Biologist

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service•Philadelphia, PA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 5, at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At the GS-11 full performance level, the Biologist plans, coordinates, and implements biological and habitat management projects, including invasive species control, habitat restoration, and wildlife management. The role conducts field investigations and monitoring; develops and evaluates invasive plant management strategies; and supports the mentored archery hunt through biological planning, coordination, logistics, data collection, public communication, and evaluation. The Biologist collects and interprets biological, ecological, geospatial, and program data and prepares maps, databases, reports, work plans, briefings, presentations, and recommendations. The position coordinates conservation work with government, Tribal, nonprofit, and community partners, represents the Service at professional and public meetings, and provides technical guidance and outreach. Duties are developmental when the position is filled below GS-11. The work combines office and substantial outdoor fieldwork. Field conditions may be strenuous and include uneven terrain, remote travel, camping, weather extremes, biting insects, proximity to large animals, and possible exposure to hazardous substances. Travel is frequent, including overnight travel of up to five nights per month. The position may require carrying a firearm for personal protection, wearing a uniform, and complying with safety policies.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Must meet the biological-sciences education requirement: a relevant four-year degree, or an equivalent combination of relevant coursework and experience.
For GS-09, must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07, qualifying graduate education, or an acceptable combination of education and experience.
For GS-11, must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, qualifying graduate education, or an acceptable combination of education and experience.
Must provide hours worked per week for experience claimed and submit transcripts when using education to qualify.
Must pass a background investigation and favorable adjudication, and successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
Must participate in Direct Deposit.
Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
Must be at least 18 years old to operate government vehicles.
Must wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards.
May be required to obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
Must serve a one-year probationary period.
Must be able to perform strenuous fieldwork, including walking on wet, rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces, and may be required to lift up to 50 pounds.
Must be able to work safely in field conditions that may include weather extremes, biting insects, proximity to large animals, hazardous substances, and remote locations.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, coordinate, and implement biological and habitat management projects, including invasive species control, habitat restoration, and wildlife management.
Design and conduct field investigations, monitoring, and assessments of invasive species distribution, treatment effectiveness, habitat conditions, and wildlife or resource-management needs.
Develop and implement invasive plant management strategies; coordinate treatment and monitoring; and evaluate results.
Coordinate and implement the mentored archery hunt, including biological planning, partner and participant coordination, scheduling, logistics, data collection, public communication, and evaluation.
Collect, analyze, and interpret biological, ecological, geospatial, and program data; prepare maps, databases, reports, and other decision-support products.
Coordinate biological and conservation activities with Federal, State, Tribal, local, nonprofit, and community partners.
Prepare work plans, technical reports, briefings, presentations, and recommendations on invasive species, habitat restoration, wildlife management, and public-use programs.
Represent the Service at professional, partner, and public meetings and provide technical biological guidance and outreach.