Fish and Wildlife Biologist

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service•Concord, NH

About The Position

The Fish and Wildlife Biologist will serve as a Senior Fish and Wildlife Biologist and technical advisor for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in at least one specialty area: Endangered Species, Federal Activities, Environmental Contaminants, and/or Partners for Fish and Wildlife. The position is offered at the GS-11 or GS-12 level, with developmental duties when filled below the full performance level. The biologist coordinates compliance with federal environmental statutes and regulations, including sections of the Endangered Species Act, and evaluates the effects of complex land and water resource development proposals on fish, wildlife, and habitat. The work emphasizes listed and at-risk species, designated critical habitat, migratory species, anadromous fish, aquatic connectivity, and other habitats of concern. The position also involves multidisciplinary planning with public and private groups and government agencies; preparing biological reports, opinions, decision documents, and technical assistance; presenting findings; advising Field Office staff and partners; and guiding lower-graded biologists in areas of expertise. The position requires meeting the education and/or specialized-experience qualifications for the applicable grade. The GS-11 requires qualifying experience at the GS-09 level, qualifying graduate education, or a combination. The GS-12 requires at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11. A relevant degree or qualifying combination of education and experience is also required. Transcripts and documentation of work hours may be required, depending on the qualification path.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Must pass a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
Must participate in Direct Deposit and successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
May be required to complete a one-year probationary period; continued employment requires written certification by the agency.
Meet applicable time-in-grade requirements if a current federal employee.
Meet the basic education requirement: a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a related discipline appropriate to the position; or qualifying coursework combined with appropriate experience or additional education.
For GS-11, have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, qualifying graduate education, or an allowed combination of education and experience.
For GS-12, have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11.
GS-11 specialized experience includes assisting with investigations of development impacts on fish and wildlife; reviewing permit or license applications; compiling biological or habitat data; assisting with regulatory and planning documents; and partnering with organizations to communicate agency recommendations and goals.
GS-12 specialized experience includes planning and conducting ecological evaluations; independently leading Endangered Species Act consultations and/or participating in FERC licensing and exemption activities; drafting biological opinions, recommendations, prescriptions, and other agency documents; advising staff and partners; and independently leading meetings and communicating with agencies, organizations, and the public.
Submit transcripts when required to support education-based qualifications; resumes must document hours worked per week where specified.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and facilitate compliance with federal environmental statutes and regulations, including the Endangered Species Act.
Plan and conduct reviews and ecological investigations of complex land and water resource development proposals to assess effects on fish, wildlife, and habitat.
Participate in multidisciplinary planning with public and private groups and state, local, and federal agencies.
Prepare biological reports, biological opinions, decision documents, technical assistance letters, and other written materials.
Deliver oral presentations to Service staff, agency and organization professionals, and public groups about investigations and project impacts.
Advise Field Office staff on species needs and ecology, statutory and regulatory topics, agency policies, and problem solving.
Provide guidance to and direct the work of lower-graded biologists in areas of special expertise.