Fish and Wildlife Biologist

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Bell City, LA

8d

About The Position

The Fish and Wildlife Biologist serves in the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 4, Louisiana Ecological Services Field Office. Duty stations are Lafayette, Lacombe, or Bell City, Louisiana. Pay varies by selected grade and duty location: GS-11, $74,678–$97,087; GS-12, $89,508–$116,362. First-time federal hires normally start at step 1.

The biologist plans, conducts, and reviews ecological investigations of federal land and water resource development proposals, including CWPPRA projects, assessing effects on fish and wildlife and federally listed species. The work emphasizes habitat restoration, wetland ecology, and riparian management. The role also designs and coordinates restoration and enhancement projects on federal, tribal, state, and private lands; facilitates cooperative agreements; reviews permits and project plans; and prepares reports, environmental assessments, impact statements, and presentations.

The position includes collaboration with agencies and other stakeholders, technical guidance and training for lower-graded staff, participation in multidisciplinary planning, review of procedures for implementing conservation requirements, and responses to inquiries from Congressional staff, the public, and media. Duties are developmental when the position is filled below the full performance level. Telework may be permitted with supervisor approval. The position may require a one-year probationary period.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Must pass a background investigation and receive 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.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Meet the basic education requirement through a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or an appropriate related discipline, or an eligible combination of coursework and experience.
• For GS-11, have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, qualifying graduate education, or an eligible combination of education and experience. Specialized experience includes assisting with impact investigations, habitat restoration, permit or project review and compliance inspections, technical writing or presentations, and collaboration with biologists or staff.
• For GS-12, have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11. Specialized experience includes conducting complex ecological investigations; leading or coordinating habitat restoration projects; facilitating or negotiating agreements or mitigation; reviewing permits and project plans and conducting compliance inspections; providing technical guidance and training; and communicating complex biological information.
• Meet applicable time-in-grade requirements if a current federal employee.
• Submit transcripts when using education to qualify; transcripts must contain the required identifying, academic, and degree information.
• Include hours worked per week in the resume or supporting documentation as required to evaluate experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct, and review ecological investigations of federal land and water resource development proposals, including CWPPRA projects, to assess impacts on fish and wildlife resources and federally listed species.
• Design, coordinate, and implement habitat restoration and enhancement projects on federal, tribal, state, and private lands, including mapping, surveying, construction monitoring, and management planning.
• Facilitate and negotiate cooperative agreements with federal, tribal, state, and local agencies and private stakeholders to maximize habitat preservation and restoration benefits.
• Review permit applications and project plans under USACE, EPA, and other federal or state programs; inspect projects for compliance; and recommend actions aligned with federal conservation objectives.
• Prepare written reports, environmental assessments, and impact statements, and deliver oral presentations analyzing present and future impacts of project alternatives on fish and wildlife resources.
• Provide technical guidance to lower-graded biologists and staff, direct work in areas of special expertise, and train personnel in project planning, habitat restoration, and resource management.
• Participate in multidisciplinary planning with public and private groups and federal and state agencies; review and recommend procedures for implementing regulations, legislation, and conservation mandates.
• Respond to inquiries from Congressional staff, the public, and media regarding federal project impacts, providing information within established guidelines.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type.
• Eligible applicants may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive, at the agency's discretion.
• Eligible applicants changing duty station may receive authorized basic moving expenses, subject to applicable regulations.

What This Job Offers

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