policies. The employee coordinates or assists with training and provides advisory services in assigned program areas. At both levels, the employee follows health, safety, and environmental procedures and contributes to a safe work environment.

The role requires completion of the training plan and applicable regulatory requirements, maintenance of current certifications, and may require job-related certifications. The employee may need to relocate during or after training, travel away from the normal duty station, drive a motor vehicle, work outside normal duty hours, or support emergency response activities. Work locations may vary. The position requires suitability for Federal employment, a one-year probationary period, and applicable DAWIA requirements. Certain positions or rotations may require obtaining and maintaining a top-secret clearance, potentially including polygraph or drug testing; the position may also be subject to random drug testing.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Meet the individual occupational requirement through a degree in Biological Sciences, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Chemistry, or a related discipline, or through equivalent coursework combined with appropriate experience or additional education.
• Minimum GPA of 2.95 on a 4.0 grading scale.
• For GS-07: one year of specialized experience at GS-05 or equivalent, or one year of graduate-level education, or superior academic achievement.
• For GS-09: one year of specialized experience at GS-07 or equivalent, or two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree, or a master's or equivalent graduate degree.
• Knowledge of environmental principles, practices, techniques, and procedures appropriate to the grade level and assigned work.
• Ability to troubleshoot environmental issues, research technical reports and other guidance, use relevant software and databases, and communicate findings; GS-09 additionally requires effective oral and written communication.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team member on environmental projects.
• Submit transcripts to substantiate education claims; foreign education must be shown to be equivalent to U.S. education.
• Complete the applicable training and regulatory requirements and maintain current certifications; obtain job-related certifications if required.
• Meet Federal employment suitability requirements, obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance, and serve a one-year probationary period.
• Meet DAWIA requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for or exempt from Selective Service.
• Must apply through the specified Air Force Civilian Careers application link to receive further consideration.
• May be required to relocate, work evenings, weekends, or holidays, perform shift work or emergency overtime, travel, drive a motor vehicle with an appropriate license, or support emergency response duties.
• Certain positions or rotations require obtaining and maintaining a top-secret clearance; polygraph and/or drug testing may be required, and random drug testing may apply.
• Direct deposit is required for Federal employees.

Responsibilities

• Perform limited environmental work assignments at the GS-07 level or moderately difficult and complex assignments at the GS-09 level.
• Execute assigned environmental projects in-house or by contract in compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local environmental laws and policies.
• Assist with coordination of curricula and training for assigned program areas on the installation.
• Provide advisory services on questions, issues, and projects in assigned program areas.
• Follow health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and perform work that enhances workplace safety.
• Use relevant software and databases to gather information, prepare reports, and communicate critical information.
• Investigate and troubleshoot environmental problems and questionable or unsanitary conditions within assigned projects or programs.
• Potentially serve as a member of the Emergency Response Force during exercises or actual emergencies.

Benefits

• A comprehensive Federal employee benefits package is available; specific eligibility depends on position type and work schedule.
• Recruitment incentives may be authorized.
• Permanent placement upon completion of the formal training plan.
• Yearly salary increases, with promotions and salary increases based on performance and supervisory approval.
• PCS may be paid if authorized under applicable rules.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level