Ecologist

United States Army Installation Management Command • Fort Polk, LA

2d

About The Position

Serves as an Ecologist in the Natural Resource Management Branch, Environmental and Natural Resources Management Division, DPW, and as the Forest Ecology Coordinator. The position is responsible for forest health across 225,000 acres of military training lands at Fort Polk, supporting the Army mission through civilian expertise.

The Ecologist evaluates relationships among vegetation, soils, hydrology, wildlife, forest health, invasive species, fire, and military land use; establishes biological baselines; and assesses environmental conditions and trends. The role also plans and coordinates ecological projects, develops budget recommendations, applies GIS and other technical tools to natural-resource information, and supports wildlife and habitat management through mitigation, restoration, enhancement, monitoring, and species-management recommendations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in biology or a related field of science underlying ecological research, including at least 30 semester hours in basic and applied biological sciences, with at least 9 semester hours in ecology and 12 semester hours in physical and mathematical sciences.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 in the Federal service, including technical assistance on natural-resources program funding, equipment, and staffing needs; coordination with diverse groups on ecological matters; and review of environmental impact assessment statements and other reports associated with NEPA.
• Alternatively, a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, in a field demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the position, such as Biology or Ecology.
• A combination of education and experience may qualify if the computed percentage of requirements is at least 100%.
• Applicants who held a GS position within the past 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-09).
• Must be able to obtain and maintain eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access; a background investigation and credit check are required.
• Must possess or obtain and maintain a valid driver's license issued by one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions.
• Must complete a pre-employment physical examination.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must comply with Federal and Department of the Army Drug Free Workplace Programs.
• Appointment may require a suitability or fitness determination and a one-year probationary period.
• Applicants must meet at least one of the listed employment authority categories to apply.
• Foreign education used to qualify must be evaluated as equivalent to education from an accredited U.S. program or receive full course credit from a U.S.-accredited college or university.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate relationships among vegetation, soils, hydrology, wildlife, forest health, invasive species, fire, and military land use.
• Establish biological baselines and assess environmental conditions and trends.
• Develop annual and multiyear plans, schedules, resource requirements, and budget recommendations for ecological projects.
• Coordinate with installation leaders, engineers, contractors, conservation organizations, and Federal, state, and local agencies.
• Develop and submit budgetary requirements and documents such as Contract Acquisition packets.
• Use GIS digital maps and other technical tools to create, maintain, analyze, and present natural-resource and land-management information.
• Develop or review mitigation, restoration, enhancement, and monitoring measures for wildlife and habitats.
• Use field data, habitat information, and biological principles to support species-management recommendations.
• Maintain a valid state driver's license to operate vehicles and meet the position's physical examination and lifting requirements.

Benefits

• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available to eligible employees and their families.
• Permanent Change of Station allowances may be authorized, subject to applicable regulations and agency determination.
• Student loan repayment may be authorized.
• Recruitment and relocation incentives may be authorized, subject to eligibility and funding.
• Salary negotiations for candidates new to Federal service may be authorized.
• Credit for prior non-Federal work experience and certain military service for annual leave accrual may be authorized.

What This Job Offers

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