Fish and Wildlife Biologist

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service•Atascadero, CA

About The Position

The Fish and Wildlife Biologist serves as a GS-0401-11 with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, working for the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office. Pay depends on the selected duty location. The position plans and conducts ecological investigations and environmental assessments, reviews and processes Endangered Species Act permits and related documents, and develops fish and wildlife management and mitigation plans. It also analyzes biological data, prepares technical reports and biological opinions, recommends measures to reduce adverse impacts on threatened and endangered species, and coordinates with agencies, partners, and the public. Applicants must meet the basic educational requirement for the series and the GS-11 specialized experience, education, or combination qualification. The basic requirement may be met with a relevant degree or a combination of relevant coursework and appropriate experience or additional education. GS-11 qualification may be met with one year of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, at least three years of graduate education leading to a Ph.D. (or a relevant doctoral degree), or a combination of education and experience. A valid driver's license must be maintained. The appointment includes a one-year probationary period. The position is suitable for telework, which may be permitted situationally with supervisory approval. Duty locations include Atascadero, Ventura, and Watsonville, California. The position is a bargaining-unit position. Federal employees receive access to a benefits package, with eligibility depending on position type.

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.
Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
Must serve a one-year probationary period; continued employment requires written agency certification.
Must meet the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related-discipline education requirement, or a combination of relevant coursework and appropriate experience or additional education.
For GS-11 qualification, must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, at least three years of graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or a relevant doctoral degree, or an allowed combination of education and experience.
Specialized experience includes biological or ecological investigations; analysis of biological or ecological data and environmental impacts; review of standard permit applications or projects for environmental compliance; and assistance with conservation or management plans and biological studies.
Applicants claiming experience must document hours worked per week; applicants using education to qualify must submit transcripts.

Responsibilities

Plan and conduct ecological investigations and environmental assessments to evaluate the impacts of land and water development projects on fish, wildlife, and their habitats.
Review and process Endangered Species Act permits and related documents in compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.
Develop and implement fish and wildlife management and mitigation plans to conserve, protect, restore, and enhance species and habitats.
Analyze biological data, prepare technical reports and biological opinions, and recommend measures to minimize adverse impacts on threatened and endangered species.
Coordinate with Federal, Tribal, and state agencies, conservation partners, and the public to provide biological guidance, regulatory assistance, and conservation information.